Comparisons and Similarities of Hunger Games

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Behold, the major differences we noticed on The Hunger Games movie versus the book. Massive spoilers throughout! 1) Mockingjay Pin procurement Book version: Katniss is given the pin by the Mayor’s daughter, Madge. This comes as a surprise as she thought Madge didn’t like her. The pin is explained to be a subtle dig at the The Capitol, as Mockingjays were the comical result of a bio-genetic spying program that the general public gradually became aware of and used against the government. Movie version: Katniss finds the Mockingjay pin at a rummage sale, but there’s no explanation of why the pin would be considered inflammatory towards President Snow and the ruling class. Level of Change: Rather large as it doesn’t set up District 12’s Mayor as being somewhat human, and doesn’t show why the Mockingjay symbol matters. Furthermore, it makes Katniss the driving force behind the symbol as opposed to the simply the wearer of it, making her complicit in its power throughout, as opposed to being swept up by events larger than her. Good or Bad Change: Overall, not great. I get wanting Katniss to be in charge of her destiny right off the bat, but this cribs some of the momentum from the next two films. 2) No Haymitch Gaffe at Ceremony Book version: Haymitch is drunk at The Reaping and falls off the stage. Movie version: Doesn’t exist. Level of Change: Large. Haymitch’s first exposure from a reader’s perspective is as a drunken buffoon. The scene is also used to take away some of the tension from Katniss’ volunteering for Prim. Good Change or Bad Change: Reasonable. My guess is that they didn’t want all that much comic relief, and coming back from the “mentor” falling off the stage would have taken too much time. An understandable cut. 3) Peeta’s Dad Bringing Gifts on the Train Book version: Peeta’s dad brings Katniss cookies, making her

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