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.

Where Will Mockingjay: Part 1 End?

Probably the most debated question in my classroom right now regarding the movie "Mockingjay: Part 1" is where will it end?

Will it end on a cliff hanger moment? Or will we have a mini-resolution moment before we move on to Part 2?

This is a great discussion starter to have with your students, because you can discuss the plot and analyze which is better for the movie-makers: ending the movie with a cliff-hanger, or resolving the current scene first?

Let's look at the other big franchise movies that split the final book into two parts: Harry Potter and Twilight.

*Spoiler alert if you haven't read the books or seen these movies*

Twilight's "Breaking Dawn: Part 1" ended after Bella gave birth and turned into a vampire. We know she has "survived" (well, her character has survived as a vampire, though her human self is, indeed, dead). With this ending, the viewer is not left to wonder if she is still alive or if the baby survived. It's resolved for the moment, anyway.

Harry Potter's "The Deathly Hallows: Part 1" ended after Dobby has died and Lord Voldemort has found the elder wand. Though it did not end with a big cliff-hanger, there are still several unresolved issues: Harry and the gang still need to find the remaining horcruxes and Lord Voldemort is still at large, now with Dumbledore's powerful wand. It was definitely a depressing and anti-climatic ending.

Considering neither movie really ended at a huge cliff-hanger, it seems plausible that "Mockingjay: Part 1" won't, either.

Here are some example speculations for endings (the one I'm leaning toward is highlighted):

• Chapter 10 as the Capitol showers bombs on District 13.
   Reasons it won't end here:
    -Too soon in the book
    -Not much has been resolved at this point
    -We know via the trailers the movie goes further into the plot

• End of chapter 12 where Katniss and Peeta reunite and Peeta chokes Katniss.
  Reasons it won't end here:
    -The audience would be soooo mad
    -Still too soon in the book

• End of chapter 15 right after Katniss gets shot.
  Reasons it won't end here:
    -Again, audiences would be sooooo mad
    -Though it's over halfway, there are still so many events yet to happen
    -We need the main characters to be in one place–the same place–together for the ending

• End after Finnick and Annie's wedding in chapter 16.
  Reasons it could end here:
    -There's enough resolution, knowing Katniss is OK and Peeta is getting better
    -It leaves enough of the plot for a full-length second movie
    -The audience should be satisfied with the sweet (though bittersweet for those who have read the book) ending
    -There will be enough exposition with Katniss and Johanna training to go to the Capitol for the beginning of the Part 2 movie

• End as the Star Squad gets ready to leave for the Capitol in chapter 18.
  Reasons it won't end here:
    -Though there are many events left to cover, it seems too far in (2/3 to be exact) to end here
    -Ending just as they are about to leave for the Capitol would be torture on audiences
    -It wouldn't leave much room for an exposition in the Part 2 movie (you can't start the movie going right into battle; there has to be a build-up)

What do YOU think? Comment below or on my Google+ page.

Watch the trailers and see for yourself. Are there any clues in the trailers where it will end?

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

Share Your Love for Catching Fire & Be Featured in New Scholastic Book Trailer

Scholastic is inviting The Hunger Games trilogy fans to submit their own videos to YouTube to be considered for their new book trailers. You can watch the Scholastic video below for more details:

Classroom Connection

Teachers: Integrate technology into your curriculum and assign this as a project for students. I've clipped the essentials in screenshots below and you can share this post with your students. The deadline is MAY 15th for all submissions. Students must be 13 years of age, have parental consent, and be a legal resident in one of the 50 states or D.C. Oh, and they can't use professional talent in it. ;)

Students: Follow these steps for a successful video.
1. Watch the Scholastic video above and read over the official terms at: bit.ly/catchingfirevideo

2. Pre-write what you want to include in your video. The prompts are (all images from the OfficialTHGBooks - Scholastic Books):

The Hunger Games: We all have our reasons. Mine is...

I love The Hunger Games because...

The best thing about Catching Fire is...

Everyone should read Catching Fire because...

3. Make sure to include your First Name and Home State in the video.

4. Video cannot exceed 15 minutes OR 2GB and must be in one of the following formats: .mov, .mpeg4, .avi, .wmv, .mpegps, .flv, 3GPP, or WebM. 

