In the seventeenth chapter of Catching Fire, TEAM PEETA and then TEAM CINNA. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read Catching Fire.
I am still reeling from this. Katniss just reminded the Gamemakers who they work for and reminded them what can happen to them for doing what they do. JESUS CHRIST THIS IS AMAZING.
The effect on the Gamemakers is immediate and satisfying. Several let out small shrieks. Others lose their grips on their wineglases, which shatter musically against the ground. Two seem to be considering fainting. The look of shock is unanimous.
Now I have Plutarch Heavensbee’s attention. He stares steadily at me as the juice from the peach he crushed in his hand runs through his fingers. Finally he clears his throat and says, “You may go now, Miss Everdeen.â€
I expressed concern that after all of the events of the first third of the book, it seemed disappointing that everyone just flat-out gave up on the concept of rebellion. They’d spent so much time considering the reality of an uprising that it was jarring to see them abandon it so quickly. The truth is that the opportunity to do something that had real, genuine meaning had to present itself. Katniss just took that opportunity to make a statement to the Gamemakers. Even if no one will ever see it, what she just did is HUGE.
Katniss is a bit worried that what she did was too impulsive, since it might actually harm Peeta in the arena, but I’m glad she allows herself to live in the moment and be excited for what she did.
She doesn’t get to say anything about her private session until dinner, when Haymitch is the first to finally ask how their sessions were. Katpee’s reluctance to share what happened is kind of funny to me, as if they’d done something mischievous and they don’t want to tell their parents.
I think of how ruffled the Gamemakers were when I entered the gym for my session. The smell of cleaners. The mat pulled over that spot in the center of the gym. Was it to conceal something they were unable to wash away? “You painted something, didn’t you? A picture.â€
You know, I thought this was silly when I first read it, because how could a painting upset people so much? Especially one created in 40 minutes.
“Actually, I painted a picture of Rue,†Peeta says. “How she looked after Katniss had covered her in flowers.â€
OH MY FUCKING GOD TEAM PEETA FOREVER
I can’t. I just cannot.
“And what exactly were you trying to accomplish?†Haymitch asks in a very measured voice.
“I’m not sure. I just wanted to hold them accountable, if only for a moment,†says Peeta. “For killing that little girl.â€
Just unbelievable. My heart has swelled. Just…wow. WOW. Unsurprisingly, Haymitch and Effie are shocked into silence before lecturing Peeta about what a terrible, terrible idea this is.
“I guess this is a bad time to mention I hung a dummy and painted Seneca Crane’s name on it,†I say. This has the desired effect. After a moment of disbelief, all the disapproval in the room hits me like a ton of bricks.
I am seriously so happy right now. I know that they are going to have to face the negative affects of this, but I am so proud of Katpee. (That is the best sentence I have ever written.)
“Oh Katniss,†says Effie in a hushed voice. “How did you even know about that?â€
“Is it a secret? President Snow didn’t act like it was. In fact, he seemed eager for me to now,†I say. Effie leaves the table with her napkin pressed to her face. “Now I’ve upset Effie. I should have lied and said I shot some arrows.â€
Yikes, I forgot how this is going to affect Effie and Haymitch. I feel bad for the fallout that will surely come for them. Maybe even their families. Still…is it bad that I am still very happy they did this? (Also….why was this a secret????)
To further drill home the point that what they did is incredibly dangerous, when they gather to see their training scores, they become the first two tributes from the same district to earn perfect twelves.
“Why did they do that?†I ask.
“So that the others will have no choice but to target you,†says Haymitch flatly. “Go to bed. I can’t stand to look at either of you.â€
Ok, I do feel bad about this. Haymitch has been trying his hardest to help them up until this point and, while I love what they did, it did basically erase everything he’s done.
