The Hunger Games question

I thought it was ironic that in the Hunger Games, Katniss hated her mother for withdrawing into herself over her father's death but she did practically the same thing when Prim died in Mockingjay - Katniss, however, didn't have two kids depending on her though. The only person she was hurting was herself.

I noticed that, but I think that it was done for a reason. Katniss made a huge change, but she had to pay for it with what she was trying to save.

Wow... this was one of the most disappointing endings I've ever encountered in a series, and I read a ton. I don't care about main characters dying. That in no way tainted it for me, even though in the end the entire story does seem somewhat pointless given that saving Prim was the basis for the entire trilogy. That aside, the ending was lazy, uncreative, and pathetic, primarily because Collins spends close to 500 pages building up the central relationship of the story (Katniss and Peeta), another 100 pages tearing it apart, and then how many does she spend in the final resolution of that part of the story? A couple paragraphs??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? That's simply outrageous. Everything up to that point was brilliant. The first two books were spectacular, and most of the third was very good. However, the ending felt like Collins thought she had 2 months to finish it, and then suddently the publishing company called and said "hey, change of plans, we need it done by the end of the week". That's how rushed and poorly executed the ending was. Again, completely lazy. When you spend that amount of effort building up toward the climax of a series, you need to give due time to the resolution at the end. Katniss and Peeta ending up together should have been 2-3 chapters, not a throw away line on the last couple pages of the trilogy. Also, what happened with the new government after the upheaval? Was it better or worse? And was it all even worth it? All of these things are HUGE aspects of Katniss' character and final outlook at the end of the book, and yet no time is spent on them. Quite frankly, I'm embarassed for Collins, and will be even more so when the ending of the third movie is changed dramatically given that film audiences demand resolution. Quite frankly, I'm stunned I hadn't heard more complaints about the ending until I googled it and got this site.

I may be in the minority here but my personal opinion is that Mockingjay ended this wonderfully written trilogy perfectly. My interpretation is that no matter how deranged,horrid and downright evil the games were,in the end life goes on and Katniss picked up the pieces. Collins did a great job at representing the aftermath of war,the haze people walk through before finding a clearing and live their life peacefully. I had a strong feeling that Prim was going to meet her fate(but was hoping I was wrong). Her death,to me,was a symbolization of the tragedy of war. A tragedy that would give Katniss and Peeta an overwhelming strength to ensure the games would never take place again. I was also overjoyed that Peeta and Katniss overcame the obstacles of their past and remained together. Peeta,to me,is the perfect amount of nurturing and caring that a lost soul like Katniss needed....she deserved him. Gale would forever be dedicated to the Districts first and foremost and Katniss would always be a runner up. Long story short,I really enjoyed Mockingjay!!

In a way, Prim was meant to die. After all, it was her name, not Katniss's that was pulled. Katniss just postponed the inevitable.

My personal opinion was that it began with Katniss wanting to save Prim, but evolved. After a while and more secrets were revealed, I think it became about protecting all the people of all the districts. So while prim ended up dying, at that point it wasn't about one little girl, it was about an entire nation. Additionally, I like that Coin was killed. Coin was just too much like a dictator to me. Whatever Coin said went, and she used Katniss. I think if Coin lived, there would be further issues in the districts. AND I notice that a lot of people are saying that the ending made you furious and you screamed, ect. That's a reaction!!! That's what a good book is all about, really feeling the words. You may not be happy about it, but if it really tapped in to your emotions, it was a good read.

Kenzie - holy insight! Its so obvious now that you spelled it out, feel totally stupid for not seeing that myself.

Katniss starts the series hoping that prim won't go into the games because she couldn't face losing her, a feeling that I suspect is mutual with almost any sibling in any district where the games mean death. Then when prim's name IS called, Katniss does whatever she can to ensure prim is safe - even though it means putting herself into the games. By the end of the series I think it is kinda fitting that Prim's death is what ultimitly ends the war - and the games - forever, since the end of the games means the end to any more cases like Katniss' where one sister/brother sacrifices him/herself to keep their family member safe. In a way Prim's death is preventing anyone else from ever having to be in Prim's shoes, or make the chocie Katniss was forced to make when her sister's name was called. The girl that started the movement by being saved must also end the movement by being killed. And I could see Prim wanting death if it meant no one else would ever have to go through what her family went through

I love-hate the ending.. It sucked in a way that it didn't. After all she's been through, after all the sacrifices- Prim still died, Gail left her and she got temporarily deranged and abandoned by the people who owed her. But let's face it, it just goes to show that there are always tragedies in life even after every success. Then again, she eventually got to redeeem herself. She got married to Peeta and the hunger games are over. At least Coin's gone. I hate her. People die and life is ironic but we have to be strong enough to get through our burdens in life. HAHA lol whuuuut?? I'm so vague xD

I think Prim dying was the event that made a somewhat satisfying ending possible. Prim dying pushed Katniss to see things differently and to make a definitive choice between Peeta and Gale. Otherwise we would have been stuck in the love triangle forever, even if Peeta or Gale had died (Katniss would blame herself, never be able to be with the survivor). Other than the ending Collins wrote, the only other ending I could see was Katniss dying.

