Use Visual Aids in Your Classroom to Generate Excitement

Post visual aids in your classroom to get students interested and curious about the next novel or unit you'll be reading/studying.  As you read, add to your display by posting pictures of words your students are unfamiliar with. Better yet, allow them to find pictures of the words they may be unfamiliar with and have them create a visual display while you are reading a novel or story.  Using examples (and having them be a part of the selection of materials for display) helps generate excitement and interest for the material.

If the novel you are reading has fan sites, an official page, games related to it, or the author has a page, let your students explore those sites. Be careful about spoilers, however, as you don't want to give anything away before they've read it.

Great sites for The Hunger Games trilogy include:
http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/index.htm - Scholastic's Hunger Games page includes informative and interesting videos from Suzanne Collins, games, downloadable badges and pictures, and more.

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/ - Suzanne Collins' official website with biography and many reviews of her popular books.

http://thehungergames.wikia.com/wiki/The_Hunger_Games_Wiki - The Hunger Games Wiki is packed with information (and spoilers) about the trilogy. Includes pictures, character bios, summaries, and more.

http://www.hungergamestrilogy.com/fansite/ - The Hunger Games Trilogy Fansite was one of the first fan sites for the novel. They have up-to-the-date information on the upcoming movie and feature extensive fan forums and even a fun Hunger Games badge maker.

http://mockingjay.net/ - Mockingjay.net is unique from other fan sites because they post podcasts (the Jabberjays) that can be easily shared with your students. In fact, allow students to listen to a few, then make their own.

http://www.hungergamestrilogy.net/ - The Hunger Games Trilogy.net is another fan site that offers up-to-date information in an eye-appealing layout. They have many giveaways, posted videos, music, art, and so much more.

http://mockingjay.co.uk/index.php - Props to UK's Mockingjay.co.uk website for launching their site last year loaded with tons of information in their online encyclopedia. You can also grab a movie release countdown from their site, as well.

I have links posted to the right with other great fan sites, as well. My Hunger Games CD contains many of the pictures displayed in my examples.

I took the photos of these visual aides from my classroom. Some I had framed and keep up year-round. I made the magnets using super-strong ceramic disc magnets (The Magnet Source is a great online dealer) and glued the image to the disc. Seal it with clear glaze so the image doesn't fade. They are wonderful for white boards and strong enough to hold up posters.

To the Victors, the Spoils

Classroom Connections: The Price of Fame for the Victors

In Panem, winning the Hunger Games allows the Victor a lifetime of fame, fortune, and ease...or does it?

As you and your class read Catching Fire, there are several opportunities to discuss the price of "fame" - both in the novel and in real life.

Students can look (and unfortunately, not too hard) for examples of celebrities who have not dealt very well with their new-found fame.

Then ask your students how Katniss deals with the pressure of being a Victor:

  - Is living in Victor's Village ideal for her family?
  - Is not worrying about feeding her family enough to ease her mind?
  - What other pressures and responsibilities must she take on?
  - Does money buy happiness?

Then, finally, poll your students; ask how many of them think Katniss would gladly go back to her old way of life, starving and all.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Teaser Trailer (with Classroom Connections)

This is the official "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" teaser trailer from Lionsgate® (Lions Gate Entertainment); the movie will be released November 22, 2013.

CLASSROOM CONNECTION
Teachers: If you wish to use this in a lesson, prompt your students to analyze the scenes (mainly from Part I...they don't want to give away everything, of course). Are they surprised about the scenes from outside of Katniss's point-of-view? Why or why not?

You can also use this FREE handout with discussion questions for comparing a novel to the movie trailer. It is aligned with the Common Core State Standards.

Catching Fire Movie Activities!

With only two weeks until the premiere of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" movie, I uploaded my Catching Fire Novel vs. the Movie Activities pack for teachers. It is filled with numerous resources and options to use to have your students compare the novel with the movie.

Some of the activities do not even require movie viewing. For teachers who want to support students going to the movie on their own, you could offer the choices as extra credit or enrichment activities. It's a good way to inspire academic reading/writing without giving up class time for instruction.