5. Submit your video in the comments section at www.youtube.com/OfficialTHGBooks OR e-mail it to thehungergamesbooktrilogy@gmail.com

See the official terms at bit.ly/catchingfirevideo

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Catching Fire: Interview Foreshadowing

In chapter 17, pages 248-249, Cinna has just helped Katniss into her wedding gown for the final tribute interviews with Caesar Flickerman. After instructing her to do a twirl like she had the previous year, Cinna asks Katniss what her plans are for the interview. She replies, "...this year I'm just winging it."

Oh, how I love Suzanne Collins' style!

Once again, these are the gems we get to enjoy on re-reads. I gave my students who had already read Catching Fire a choice between re-reading and reading a different novel. Only one chose to read a different novel. For anyone who argues that students aren't getting anything out of re-reading a book, I have to say that perhaps they get even more out of it. So many of them flew through the trilogy and cannot even remember big events that took place. These re-reads offer the opportunity to see the book from the perspective of knowing how it ends, causing them to read a little bit closer and enjoying lines like Katniss' above. Have your students who have already read the book seek out these hints of foreshadowing. They'll be amazed at how many they find and will appreciate the author's craft.

Image credits:
Cinna's Capitol Portrait by Lions Gate Movies®, courtesy of www.CapitolCouture.pn
Mockingjay Dress by Grednforgesgirl on www.DeviantArt.com
Catching Fire quote written by Suzanne Collins
Compiled by Tracee Orman, Hunger Games Lessons

March Madness, Panem-Style!

Every year I get the March Madness fever. I don't watch basketball at all throughout the year (except for my son's team, of course), but when those NCAA brackets are released, I'm a sucker for trying to pick the winners.

Student example by Deanna B.

My students tend to catch the fever, too, so this year I decided to create some literature-inspired brackets so we could take that same enthusiasm for basketball and apply it to class.

Since my seniors are reading Catching Fire right now I gave them blank ones so they could seed the characters. But...I couldn't let them have all the fun. As they argued who would win in a competition between Prim and Rue (gasp!), I started filling one out for all the characters in the trilogy (actually, I couldn't fit them all). I've uploaded the image and placed it below, but you can download the PDF free in my teacher store for a better-quality printable. I uploaded some blank brackets that can be used for any novel, story, or history lesson, too.

So...who would YOU choose to win in my Hunger Games version of March Madness?

CLASSROOM CONNECTION
Download the free activities to use in your classroom here:
The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay Tournament Madness Brackets
Literature & History Tournament Madness Brackets

Note: This is not associated with the NCAA March Madness tournament or any of its affiliates or sponsors. It is for educational purposes only.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Haymitch Style: Exploring Heritage in The Hunger Games

St. Patrick's Day seems to be a fitting holiday for Haymitch: stumbling drunks are just part of the festivities.

But, it does make me wonder (perhaps I should write, "it's one of the Things That Make Me Go Hmmmm...") about different heritages and ethnic backgrounds of the characters in The Hunger Games trilogy.

I first read about the topic on a guest post by Elizabeth Baird Hardy (EBH: Don't Go Down Into That Hole...) on the Hogwarts Professor website April 14, 2010. We then had a nice exchange in the comments section about the roots of the characters from District 12, especially Katniss and the other Seam characters (I posted as "Tracee"). 

Obviously in the movie Haymitch is portrayed with blonde hair; but in the book, he is "Seam" like Katniss and Gale with gray eyes, olive skin, and dark hair. The term "Melungeon" is brought up by commenter "Laurelkat" in the article, which sparks everyone's interest. This was the first time I had heard that term used to describe the Seam characters, but it certainly isn't the last time it's explored.

Classroom Connections

Have your students use inductive reasoning (context clues of character descriptions: physical traits, personalities, habits, dialects, location in Panem, etc.) to infer the District 12 citizens' background/ethnicity. 

As an added challenge, have students try to infer the other district citizens' roots. Depending on which book your students are reading, some districts may have no context clues to draw from. For readers of The Hunger Games, have them attempt District 11. Readers of Catching Fire can attempt Districts 3, 4, 7, and 11. And readers of all three can try to attempt them all. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Prompt

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. Use the following journal prompt (from A Year of Journal Prompts) either as an individual writing assignment or to prompt a class discussion about the use of violence to promote peace. 

From: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Year-of-Journal-Writing-Prompts-Common-Core-Standards

Hunger Games trilogy - CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS:
• President Snow uses violence (the Games) to maintain "peace" and keep the district citizens from rebelling. Does this method work? Give examples of both how it works and how it doesn't work.