I love the series and the ending; I think Collins pulled this type of a book off perfectly.

And yeah, okay, it did all happen because Prim was chosen, but her dying much later on doesn't change that.

The ending was the worst!!! Omg like everyone died and it just didn't make much sence I hated it. It made me cry:( I mean why does everyone have to die?

I think Prim dying pushed katniss over the edge to stop coin. If she hadn't died the book wouldnt have as much feeling for it. U may hate the end but u read the book and cared enough about the characters to be sad. If she hadnt died the hunger games could have started all over because katniss didn't see coins hand untill then. It also helped katniss choose peeta who will always protect her <3

I did notice that and also Katniss went to all that trouble to save her sister, just for her to die. But It was on purpose I think to show how history repeats itself I believe one of the reasons these books are so great is because they have a depth and a stark reality that most young adult books are missing!

I actually liked the ending of the series. Yes, it was ironic, yes it was depressing, yes it made the whole thing seem pointless, but I know Suzanne Collins was trying to make a point with it. She's not one to just randomly kill people off. She was obviously making the point that war IS ironic,and depressing and futile. Or, that's what I think.

ending sucks -_-

I hated the ending of this series!!! These were some of the best books I have ever read but the ending was just terrible!!

I think it was ironic that in CF she didn't want to spend forever with Peeta as husband and father...but in the end that's what she chooses...

Read game thrones. Martin is the master of main character deaths. Yes there was lots of irony in the ending. Prim dying, losing gale, having kids with Peeta, buttercup coming back. I felt everything "played" out as it would have in real life. Though I do feel it was a tad rushed with little explanation of why she ends it with gale. Overall the death of protagonist makes stories far more memorable in my opinion. Sacrifice, freedom, anti war where all string themes that I felt were portrayed well.

mad*

IKR!! Exactly what I thought! Poor Katniss :(. RIP Primrose.

It wasn't all for nothing..

She did go to the Hunger Games and everything else happened because and for Prim.

But sacrifices are always made, and casualties happen.

It wasn't all for nothing, an entire continent was freed from the oppression of the Capital, right?

I didnt like much about the ending at all.... To kill off prim and not have her end up with Gale.... I was team gale all the way and altho Katniss ened hunger games why couldnt ahe have kept prim alive as well... Very disappointed

Th really sad thing about war is that you run the risk of losing those you love. No one is immune, especially not when you're the face of a rebellion. That puts your family at even more risk. There will be casualties. You won't be able to save everyone. I wish that there was a way to save everyone. But that option isn't always available.

Wars don't have fairy-tale endings. Sometimes all people can do is move on the best they can. I think Collins portrayed that very well. There was no big, hyped-up, Capitol-style happily ever after. It was sad, it was grim, and it was heartbreaking. Collins did a nice job ending the series. A happy ending would not have felt real. It wouldn't have felt true to life.

Kenzie wrote: "*SPOILER*
i really found the ending of the trilogy ironic because the whole reason Katniss enters the Hunger Games is in order to save her sister Prim from death. But, in the ending of Mockingjay,..."

uh... yeah of course I noticed this. it was the most annoying thing ever, same with divergent(SPOILER ALERT!)when tris dies its like the whole trilogy was a waste of time... though im still obsessed with it

Kenzie wrote: "*SPOILER*
i really found the ending of the trilogy ironic because the whole reason Katniss enters the Hunger Games is in order to save her sister Prim from death. But, in the ending of Mockingjay,..."

I thought it was spot on! It really shows the banality of war. In the end, Katniss lost what she wanted most..to protect Prim. Peeta lost what he wanted the most...To remain unchanged. And Gale lost what he wanted the most...To have Katniss. Because fire consumes and destroys....But new life and hope rises from the ashes.

Well, I'm so glad I read through these comments. I too, as many above, felt that the whole purpose was wasted with Prim's death. But I see now that actually, that is exactly what happens in war - everyone loses no matter what side you take. The powerful message is that, as soon as you take a stand against the status quo, you can expect to lose something - and perhaps everything. What makes it worth it, in the end, is that Prim's nieces and nephews will never know the pain that she and Katiniss did.

Kenzie wrote: "*SPOILER*
i really found the ending of the trilogy ironic because the whole reason Katniss enters the Hunger Games is in order to save her sister Prim from death. But, in the ending of Mockingjay,..."

Im having difficulty deciding whether I liked the ending or hated it. I think Prim's death was necessary as it conveys that war is disastrous. I also like the fact that Katniss and Gale didn't end up together, however, I don't understand why anyone would end a friendship like that. They were BEST FRIENDS. They could've kept their friendship and learn to live without any romantic feelings towards one another. I understand that It was going to be difficult for Katniss to forgive him because of Prim (even though he could have done nothing to stop it), but I still wish their friendship wouldn't have ended so abruptly. So, like I said, I liked how the book ended but I was expecting more, I don't know what, but more.