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS
The following activity is one of many from my Catching Fire Movie Activity pack.

Writing: Have your students choose their top five quotes from the novel that they think should be in the movie. They should give evidence for the importance of the quotes, justifying their choices with supporting details from the novel. They should relate the quote's importance to at least one literary element, such as the theme, plot, characterization, imagery, etc.

As a follow-up (but not necessary), have students reflect after they see the movie whether their favorite quotes made the cut. If they did, were they happy with their use? If not, were they disappointed? Did the scene translate the same without its use? Or was the scene cut altogether?

SAMPLE ANSWER (mine is probably much longer than a standard response): 
One of the quotes I believe is essential to the movie is spoken by Finnick Odair on page 389:

"I wish she was dead... 

I wish they were all dead and we were, too. 

It would be best." 

He is referring to Annie–the love of his life–who has been taken by the Capitol to use against Finnick.

To me, this quote is essential because it expresses not only Finnick's desperation and torment after being rescued from the arena, but it mirrors Katniss's. I don't want to see anyone in the theater cheer when Katniss, Beetee, and Finnick are rescued because that would deflate the theme. No one escapes war. Those that escape still live in torment, fear, pain. They are damaged goods. We cannot pretend that allowing our children to fight our wars is honorable and dignified; it causes them to wish to die rather than live a life in pain.

Finnick's dialogue says it all with just a few words: death would be easiest. It would be best. 

And I would be happy if they used his quote as the last one in the movie rather than Gale's, "There is no District 12." To me, Finnick's would give the desired effect to solidify the theme and I don't think there would be a dry eye in the theater.


For additional ideas and prompts, click below to check out the entire movie activity pack.

Don't forget to keep checking in with my friends at Teach.com for Catching Fire Month! There will be a lot of great ideas to utilize in your classroom.

"The Hunger Games" DVD Release August 18th - With Classroom Connections

The Hunger Games DVD cover image via Entertainment Weekly

 

Let the 12-week Countdown Begin!

Entertainment Weekly announced this week that the DVD and Blu-Ray versions of "The Hunger Games" movie will be released at 12:01 a.m. on August 18th...just in time for the start of a new school year!

One of the great features in the two-disc set is three (yes, three!) hours of bonus footage. It includes an eight-part behind-the-scenes documentary called The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games. 

You'll be able to pre-order the DVD or Blu-Ray versions tomorrow (Friday, May 25th - which marks the 12-week countdown to its release) for $39.99 or $30.99.

Many people have questioned why Lionsgate has gone against conventional wisdom when it comes to both the movie release and DVD release dates. Traditionally, most block-buster movies debut in the summer (such as the "Harry Potter" movies) and the DVDs are released around the holidays–perfect for stocking stuffers. But to me, it's a no-brainer. The Hunger Games trilogy is such a popular series to read (and teach) in school, so it only makes sense that the movie be released during a time when students are most-likely to be taking field trips while the DVD will hit the shelves as teachers and students are heading back to the classroom. Chocking it full of extras that enhance the educational aspect of the film further solidifies this. So I'd like to send Lionsgate a big "Thank You" for thinking of those of us in the field of education.

Classroom Connections

One topic covered in the extras that will be especially useful for teachers and students studying The Hunger Games is the discussion about why certain aspects from the novel did or did not make it into the movie. This can help in students' analysis of the film and the rationale behind the changes.

Image courtesy of http://www.charlesatlas.com

Another noteworthy feature is the actual "Propaganda Film" from the movie. I have a feeling there's more about the Dark Days and the first rebellion, as written in the novel. And perhaps there's even more about the Treaty of Treason that offers additional insight. I'd also like to study the actual images and video used in the piece. Was it just me, or was there a Charles Atlas moment in there when showing the boy and girl tributes (likely depicting Careers, obviously)? This feature will be an interesting addition to your lessons on propaganda. You can compare the scenes with advertisements like those for the Mr. Atlas program.

Will we ever see an official map of Panem?

As with the release of the movie in theaters, I feel as though the DVD will continue to fill in the blanks left by the movie. I have not read anything about offering an official Map of Panem, but an article on Down With the Capitol quotes Lionsgate's press release stating that there will be commentary about the creation of the control room, which features the three-dimensional map of the arena.

