Well, one of the first things I realized when reading the book was another theme that probably should have been obvious-- themes of the effects of violence, inequality, and poverty on the young.
One of the dilemmas this book has raised for me is the conflict between actions and intentions. One, the book reveals motivations behind many of the actions I saw in the movie, from Peeta throwing Katniss the bread, to Katniss' inconsistent behavior during training. The exploration of thoughts, feelings, and motivations ends up creating a completely different picture, also a more engrossing one (SO YAY BOOKS!) The other part of that, however, is: the book seems to yet again suggest that as long as one has good intentions, it is okay to do the wrong thing. In an ideal world, we would all do the right thing for the right reason. (I learned that lesson a long time ago.) In what circumstances should we compromise that?? What if you can't have both??
At first exposure, in the situation Collins presents, we don't even question Katniss taking for granted that she would kill. I imagine that, if it were me, I would too. Then, I wonder is that right? I know this sounds crazy, but I'd like to apply 1 Corinthians 10:13 to this situation...... in everything, I want to trust God for a way of escape. (Easier said than done!)
So, back to comparing the book to the movie:
The book was better! I couldn't put it down! Hearing things from Katniss' perspective makes you understand why she did what she felt she had to do in her relationships. It also points out (thankgoodness) how despicable the idea of "hunger games" truly is. Furthermore, it made me want to read the next book....... aaaand halfway through "Catching Fire," I decided to read an online summary. I found out out that the ending doesn't conclude as neatly as I would like. I also find that darker books that focus on how messed up the world is without offering hope kind of bum me out. So I'm stopping there... but now I read it and I know what all the fuss is about :)
