The Hunger Games, Week 2

Welcome to Week 2 of the Online Book Club discussion of The Hunger Games.

Did you enjoy reading this first section? I loved that the story was so interesting right from the first pages. The premise of the story is so sad that it's hard to actually picture what's going on. From the very beginning, we know that two children from each district go to some sort of competition to be "reaped." I just can't imagine how that would go. I can't believe that the society is ok with sending children off to their deaths. I also couldn't believe how Katniss was pretty resigned to the possibilities of the day. She knew she was at a disadvantage since she had put extra entries into the pot for a chance to get more food and supplies at home. What a horrible system. 

How shocked were you when Prim's name was pulled? She only had one entry in the pot! I was pretty surprised that her name was pulled, but I was not surprised that Katniss volunteered to take her sister's place. Katniss is definitely the care taker in her family, so it's no surprise that she would sacrifice herself to save her sister. What are your first impressions of Peeta? Does he seem like he will be a good ally for Katniss during the Games? 

It was shocking that Katniss was immediately whisked away for the Games. They sure didn't give them much time to get used to the idea of going! What did you think of the train ride to the Capitol? What do you think of Effie and Haymitch? Do you think either will be much help for the pair once they get started in the actual competition? I think Effie tries her best, but I don't think Haymitch is going to be much help. He doesn't seem to like Katniss very much, for starters, and he doesn't do much other than get drunk and fall over into his sick. I hope he offers more help once the competition starts. 

Once they are at the Capitol, the pair immediately has to start performing for the crowd so they can get supplies and things during the Games. Check out the video below to see the pair and their flaming outfits. Don't you think Cinna is an asset to the team? He has a lot of creative ideas for making the team stand out. I would never think to have their costumes light on fire. 

What did you think of the training exercises? I thought it was smart for Peeta and Katniss to try everything and not show their strengths to the group. I think it will help them stay under the radar once they are in the arena. What did you think of Katniss's anger explosion at the end of her chance to show her skills to the Gamemakers? I didn't blame her for being mad that they weren't paying attention to her, but I thought for sure she really shot herself in the foot to get a good rating. But, it seemed like the Gamemakers enjoyed her attitude and her ability with the bow. Could you believe what a high ranking she got? I think having that high ranking, though, won't help her as she goes into the arena. I think it will make the other players go after her. 

This section ends with Peeta telling the crowd that he has a crush on Katniss. Do you think that's true? Or do you think he's just trying to create a story for the people? How do you think Katniss will react to him saying that? I can't imagine that she will be very happy about it. 

Are you anxious to read the next section? Are you interested to see how the compeition goes in the arena? Do you think Katniss and Peeta will work together? 

I hope you'll leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this section! Make sure to read the next nine chapters beore checking back on the next blog post!