So, since we don't get an official Map of Panem in "The Hunger Games" movie, when, if at all, do you think we'll get to see one? I had heard rumors that "The Hunger Games Adventures" online game would feature one, but I have yet to see one surface. It would make sense that we would have to wait until the "Mockingjay" movie to see one. [SPOILER ALERT!] I think the first moment we "see" one in the novels is when Katniss is in Command in District 13 and President Coin walks around the room "studying the illuminated district maps that show the ongoing troop positions in the war" (from Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, page 76). What do you think? Is there an earlier moment to release it? Or will they release it at all?

Resources
Here's a link to my unofficial maps of Panem and rationale for district placement.
For teaching materials, see my Hunger Games Book vs. Movie activities packet, which is also included on my Hunger Games Complete Teaching Unit on CD.

Is Black Friday Shopping Really That Different from The Hunger Games?

Earlier today the headlines read "Violence flares as shoppers slug it out for the best Black Friday deals." Really? Is saving a few bucks on a big-screen TV worth risking your life? Apparently so...

This is one of my "Things that make me go hmmmm..." posts where I wonder what is wrong with humans when we are willing to incite violence over something as petty as a parking spot? How far off is this from the real (albeit fictional) Hunger Games in Panem? Could we be closer than we think to living in this dystopian world?

Let's look at the proof we have:

The Reaping
-In The Hunger Games trilogy, District children between the ages of 12-18 are reaped for the Games, though other children may volunteer to spare a fellow citizen.

-In the U.S., Black Friday shoppers are all volunteers, unless you are dragged there by a friend, spouse, or other family member. In some cases, bribery may be used to sweeten the deal.

Marketing for the Games
-Sponsors fork over tons of money to the Gamemakers to ensure their favored tribute wins the Games.

-Advertisers fork out tons of money to entice shoppers into their stores.

Mad Dash to the Cornucopia
-When the gong sounds, tributes sprint toward the cornucopia and fight over the best weapons and supplies.

-When the doors open, shoppers sprint to the designated displays to fight over the sale merchandise.

The Lone Victor
-Only one tribute becomes a Victor. The rest, of course, die.

-The only Victors on Black Friday are the people who stay home, realizing they don't need to fight to the death over junk they don't need.

Seems to me that our priorities are seriously messed up. At least Katniss volunteered for a noble cause: to save her sister. Any parent who risks their life to get a toy for a child is sending that child the message that the toy is more important than having a parent. And any kid who is bratty enough to prefer a toy over their parent is spoiled rotten doesn't deserve the toy in the first place.

How much more violence will it take for people to rise up and say enough is enough? Considering that it looks like this has been one of the most successful Black Fridays in recent years, my guess is not for a while.

*  *  *

Classroom Connections: Have your students read about the violence that has occurred on past Black Friday shopping days. Then ask them:
-What could the stores have done differently?
-What could stores do in the future to prevent violent outbursts?

For a math connection: Have your students research the economic benefits of Black Friday shopping. Ask them:
-What would happen to the economy if there weren't sales on Black Friday?
-Would shoppers still buy the items they normally would during a sale? Or would they buy fewer items?

For social studies connection:
-When did Black Friday shopping sales begin?
-What was the reason (or event) that triggered that trend?

On Earth Day: There Will Come Soft Rains

On Earth Day, or any day, The Hunger Games trilogy offers excellent discussion points on the environment.

In chapter one of The Hunger Games, as Mayor Undersee is reading the history of Panem, discuss the natural and man-made disasters that contributed to the destruction of earth as we know it today. What have we done (and what are we currently doing) to contribute to this futuristic mess? Topics you can bring up are oil spills, carbon emissions, destruction of our rain forests, etc. Have students brainstorm a list of disasters just in the past three years.

You can segue into the wars that further contributed to the deaths of many and harm to our earth/nature. How many wars are currently being fought right now? What is the end result? Or is war never-ending?
*SPOILER ALERT!*
This question is specifically addressed in Mockingjay. Peeta points out that we humans will continue to kill each other (and everything else) until there is no one left. He forces the citizens to consider how their actions--no matter how impulsive--will affect humanity.

