Hunger Games Trilogy

[mojoboy31]

[Narnian525]

I was watching the "facts you never knew about Suzanne Collins" video on the All time tens Youtube channel, and I learned that she got part of the inspiration for The Hunger Games from Greek and Roman mythology.

[mojoboy31]

[Narnian525]

Didn't know that Survivor was one of her inspirations.

[gwenhyver42]

[Narnian525]

With the themes being similar, it doesn't really surprise me either.

[gwenhyver42]

I finished Mockingjay a few minutes ago. Wow. What an ending...

Don't read the spoiler if you haven't read Mockingjay...

[mojoboy31]

@Gwen: I'm sorely tempted to click the spoiler....

[Narnian525]

I read Mockingjay so I clicked on it. I really didn't care who Katniss wanted, I found good qualities in both Peeta and Gale (Though probably Peeta more). The Hunger Games DOES have a love triangle in it but it's more focused on the theme of survival.

[gwenhyver42]

[Narnian525]

[Princess Dee]

[Eskarina]

*steps on soapbox*


I've been pretty annoyed by all the love stuff around The hunger games. When I first read it I wanted to talk about the themes of survival, the pros and cons of war and revolution, grass roots uprisings, and over reactions against totalitarian regimes. I have yet to find people having these conversations. Instead it's about which boy is hotter.

Granted, it does drive in the fact that we are the Capitol. Just like the Capitol demanded that Katniss and Peeta become star crossed lovers in order to create the story that they wanted, our society has turned THG into a set of romance novels. It makes it easier to not talk about the very real criticisms and very difficult topics the books actually deal with. It makes it easier to not acknowledge the shallow depravity, and casual cruelty of America.

Honestly, I wish both Gale and Peeta had died or something to drive in the point tHat THG is not a love story. Katniss is no Bella agonizing over which Prince Charming to pick. Her main response to any romantic overture is "yeah, currently trying to not get myself and my family killed."

Those boys were so focused on their own sex drives most of the time it's a wonder they managed to make it through a war.

Forget this team Peeta and team Gale crap.

I'm team Katniss


*steps off soapbox*

[Dadinator]

applauds for eskie, Great soapbox.!!! I agree wholeheartedly.

[mojoboy31]

I'm not going to argue about ditching the love triangle for a good plot. After I read the series, I'll probably comment further on your soapbox, Eskie.

But being a writer, I've found that some form of romance is kind of necessary (not the shallow kind that you described above). Romance, even in small forms can add a lot to a story. The trick is to do it right. You can blame society for forcing love interests on Katniss, but I'd just blame the author. She could have given Katniss meaningful, deep relationships without jumping into "Team Peeta", "Team Gale" territory.