Damn. :/
I came to really enjoy the scenes that Collins created between Katniss and Peeta. For the first time, their relationship doesn’t feel restrained by outside factors, namely the Capitol. Katniss realizes that her plan to keep Peeta alive rather than herself is subversive in and of itself, since it goes against the nature of the Games. Her little bit about making herself a martyr for the cause is a bit much, but this all feels much more believable than the scenes of Katniss and Peeta before.
They sleep together for the first time that night and while it is cheesy that it’s the first time they both don’t have nightmares, I think it’s also entirely possible because they’ve stopped worrying about the Games. They did something powerful and transformative for this system and they’ve expected the absolute worse: they’ll die and their families will die. It’s kind of a neat way for them to confront their fears.
When Haymitch and Effie cancel their coaching of Katpee the next day, they spend even more time together. I can’t deny that their scenes on the roof are kind of soothing. It’s nice not to see them fighting, bickering, or pretending to care for each other for cameras. No one bothers them and it makes me feel that there’s actually something genuine and real between the two of them.
Of course, this can’t last long. The next day is when they’ll appear for their final interviews with Caesar Flickerman before the Games start. Having taken Cinna’s advice, Katniss’s trio prep team doesn’t speak to her during their work to prepare her for the appearance.
It’s nearly lunch when I feel something dripping on my shoulder and turn to find Flavius, who’s snipping away at my hair with silent tears running down my face. Venia gives him a look, and he gently sets the scissors on the table and leaves.
This begins a sharp decline in my general happiness while reading this chapter, not because it’s poorly written or anything, but because it is so goddamn depressing.
We learn that President Snow has ordered that Katniss wear the wedding dress that was voted on in the Capitol, which is the most fucked up reminder that he still has power over her.
I suppose since I was the greatest offender, my pain and loss and humiliation should be in the brightest spotlight. This, he thinks, will make that clear. It’s so barbaric, the president turning my bridal gown into my shroud, that the blow strikes home, leaving me with a dull ache inside.
Prepare for all of your hope and joy to be sucked right out of you. Cinna alters the dress a bit, making it a bit heavier, and they discuss the right time to twirl, reminding me of the first time Cinna did this to Katniss. Man, that seems forever ago, doesn’t it?
Katniss talks about how fucked up all of this is by comparing it to the relatively simple process of a marriage back in the district. In a way, even though she doesn’t say it, it’s not hard to think that President Snow is purposely aiming to disrupt the idea of marriage itself, not because he hates it, but because it’s a way to use that imagery to further oppress and harm.
Of course, the other victors aren’t too happy to see Katniss in a wedding dress, whether they are angry at her or because they feel sad. This was pretty cool:
I’m confused because, while they are all angry, some are giving us sympathetic pats on the shoulder, and Johanna Mason actually stops to straighten my pearl necklace.
“Make him pay for it, okay?†she says.
It’s the first sign that this process is not going to go as planned, that turning all of the victors into victims again is not a great idea. I think that there’s been nothing in this series as heartbreaking or depressing as the following paragraph:
Cashmere starts the ball rolling with a speech about how she just can’t stop crying when she thinks of how much the people in the Capitol must be suffering because they will lose us. Gloss recalls the kindness show here to him and his sister. Beetee questions the legality of the Quell in his nervous, twitchy way, wondering if it’s been full examined by experts of late. Finnick recites a poem he wrote to his one true love in the Capitol, and about a hundred people faint because they’re sure he means them. By the time Johanna Mason gets up, she’s asking if something can’t be done about the situation. Surely the creators of the Quarter Quell never anticipated such love forming between the victors and the Capitol. No one could be so cruel as to sever such a deep bond. Seeder quietly ruminates about how, back in District 11, everyone assumes President Snow is all-powerful, why doesn’t he change the Quell? And Chaff, who comes right on her hells, insists the president could change the Quell if he wanted to, but he must not think it matters much to anyone.
What’s so amazing about this is how unplanned it is. The interviews given during this time are generally about as inauthentic and posturing as you can imagine and for the first time, most of the tributes are now able to speak freely, about their lives and the oppressive government they live under.
