The Hunger Games, Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the Online Book Club discussion of The Hunger Games.

What did you think of this section? It was full of so much action and suspense! It was hard to read about the deaths of so many of the contestants. It's really so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that these are young children out there fighting. And that the people in the Capitol are finding it all entertaining. It's just so shocking. 

Katniss was not very happy with Peeta after he announced that he had a crush on her. I don't think Katniss likes having to play the political game with the Capitol. 

I was glad that Katniss followed Haymitch's advice and stayed away from the cornucopia. I couldn't believe how many kids died that first day. That was crazy. It's shocking that the other kids were able to be so blood thirsty right out of the gate. They were ready to kill from the very start. I was sad that Katniss didn't get a bow at first, but it was good that she got that backpack and a knife. Were you shocked when you realized that Peeta was fighting with the group of Career Tributes? I did think that was surprising. He must have some sort of reason for thinking that's the best way for him to go. What did you think of the fact that the Gamemakers created disasters to force the competitors together? Instead of just being able to live in a tree, Katniss is forced to flee from the fire that the Gamemakers send through the forest. It seems wild that the people in the Capitol needed so much entertainment that they had to create more drama for the contestants. 

I was glad when Rue and Katniss paired up with each other. Rue really saved Katniss's life by showing her the tracker jacker's nest. It's a wonder that Katniss didn't die after being stung by the tracker jackers. She was so completely defenseless when she was having her delusions. What did you think of her plan to attack the Career Tribute's food stash? I think breaking them down like that is her only option. Again, it was a wonder that Katniss wasn't killed when the supplies blew up. She had so many close calls. 

It was so sad when Rue died. Her death was so quick and upsetting. I thought it was so touching when District 11 sent Katniss some bread so say thank you for what she had done for Rue. That scene was really emotional. 

This section ends with a rule change saying if both contestants from the same district are still alive, they can win the Hunger Games as a pair. Do you think that it's a trick? Are the Gamemakers trying to get Peeta and Katniss back together? Katniss calls out for Peeta at the end. Where do you think he is? Do you think he's injured? Do you think she'll be able to find him? 

Before you go, check out the video below to see how the filmmakers showed the Gamemakers' influence on the arena. Could you imagine having to manipulate the arena to hurt the participants? 

I hope you will leave a comment to let me know your thoughts on this section! Make sure to finish the book before checking back next week!