Is this how we, too, are making decisions? Impetuous, reactionary. Too caught up in our own lives that we ignore what we are creating for our future generations?

Sara Teasdale, one of my favorite poets, wrote the poem "There Will Come Soft Rains," published in 1920. This poignant poem is particularly appropriate; and though Teasdale wrote this in response (most likely) to World War I, its song could very well be sung by the mockingjays in Katniss's world.

There Will Come Soft Rains

Albany storm clouds, June 2009 (photo T.Orman)

There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground,
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;

And frogs in the pool singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white;

Robins will wear their feathery fire,
Whistling their whims on a low fence-wire;

And not one will know of the war, not one
Will care at last when it is done.

Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree,
If mankind perished utterly;

And Spring herself when she woke at dawn
Would scarcely know that we were gone.

— Teasdale, Sara. From Flame and Shadow. The Macmillan Company, 1935. Copyright, 1920 by The Macmillan Company. All rights reserved.

The speaker's indifference to the end of human life can be connected to characters in The Hunger Games trilogy. Ask your students, "Which characters are indifferent to taking the lives of others?"

While reading the first two books, most will probably respond with President Snow and the people of the Capitol. In Mockingjay, [Spoiler alert] new players enter into the killing field, as Katniss discerns that even the Rebels and President Coin are careless with protecting and maintaining life for future generations. And ironically, it's President Snow who is Katniss's source of realization.

For further study, read Ray Bradbury's 1950 short story of the same title. He writes of a post-apocalyptic society in which machines and nature have lived on after humankind has destroyed itself.

*This post is part of Classroom Connections*

Catching Fire Soundtrack Release: Atlas by Coldplay

When Taylor Swift released an early gift to Hunger Games fans in the form of her "Safe and Sound" single for the soundtrack, I was ecstatic. I absolutely loved the song instantly and felt it embodied the mood and many events from the novel. 

Atlas Image SOURCE.

When Coldplay's "Atlas" was released for the Catching Fire movie soundtrack, I have to admit I wasn't thrilled with the song. It just doesn't feel right. I'm not opposed to a depressing, slow song, but this one is a snoozer. There's nothing special about it or anything that gives me goosebumps. 

Needless to say, there's always a lesson to be learned, right? So, have your students listen to it as they follow the lyrics. Then ask them:

1. Which event(s) from the novel do the lyrics seem to embody? Why?

2. What kind of mood is created? Do you think the mood created is influenced more by the tone of the music or the tone of the lyrics? Explain.

3. Think about the title of the song. How does that fit with the rest of the lyrics? How does it relate to Catching Fire? Does it seem fitting? Why/why not?

4. Do you think the song fits Catching Fire? Why/why not?

I'd love to hear your feedback on the song. Please comment below.

This post is part of Classroom Connections:

"The Hanging Tree" is Not a Dance Song

Call me crazy, but I'm not going to dance to "The Hanging Tree" song.

James Newton Howard's "Rebel Remix" of Jennifer Lawrence's rendition of "The Hanging Tree" (written by Suzanne Collins and published in Mockingjay in 2010) seems inappropriate. Every time I hear it on the radio, I have to turn it. Don't get me wrong, I thought the original version played in the movie was powerful and perfect. It was one of the most moving scenes in "Mockingjay Part I."

The "Rebel Remix"? Not so much.

Adding the dance track to the background and speeding up the melody negates the haunting beauty of the ballad. It forgets that the point of the song is to convey a feeling of misery, that death would be the favorable choice.

It forgets the tears running down Pollux's face. And it forgets those spilling from Gale's eyes, remembering his whipping and Katniss's bittersweet kiss.

It forgets the stirring images of her father teaching her the song and it forgets Peeta's memory surfacing of her father singing it in the bakery. Finally, it forgets Peeta begging to be killed after Boggs's own life is taken by the Capitol's bombs. And this is just from the novel. Let's not forget the poignant moments from the movie when the other districts summon their courage to fight the Capitol–many sacrificing themselves for the rebellion.