It’s backfiring. It’s starting right now.
When Katniss finally gets her turn, the audience in the room has lost it. If this wasn’t planned, it doesn’t matter. It’s working.
Finally there’s a lull and he gets out, “So, Katniss, obviously this is a very emotional night for everyone. Is there anything you’d like to say?â€
My voice trembles as I speak. “Only that I’m so sorry you won’t get to be at my wedding…but I’m glad you at least get to see me in my dress. Isn’t it just…the most beautiful thing?†I don’t have to look at Cinna for a signal. I know this is the right time. I begin to twirl slowly, raising the sleeves of my heavy gown above my head.
And it’s really the best thing that Katniss could have said, to play on the tragedy of her recent victory and the complete violent absurdity of all of this. She begins to twirl, but realizes that she is LITERALLY ON FIRE. LITERALLY ON FIRE. But her skin doesn’t burn, only her dress, and she knows it’s something Cinna has done. When the flames suddenly disappear, she stops spinning.
But I’m not naked. I’m in a dress of the exact design of my wedding dress, only it’s the color of coal and made of tiny feathers. Wonderingly, I lift my long, flowing sleeves into the air, and that’s when I see myself on the television screen. Clothed in black except for white patches on my sleeves. Or should I say my wings.
Because Cinna has turned me into a mockingjay.
LKA;SDFHAF;HJASDF
ASDFK;LASDFKJASDHF;KLASHDFJALKSJDF
A;ISDHF;LKASDHFADJSFGHA;LSDFJA;SLDKFJADSL;KFJASDFLKJ
TEAM CINNA UNTIL EVERYTHING ENDS FOREVER.
I can’t breathe, I just drooled on myself typing this. FUCKING FLAWLESS. Oh my god oh my god OH MY GOD.
NOT first, then. I'm sorry that no one appreciated my excitement. And that I missed Mark saying so – I can not possibly remember every single thing. Sorry.
{I'll come back to comment after I've read.)
Now I've read, I can say that the interviews were WONDERFUL. And Cinna is AMAZING, And that if I say anything else, you'd have to send me to the gallows (forspoilering,y'know)
And evidently, this comment is the most hated. Ever. (?)
i forgot we used to have a thumbs down button. whatever getting first is exciting, not sure why it would annoy people, its not like its spammed like those stupid "like if youre watching in this year" comments
"I am seriously so happy right now. I know that they are going to have to face the negative affects of this, but I am so proud of Katpee. (That is the best sentence I have ever written.)"
<3 <3 <3 Cinna until the end of time <3 <3 <3
The end of this chapter was the best yet! She has become the Mockingjay. Beyond brilliant!!!!!
I love the Mockingjay metaphor. I love Peeta. I love Cinna. I love the Hunger Games series. I love Mark reading the Hunger Games series. I love Mark. 🙂
This is my favorite scene in the book. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW JUST SO I COULD POST THIS.
<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lcw8su6ulF1qc3reoo1_500.gif">
Awesome is all I can say
"I am seriously so happy right now. I know that they are going to have to face the negative affects of this, but I am so proud of Katpee. (That is the best sentence I have ever written.)"
I got so excited over Cinna I forgot to post my comment on the quote above. I love how independently both Katniss and Peeta tried to leave their mark. This to me showed just how different these games were going to be.
I love that Peeta and Katniss are both on the same page about this. Peeta not be the kind of person who will rally the troops into battle in order to lead a rebellion, but he uses his own skills and talents to try to make the Capitol see what they've done.
TEAM CINNA. FOREVER.
I think I can honestly say I have a crush on Cinna. Or is he gay? I cannot tell. Cinna just radiates awesome!
I always thought maybe Cinna was gay, but I don't know why. I have horrible gaydar IRL, so YMMV.
Cinna is the most beautiful person in fiction and real life.
Period.