I really didn't think prim had to die but the book wasn't entirely pointless. Katniss ended the hunger games once and for all and beat the capitol, that counts for something.

Yes, I did.

I wouldn't say it was for nothing. By killing Snow and starting a movement, Katniss and the rebels created the possibility for a more peaceful future. Change can never occur without a cost.

A little but that's what made the series great~

I saw The Hunger Games series as anti-war novels. So while it was ironic that Prim passed, it also showed the pain and futility of war.

I agree in part, but it also brought the whole thing around and closed off the story arch.

I was annoyed by it, but then reading the author's history about how much she knew about War, she was trying to make a point. That violence may solve SOME issues, but in the end many innocent people get hurt and it's a huge cost for "peace" because emotionally, when involved in war, you can never be at peace for the things you witness. I guess that is how I interpreted it anyway.

That's how I felt when Fred dies in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, angry and upset (outside of Harry the twins were my favorite). I was angry that most of the beloved characters died, but it was a war and there are casualties on both sides, even Bellatrix dies. It's more realistic and gut wrenching than everyone getting a happily ever after. And that is what makes a great writer; someone who isn't afraid to take risks and upset fans, but to stay true to the world, themes, and ideals that the story creates; and that is why the Hunger Games series is great.

I have to say I hated Mockingjay because nothing good happens and i just didn't follow a lot of it. Prim dying I think is what blew the book completely for me. I also noticed that.

I felt as though it was plotless and the only direction of it was to kill off characters i.e. Boggs, Prim, Finnick. The build up of the last book, or even the beginning of Mockingjay, the fact that Katniss had to kill president Snow never happened. In saying that, I did like that she killed coin, but the whole ending of the series was ruined for me by this book.

The series also begins and ends with the cat. In book one it's her feeding him "this is the closest we'll ever come to love" and at the end of the series, Buttercup (Katniss' tough as nails paralell) comes home and they mourn Prim together.

the end made me a little depressed :/

It was SO POINTLESS!!!!! I don't see how it contributes to the story at all. I was so mad.

I don't like the way that they books turned out. I didn't like that she killed Prim because the whole Rebelion was so successful because Katniss volunteered for her. I think it was horrible the way it ended. With Peeta being the way he is and her having mental break downs on frequent occasions. Poor katnip...

Okay, I feel the need to rant. I finished Mockingjay a while ago, and I was kinda pissed at the end cuz I'm team Gale. I'm a speed reader so it didn't really register to me why she chose Peeta, but I was looking at quotes and now I get it. It makes me even more mad that Prim died. Come on she's pretty much the whole reason all of it happened. And if Prim hadn't died Katniss wouldn't have gone all loony for a while and she woudln't associate Prim's death with Gale. So she could of ended up with Gale. It was obvious she ended up with Peeta, so I think Suzanne Collins should've added a twist and make Katniss end up with Gale. Sorry I was just thinking about that and I have no one to rant to. I still can't believe Prim died. One of my friends read it before I did and she told me a really important character died but I wasn't expecting it to be Prim. I was sitting on the couch readinf it and I jumped up and screamed when it said Prim died...

I respect that she made people die at the end. It's unrealistic that nobody dies in war. I like that Prim died. I never saw it coming and thats what i think is great about it. Wouldn't books be boring if they all had the same predictable endings.

I was not so much upset with Prim's death as I was with the decision Katniss made to have a Hunger Games for the children of those who lived Capital. That single event ruined Katniss as a character for me, because I feel like that was the complete opposite of everything that she stood for. Even after the entire war and losing her sister, I honestly do not believe that Katniss would want to continue the pain and suffering, even for those that may have deserved it. Mockingjay as a whole honestly ruined the series for me.

I thought that the ending was a realistic as it gets for a book series like this. And I don't think that ironic is the right word...more like hocky (spelling?)

Honestly, it didn't really kill me when Prim died. I knew people were going to die and although Prim wasn't one of the people I suspected I really thought Gale or Peeta would die and I thought that would solve the love triangle. This book made me so mad I feel like a lot things weren't resolved I could go on forever about how angry this book made me, but I prefer to remember the first book when I was actually enjoying the books.

I did not enjoy any of the last book. I only read it because i forced myself to it. I LOVED the first two once.
And when you say it, yes i did find it ironic.

It broke my heart and made me angry as well, but I thought it was brave of Collins to have such an important character die, it made it much more significant than if she hadn't died. Tragic, yes, but everything an author writes is a choice, the symbolism of her death at this point in the series is very powerful, just look at the reactions here!

I'm confused, so what exactly happened to Gale and why did she kill Coin? Those parts never made sense to me. Although I wish she had ended up with Gale, he was so awesome. Much better than Peeta. And I think Prim's death, although sad, was good in a way for the story. Because like some of you have said, people die in war and sometimes it's people we love. But we just have to live and more on rather than clinging to the past.