So why was it necessary to remix the original version? For radio play? To make more money? Isn't that exactly what the Capitol would do?

Yes. It is. Which is why the filming of the song by Castor is so unnerving to Katniss. This should be taken as a warning sign that perhaps the rebels are not so different from the Capitol leaders, after all. Though Plutarch did not air the footage of Katniss singing in the novel, the fact that they filmed it and planned to use it was enough of an indication of their true intent to rule Panem much like President Snow. This is one of the many clues that foreshadow the climax of the novel.

Of course, this also lends itself to a perfect teaching/learning moment for our students.

Perhaps our own culture lends itself to creating commercially-popular songs with disturbing messages, disguising social and political dissent with a seemingly innocent harmony.


Classroom Connections:

• Play the two versions of the songs for your students (embedded below).

• Discuss the differences between them. Ask your students why they think the remix was made. (Panem is fiction, of course, so it is highly likely the reason was for commercial popularity rather than social justice.)

• Have your students research songs of rebellion and songs of the (and to inspire) the hopeless from history. Instead of focusing on the words of the songs, though, focus on the melodies. Are they upbeat? Catchy? Sweet-sounding? Are they the types of songs that children may sing without realizing the meaning of the words?

• What was the purpose of the songs? How do the purpose(s) of the songs from history compare to the purpose of "The Hanging Tree" in the novel Mockingjay?

Teachers interested in using this idea and many more in class can download my Mockingjay teaching unit. All ideas, activities, and lessons are original creations.


The Songs

The original version from the movie "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One" 

(©Lionsgate Entertainment Inc.):

Here's the remix edition 

(©Lionsgate Entertainment Inc. and Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.):

What Can We Learn About Social Behavior from The Hunger Games?

Effie Trinket—a character from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games—is the epitome of poise.

Yet, when she tries to teach Katniss and Peeta manners during their sojourns to the Capitol, she doesn't always exhibit the best of them herself. Take, for example, her response to Katniss and Peeta eating with forks in chapter 3 (p. 44); it was quite rude: "'At least, you two have decent manners...The pair last year ate everything with their hands like a couple of savages. It completely upset my digestion.'"

While Effie personifies prim and proper, she maintains a Capitol arrogance that practically prevents her from exhibiting an ideal etiquette. In fact, Peeta's social graces are probably most socially acceptable. (But ask your students their own opinions. Perhaps they will say Prim, Madge, or even the baker.)

So what can we learn from Effie on correct social behavior? What can we learn from other characters?

One discussion I have with my students while reading Part I of The Hunger Games is the irony of Effie's attitude toward the citizens of District 12. In chapter 6, Effie refers to the district citizens as barbarians. Yet, it is the Capitol citizens who are watching children kill one another for entertainment. Which citizens are the real barbarians?

Using Interactive Notebooks
My Hunger Games (and Catching Fire and Mockingjay) teaching units offer numerous opportunities to use interactive notebooks while reading. For this lesson, have your students create a T-chart with one column labeled District citizens and one column labeled Capitol citizens. (Feel free to make a copy of the Google Docs chart in the link. You can have your students use it as an online collaborative worksheet or an individual reading notebook activity.) Have your students add events, quotes, and examples from throughout the book, then answer the follow-up questions for deeper analysis. Make sure to have your students compare both columns to our own society. What does Panem reveal about us?

Do you have a topic you'd like to see me address in my "Classroom Connections" posts? If so, please comment below with suggestions. Thanks for reading!

We Remember on Memorial Day

In chapter 8 of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, the rebels come up with a series of propos--propaganda videos--to infiltrate the Capitol's air waves. One of the themes is for a series of "We Remember" propos that pay homage to the fallen tributes. Here's some trivia: Which character in Mockingjay came up with this idea? (See the end of this post for the answer.)

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS
Make a Video: If you have access to technology, have your students make "We Remember" videos for the characters who have lost their lives. This project can be done with any of the three novels in The Hunger Games trilogy. For a more detailed activity with handouts, you can download my Rebel Propos lesson. Also, here is an example of a "We Remember" video for Rue.