SHIT YEAH CINNA! I love how Collins ends this chapter in a way that makes your heart want to burst with excitement and triumph and dread. Amazing.
Also, I laughed at that GIF for like 10 minutes, FYI.
I know. Just reading the review brought back all the excitement of the chapter back to me!
And Mark's GIFS are love XD!
I actually cried when i finished this chapter at the sheer amazingness of Cinna T_T
LOL The sheer wonderful, amazingness that is Cinna! <3
I am more nervous about how they're going to cast him and who they're hiring to do costume designs for the movie than I am about ANYTHING ELSE. EXCEPT MAYBE KATNISS. AND EVEN THEN.
I forgive Peeta for everything. Why is he so perfect? I forgot that he painted Rue, so I actually got to have an oh shit moment! I admire Peeniss for making a stand, and it's right for Katniss to assume that she's screwed no matter what she does, but Haymitch has a point as usual. They're really making it hard on everyone else. And all of the tributes getting people worked up…
<img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/20fdftg.gif">
I remembered Katniss twirling and her dress burning away, but I had somehow forgotten that it turned into a Mockingjay. Cinna is the best, forever and ever. I can't help but giggle at this part, though, because in my head I just see this:
<img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2wrqb1f.gif">
I love you for using a Jade gif 😀
OH MY GOD IT'S LUMPY SPACE PRINCESS!!!!!
I have plans to make a GIF out of at least 400234% of Adventure Time.
LSP foreva~
Those are excellent plans because I need Adventure Time on an infinite loop to make my life complete.
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_leufu3ymSZ1qajobj.gif">
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD Adventure Time GIFS are the way to my heart.
Team Cinna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But now I am horribly worried, because there's no f*cking way that President Evil- oops, I mean Snow, is going to let Cinna get away with designing a symbol of open rebellion.
Well considering that mockingjays are all the rage in the Capitol, I think it could easily be passed off as a fashion statement.
I knew something was going to happen when she lifted her arms as soon as Cinna mentioned it, but I could NEVER have guessed the awesomeness that is the Mockingjay! I am scared for what may happen to Cinna now, though. :-/
There's one thing I've always wondered: Peeta wasn't anywhere near them when Rue died. And at Katpee's interview after they've won they only show the part where Katniss sings, not the flowers.
So, please: How was he able to paint a picture of her "how she looked after Katniss had covered her in flowers"?
Did he imagine what she must've looked like? Did anyone record the whole games and showed that part to Peeta? Ugh. Maybe it's said somewhere but if it is, I really can't remember.
I wondered that, too. I think Katniss said that they would have to film Rue covered with flowers, since that was what she looked like when the hovercraft lifted her up. They edited it out of the 3 hour special, but I imagine it was still in the regular coverage. I'm imagining that Peeta may have watched their Hunger Games in full afterward, while he was painting and all.
Either that, or it was just that Katniss said she covered Rue with flowers. He knows what Rue looks like, and he knows what flowers look like, so maybe he just made up the composition himself.
I doubt Peeta watched any of the regular coverage–when Katniss talks about why they haven't watched Haymitch's Games, she says they knew he wouldn't want to relive it, just like they wouldn't want to relive theirs. And as far as Peeta's paintings, when Katniss asks how he could capture it so exactly, he says something to the effect of how he sees it every time he closes his eyes.
it is possible that he just made it up, but the way he phrased it ("how she looked," not "how I imaged she looked") doesn't sound that way.
Not that it really matters; it's an awesome Peeta moment, regardless. I just like to nitpick. 🙂
I was wondering the same think, but actually is so awesome that I don´t care it doesn´t make too much sense. I guess you can allways fanwank it as he imagined it or somebody recorded it ( htey must have videos) and he saw it during on 12th district.
First comment ever!!
Remember in the first book, they had to watch the recaps of the "highlights" of the Game they participated in, so he would have seen Katniss singing her to her death.
