A review by genny
The Hunger Games: Special Edition by Suzanne Collins

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I had never read or watched The Hunger Games before. For some reason, I did watch Catching Fire (though I can't remember anything about it anymore) and over the years I got the gist of what happened in the first book/movie. So I went into this without the nostalgia, already aware of the plot twists...and I loved it! I couldn't put it down! I listened to the special edition audio narrated by Tatiana Maslany, and my goodness, she nailed it. I watched the movie right after finishing the book and the transition felt seamless because the voices nearly matched. I just found it so fun to listen to despite the dark content. 💀

Katniss is a refreshing protagonist in that she had no grand ambitions, only survival and keeping those closest to her safe. She was very clearly still a kid thrust into adult responsibilities, someone with a lot of heart who's been forced to build a wall around herself. Even with her skills, she was always believable as a teenager bumbling her way through a dystopian world. I really appreciated that. Did I cry when
Rue died and Katniss sang to her
, even though I knew it was coming? Of course I did. 

Also, I'm 14 years late, but I am Katniss/Peeta trash now.  Their banter was so sweet! Ultimate "grumpy girl x sunshine boy" pairing right there. Nobody touch me. I kept making notes in my reading journal that were just variations of "Who cares about Gale? Katniss, stop thinking about Gale!" 🤣 Seriously though, it's great that Katniss struggles with her romantic feelings and acknowledges that she needs to sort them out, without any of it sounding shallow. I've already gotten started on the second book!
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