• Find examples from history in which other leaders or groups used the same methods to maintain "peace." Are the people truly at peace? Explain.

• Which character from the trilogy would represent Dr. King's vision best? Why?

2013: The Year That Catches Fire - Classroom Connections in Marketing

It's almost 2013, which means The Year of The Hunger Games is coming to a close. Two-thousand and twelve was a great year for fans and all the thousands of students who were able to read The Hunger Games as a class assignment. But what about Catching Fire? There's been so little news about the movie lately, it almost seems as though people have forgotten about it. I think Lionsgate® will need to ramp up the marketing for the sequel, perhaps even starting a new secret website like TheCapitol.pn.

CLASSROOM CONNECTION
Have your students brainstorm new ways Lionsgate® could market the sequels to "The Hunger Games" blockbuster movie. What are some unique ideas they haven't tried yet?

To begin, have students list the methods of marketing (pre-movie release) already used, such as specific merchandise that was created, teasers and trailers, secretive websites and Facebook Pages, mysterious tweets on Twitter, etc.. Browse some of my old posts for additional methods or check out these specific posts:
What's Your District?
TheCapitol.PN 
Updates on TheCapitol.PN and Panem October
Hunger Games Merchandise
Fan Sites Keep Fans Occupied While Waiting for Movie
The Best of The Hunger Games 2011

Browse: Browse by The Hunger Games Movie or Browse by Lionsgate

After they have discussed all the marketing strategies that were used, see what they can brainstorm for new strategies and methods. Have them think about the following:

1. Which methods seemed especially effective last year with "The Hunger Games"?
2. Has the fan based changed at all? Are they marketing to a different crowd or the same people?
3. Are there any new forms of social media that may be better ways to communicate to their fans (such as Pinterest)? Give reasons why the new ways would be effective in getting their message/branding out to fans.

It'll be interesting to see which new methods the studio will use to promote the film and compare it to your students' ideas. If you happen to have them posted online or wish to share with us, please post a link or send me a picture so I can post it online.

Feel free to share on my Facebook Page, as well: www.facebook.com/hungergameslessons

*Don't forget: today is the last day to purchase my teaching units on CD/flash drive at a discounted price. Don't miss out! Click here to find links to all my units: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hunger-Games-Trilogy-Teaching-Units-3-CDs-plus-Bonus-Lessons

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.

May 8: Happy Birthday Katniss Everdeen

Happy Birthday, Girl On Fire!

Let's see, this would make you a few hundred negative years old?

Will you celebrate Katniss' birthday in your classroom? 

If so, share how you will be celebrating in the comments below.

If you need some ideas, here are 8 things you can have your students do to honor our heroine from The Hunger Games trilogy on May 8th:

1. Participate in Shylah's Literacy Revolution by donating on DonorsChoose.org for classrooms in need of The Hunger Games books.

2. Donate food to your local food bank in honor of all the District citizens.

3. Sing "Happy Birthday" to Katniss or compose your own original birthday song tribute.

4. Create a birthday card for Katniss and post a link below.

5. Look up Katniss' horoscope (Taurus) for May 8.

6. Because Katniss' birthday is the only one we know, look at the character traits/horoscopes of the astrological signs and debate which signs the other characters fall under.

7. Bake a birthday cake (like Peeta would do) for Katniss & share with your classmates.

8. Before class begins, give Katniss the 3-finger silent salute. 

To read more suggestions, check out Sara Gundell's post on The Hunger Games Examiner:
Fans Celebrate 'The Hunger Games' Character Katniss Everdeen's Birthday

Mother's Day in Panem?

How would the characters in The Hunger Games trilogy celebrate Mother's Day?

When you think about it, not many of the characters have great relationships with their mothers. As Mother's Day nears, this is a good time to talk about those strained relationships because chances are we have students who may not have the greatest relationships with a parent, as well. Because of that, it's also important to discuss what the characters could do to help patch their relationships.

Does this seem silly? Many teens may not want to discuss their own personal feelings, but they will talk about a fictional character's feelings. And perhaps it will help them deal better with what's going on in their lives knowing that others may be experiencing the same thing.

Using the handout, found here, have students work in small groups to discuss (and/or record) the relationships each character has with her/his mother. Have them describe the relationship, then use evidence from the text to support those claims. Working together, students should be able to find particular passages that show or infer the type of relationship.