Writing Prompt: If you don't have access to technology, have your students write a script for a "We Remember" video. What would the narrator say about that tribute? Make sure they include the tribute's name, district, and details about that person. Some details will force the student to be creative since there may not be sufficient material from the text.

Common Core State Standards (from http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/CCRA/W)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Answer to trivia: Fulvia

Connecting The Hunger Games to the Holocaust

Spoiler Alert:  Because my posts are going to focus mainly on using The Hunger Games trilogy in your classroom, there will be spoilers.  So please be warned if you have yet to read the novels!  And if you haven't read them, what in the world are you waiting for!? 

In an earlier post I mentioned there were many ways teachers could relate the material in the novel The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins with World War II, Hitler, and the Holocaust.  The purpose of this post is to explore some of those connections students can make or you could point out.

As fellow teacher Carol Ann pointed out in a previous comment, one of the first connections we may make is to ancient Rome and the gladiator games where people would watch others fight to the death for entertainment.  And there are certainly plenty of allusions to this time period and society to support those connections.  Suzanne Collins admits she was inspired by Roman gladiators for the basis of the Hunger Games in an online interview on Scholastic Books' Hunger Games website.

I do like to have the students make connections to ancient Rome when they learn early on what the Hunger Games are.  But as we get further into the novel, I also like to connect it to more recent events/times, such as the Holocaust.  I think it helps students realize how easily we can be manipulated into believing murder is acceptable, and even necessary, to sustain or better our way of life.  Adolf Hitler wanted to establish a "New Order," which included domination (and extermination) of many groups of people.  As a result, millions of innocent people died in the Holocaust, including over six million of Jewish faith.

Photo courtesy of: http://israelchildren.co/The_Holocaust.html

While the Holocaust may not have been a public form of entertainment like the Games, the millions of children, women, and men who died were killed by those who were either forced to kill or it was their job and they willingly did it.  These murderers may have been the victims' peers, or their neighbors, and maybe even their friends.  Did they want to kill them?  Did they do it because they had to or because it meant their life was spared? Or were they brainwashed by the political propaganda they were fed and believed they were superior to the Jewish people and other minorities?  As you force your students to look at both perspectives, they should see that Katniss and the other tributes are put into the same position many German soldiers and citizens were: kill or be killed.

Mockingjay Part 2 Movie Review

The final movie in the series, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2" was a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, ending.

For those of you who have not read the books and do not want spoilers, I will give you this: we get much more Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth work so well together and do a spectacular job portraying the characters from author Suzanne Collins' trilogy. 

We see very little Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and even less Effie (Elizabeth Banks); their absence is felt with the lack of humorous exchanges and lightheartedness. This is a dark, serious film without the one-liners the the previous three films had. Which is appropriate: the final book in the series is a solemn, pensive resolution to the war-torn Panem. The fact that many of the serious lines spoken by Plutarch (Philip Seymour Hoffman) were either delivered via a "letter" or cut adds to the somberness.

But make no mistake: this is the mood that is appropriate for the conclusion. Any attempt to lighten it would have been a slap in the face to the series. 

I highly recommend seeing it; but even more, I beg you to read the books first. So much is glossed over and left out, leaving the viewer to fill in the blanks from the novel. I think those who have not read the book will be left with some unanswered questions, many of which are answered in the book.

OK, time to move on to the specific scenes I felt were important. This means there are SPOILERS ahead!

SPOLIERS!! 

My favorite moments from the movie include:

Beetee ©Lions Gate Entertainment

1. Beetee and Gale discussing bombing methods (including studying the hummingbird's flight patterns--thank you for including that detail!): This was a subtle moment and if you weren't listening you may not have caught it, but it was definitely essential to include in order for the resolution to play out like it does in the novel. By the way, was it just me, or was Liam Hemsworth wearing eyeliner? I swear Gale had more eye makeup than Katniss. It looked out of character.

Commander Paylor ©Lions Gate Entertainment

2. Commander Paylor as a strong leader: I was surprised how Paylor (Patina Miller) was portrayed in Part 1. Why make her look like a peasant? She is a strong woman in the book and knowing she would become the leader of the country in the end, I was disappointed that Francis Lawrence didn't portray her character that way. So I was extremely glad to see her more polished and confident in Part 2. 

3. Katniss getting shot in the subway tunnel to the Nut in District 2: Though it's not as emotionally charged as in the book (when we get all the reminders of her father), it's an intense moment and played out well on screen.

Primrose ©Lions Gate Entertainment

4. Finnick and Annie's wedding: Again, so much was cut, but viewers get to enjoy a poignant moment between Prim and Katniss, a funny exchange between Katniss and Johanna, and a tender kiss between Finnick and Annie.

Peeta ©Lions Gate Entertainment

5. Peeta joining the Star Squad and Katniss telling him his favorite color, among other things: This scene brought tears to my eyes. Even though I know Katniss flees in this part in the novel, this is one moment that she could have broken character and just paused a little longer before fleeing to Gale's side. It was awkward when she plopped down next to Gale after that. But, I remember wanting to slap her at that part in the book, so I guess director Francis Lawrence was successful in capturing the emotions of that scene.

Katniss and Boggs ©Lions Gate Entertainment

The Holo ©Lions Gate Entertainment

6. Seeing what the "holo" looks like and how it works, finally: I had a hard time picturing the holo and the Capitol pods in the book, so I appreciated Boggs (Mahershala Ali) showing us. I also appreciated the pods correlating with those in the book. While many were left out, the important ones remained.

Terrifying Lizard Mutts ©Lions Gate Entertainment

7. The tunnels and lizard mutts: Though I hated, hated, hated seeing Finnick defeated, this sequence was intense and well done. I missed Peeta delivering the line about how valuable Pollux (Elden Henson) was, but it was an emotionally-charged moment with Castor (Wes Chatham), nonetheless. And those mutts...oh my gosh. Terrifying. Seriously horrifying.

Tigris ©Lions Gate Entertainment

8. Tigris' den: Her basement was how I imagined and I'm glad Gale and Peeta had the conversation about Katniss, though I don't think it had the same impact that scene delivered in the novel.

The girl in the lemon yellow coat ©Lions Gate Entertainment

9. The girl in the lemon yellow coat: Again, thank you Francis Lawrence for including these little details that mean a lot to the fans of the book. While movie-goers may not notice the symbolism, book-enthusiasts know anything yellow and child-like represents Primrose, also a yellow flower. (Just like Rue.) When the rebels gun her parents down, and then her, we realize that the rebels are just as ruthless as the Capitol Peacekeepers. The sense of foreboding is apparent; we know another innocent life is about to be taken.

Parachutes ©Lions Gate Entertainment

10. The "Capitol" parachutes, which are, of course, the rebels: While the book portrays the children as a shield to protect Snow, the movie shows a kinder side of him, telling the audience that the children should be saved first. I think it was smart to go that route. The movie also speeds up this moment like the book did; we barely have time to register what has happened when all of a sudden, there's Prim, then Boom. All is black. I wish the movie showed Katniss questioning why Prim was sent in as a medic, which would be another clue that Coin is evil. People who haven't read the book must rely solely on President Snow's words in the rose garden.

Katniss ©Lions Gate Entertainment

11. Katniss killing Coin: Yes, just as satisfying in the movie as it is in the book.

12. Crazy Cat: This is where the tears started rolling down my face. Just like in the book, Katniss's depression is all-consuming and it's not until she grieves with the stupid cat that both she and the reader (or, in this case, the viewer) begins to sob, as well. Is this moment as touching for those who haven't read the book? Probably not. 

13. The kids: Seeing Peeta and Katniss with their children, and Katniss delivering the acts of goodness (though I think she used kindness in the movie) routine and the "there are worse Games to play" line was definitely a satisfying end. That baby, though. She was cute, but not so sure about the casting of her. I know it's picky that I should be critical of a baby, but the girl was born first in the book. And they are both playing in the meadow at the end. It's fine to have a baby in this moment, but all I could think was that she didn't look like either one of them. 