Finally, have them brainstorm ways that character could initiate a reconciliation with their mother. In Catching Fire and Mockingjay, a further discussion of mental illness would be appropriate. Start with asking students how people today cope with mental illness and the services that are available. Then have students think of what services the characters have available to them and what they could do to get help. It's important for students to realize that it is an illness--just like Katniss doesn't understand why her mother mentally abandoned her, students may be feeling the same about a loved one. If they can get past the bitterness they feel toward that person and see that their loved one can not help the way they act, perhaps they can begin to come to terms with it.

Students can also discuss abusive relationships and what options the character(s) have to get away from the abuse. Many of the services we have today are probably not available to the citizens of Panem (it is mentioned that physical abuse is present at the group/community home in District 12, which would be an even worse alternative). What options do they have in Panem? Start with the options available to children today and see if any of those would apply or work for the character(s). 

Though these are heavy topics, hopefully students will appreciate the relationships they have with their mothers, or if they need help, they will seek it.

Download the FREE packet: Hunger Games Mother's Day Writing & Discussion Prompts

Which Poems Would Katniss and Peeta Carry for Poem in Your Pocket Day?

A "Things That Make Me Go Hmmm..." Post

Update: National Poem in Your Pocket Day is April 18th for 2013. This original post was written in 2012.

April 26th is National Poem in Your Pocket Day. To celebrate poetry and spread literacy, every one is encouraged to carry their favorite poem with them tomorrow. So, of course, this got me to thinking...which poems would the characters of The Hunger Games carry?

I've decided that Peeta would carry one of my favorite ee cummings poems: [i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]
To me it fits him (and his feelings for Katniss) perfectly. He would do anything for her and even professes in Catching Fire that his nightmares are about losing her. I think you can look at the line "here is the deepest secret nobody knows" two different ways: that the secret is that the speaker carries the heart in his heart or that the secret is something that keeps them apart. Either translation works for Peeta: his love is a secret until revealed. And there are a number of things throughout the trilogy that keeps them apart, making the second translation of that line work.

What do you think about this poem for Peeta?

[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]
By E. E. Cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
                                                 i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Poem source: Poetry Foundation http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/179622

Now on to Katniss...she is much harder to pinpoint. She has such a defensive nature and does not like to express her emotions. She feels bitter toward her mother and misses her father profusely. She's not the sappy type, so I chose a very somber poem titled "Eulogy" by Kevin Young. Why this poem? First, it reminded me of [spoiler alert!] Katniss in her old training room in Mockingjay while her trial is going on. I think she would express these words after she kills herself by starvation. And yet, she fails to allow the darkness to swallow her. She turns inward, just like her mother as we learned in the beginning of The Hunger Games, and the circle has come full. Just as the circle of life closes around us all.

I think "Eulogy" is perfect in its seeming simplicity (I love shorter poems that have these hidden layers of complexity). I could imagine Katniss not wanting people to mourn too long over her death. And I thought literally of the lightness of her casket--in her emaciated state. But, there's so much more than literal translation in those lines. Has the weight of the nation been lifted finally? Is that why she wouldn't want them to startle? OK...I know I'm getting too deep here because obviously Mr. Young did not write this about Katniss. But this is what I love about poetry: we can all find connections to these beautiful words. And at different points in our lives, we'll find different meanings, even in our old favorites.

Eulogy
by Kevin Young
To allow silence To admit it in us always moving Just past senses, the darkness What swallows us and we live amongst What lives amongst us * These grim anchors That brief sanctity the sea Cast quite far when you seek —in your hats black and kerchiefs— to bury me * Do not weep but once, and a long time then Thereafter eat till your stomach spills over No more! you'll cry too full for your eyes to leak * The words will wait * Place me in a plain pine box I have been for years building It is splinters not silver It is filled of hair * Even the tongues of bells shall still * You who will bear my body along Spirit me into the six Do not startle at its lack of weight How light

Poem source: Poets.org http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/22169
Kevin Young's official website:  http://www.kevinyoungpoetry.com/

CLASSROOM CONNECTION

Have your students discuss which poems they think the characters would carry in their pocket and why. This can be done for any piece of literature.

Why is this a great activity? First, they have to read a lot of poems. Second, they have to be familiar with the literature to make a connection. Third, it allows them to be creative. And fourth, there are no wrong answers.

Enjoy Poem in Your Pocket Day; and enjoy poetry EVERY DAY! :)