SHOCKING MOMENT OF THE NIGHT:

What was that kiss between Haymitch and Effie!!?? Was definitely more than just a playful tease on Haymitch's part. The entire theater reacted in some way, either with a gasp of shock, a laugh, or an encouraging hoot. I was one of the gasps. My husband was one of the "bow-chicka-wow-wow" hoots.

COMPARING THE FINAL MOVIE TO MY PREDICTIONS...

Last year I wrote that there were 13 essential scenes from the book left (after MJ Part 1), and predicted whether they would make it into the second part or not. I'm surprised that many of my predictions were actually right or close. Here's an abridged version of what I wrote, with my comments reflecting on how it was portrayed:

1. Gale and Beetee's death traps: *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2* 

Yep, made it in.

2. Delly helping Peeta remember scenes: *PROBABLY WON'T MAKE THE CUT*
Yep, didn't make the cut. I thought it was appropriate that Prim filled that spot.

3. Finnick and Annie's Wedding: *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

Yep, made it in, although it was such a brief scene.

4. Katniss and Johanna rooming and training together: *PROBABLY A MODIFIED VERSION*  Well, the modified version was basically Johanna stealing Katniss's morphine and talking at the wedding. I really wanted MORE Johanna, didn't you?

5. Star Squad 451 going to the Capitol: *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*
Yes, made it in, but the sequence was a little out of order and condensed. Peeta enters when both Leegs are still alive. But I thought it worked well for the movie.

6. Hiding at Tigris's: *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*
Again, a condensed version, but glad this part was included.

7. President Snow's wall of children protection: *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*  I do like how the children weren't necessarily a wall of protection, but were genuinely there to make sure the children first were safe.

8. Katniss' physical and mental trauma from the bombing: *PROBABLY A MODIFIED VERSION*  The deep depression was omitted and I really don't think the full-circle of how Katniss becomes her mother from Book 1 translates at all in the movie. This was a theme that just didn't translate as well as it could have. Maybe because it is subtle in the book (I usually have to prompt my students to realize she as become her mother), they felt it wouldn't translate to the screen.

9. Finding Snow in the rose garden: *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*
It had to be in there, right!?

10. The decision on whether or not to continue the Games with Capitol children: *PROBABLY WON'T MAKE THE CUT*  I was way off on this one. But I don't think this scene made much sense in the movie. I think they tried when all the victors (except Katniss) were in an uproar when the idea was brought up, then half voted for it. Katniss was the one whose mind was reeling that Coin would even suggest there be another Games. In this scene, she was silent and voted yes like she actually wanted another Games. It was so wrong in every single way. I wish they would have cut this part, because it showed us that Katniss didn't learn a single thing through her experience. People who have never read the book must be wondering what in the world is wrong with her? Did she learn NOTHING from her experience? Francis Lawrence, you really dropped the ball on that scene.

11. Katniss killing Coin instead of Snow: *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*
This was an easy one.

12. Katniss being imprisoned in the Training Center for months while her trial takes place: *PROBABLY A MODIFIED VERSION*
Definitely cut short. And not having Plutarch escort Katniss home was so sad. Haymitch reading the letter just made it even worse. I think instead of the letter, they should have just reworked the lines for Haymitch. Plutarch was almost nonexistent in the movie anyway, so why not let Haymitch have his own lines? I don't think fans of the book would have cared. It was awkward hearing that letter.

13. Returning to District 12: Katniss becoming her mother: *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2* I'm glad they showed the Crazy Cat and Peeta coming back to plant the Primrose. And, of course, the kids. The depression wasn't really played up since Peeta came back sooner than in the book. Also, the scrap book was pretty much omitted and just a letter from Annie and a picture took its place. But, overall, I was satisfied with this resolution.

Here's a Classroom Connections activity: Have your students write their own resolutions for unresolved characters. For example, what happens to characters like Ceasar Flickerman, Tigris, Effie, and other Capitol citizens? What does Johanna do? Enobaria? Beetee? What kind of a president is Commander Paylor? Does Katniss's mother ever come back to see her grandchildren?

Students can speculate in a class discussion and/or write their own resolutions. 

For additional activities, see my pack for comparing the novel to the movie: Mockingjay Novel vs. Movie Activities It is completely aligned to the Common Core State Standards.