I thought they didn't actually show Rue covered in flowers, though. I'm not sure how they were able to show Katniss singing to Rue but then not show Rue, but I think she said they didn't show her covering Rue in flowers.
Katniss didn't do the flower bit until after Rue was dead. So I thought that they showed her death, but not the aftermath.
Oooh, right. I thought the point of the flowers was that she thought the Capitol would have show Rue on camera when they took her away, but I don't know if they actually did that. How quickly I forget things.
Katniss probably mentioned covering Rue in flowers to Peeta and I mean she could've described it to him at some point or its just a drawing of how he imagined Rue to look with Katniss' flowers.
During the rewatching (or whatever) of the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss notices they omit her covering Rue in flowers, and then says something like, "Yeah, because even that smacks of rebellion." So, yeah, Peeta saw it. ^_^
no, he didn't, not then at least. They omitted it in the rewatch, they didn't include it. It only makes sense that Katniss would have told him about it afterward, or if he got ahold of some footage from elsewhere.
I thought this exact same thing but remember that Peeta was given ALL the tapes of past victors. I'm going to assume he had their own Hunger Games as well. Now go back to the train bit when they're traveling to the Capitol for the 75th Hunger Games. After ordering her milk, Katniss walks in on Peeta reviewing the tapes and he immediately turns off whatever it was he was watching. I thought that was suspicious considering they both need to know who they're up against. My guess is he was watching Rue's death at that moment. Or maybe I'm just talking out of my ass.
CINNA CINNA CINNA. CINNA IS THE BEST PERSON EVER. FOREVER.
I love the wedding ceremony Katniss describes. It's so simple and beautiful. I also like the juxtaposition of these interviews with the ones from the last game. Collins does a really good job of showing us that this rebellion is building steam. Instead of just saying how strange all the interviews are this year, the reader can compare them to the normal ones from the year before. It really makes me think that focusing on the games in two different books was absolutely the right thing to do.
I like the wedding ceremony Katniss describes too because in modern American wedding culture, the bride would never want a secondhand dress, which is kind of ridiculous if you think about it because YOU ONLY WEAR IT FOR ONE DAY. The District 12 ceremony reminds me of what I've read about Amish weddings, where the bride wears a blue dress that she'll wear again for special occasions. And the food is all dishes made with celery. (No, for reals.)
This chapter is amazing, and Mark, you are still not prepared. You are never prepared.
Once more I would like to express my deep and undying love for Johanna Mason.
SHE IS AWESOME.
I really love how almost manipulative the victors have to be here. They aren't entirely speaking freely but they are getting their message across . Instead of talking about their grief they are transferring it, to the grief of the citizens of the capitol. We have seen from the chapters with the Prep Team, that the citizens seem to be self centered. They are not bad people mind you, but they would focus more on what the loss of the victors means to them. The victors know this and they are playing that angle. How sad that the people of the capitol must be their suffering, etc
Beetee, Seeder and Chaff really stuck out here to me, while everyone else is playing on the citizens' emotions, they come and call out President Snow, and call out the situation for what it is. BULL SHIT! So bad ass!.
I love that Seeder and Chaff bait the audience right before Katniss and Peeta are going to come on. They're brilliant.
It's great, because they're beloved celebrities, so anything the Capital does for them is going to be seen as horrible and unfair. I don't know why Snow doesn't see this backfiring or anything, because that just does not seem like a great idea at all, to have everyone against you as you orchestrate the games against their favorites.
“I’m not sure. I just wanted to hold them accountable, if only for a moment,” says Peeta. “For killing that little girl.”
Yeah. This is why I love Peeta. I love that he used his art to say something to the Gamemakers. To try and confront them with the evil that they do. I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER, PEETA.
I love that scene on the roof too. It's a nice moment where Katniss and Peeta can just be themselves, together and enjoy being with each other. We got a bit of that before when Peeta was helping make the plant book while Katniss was on bed rest, but I really like its placement here. The calm before the storm.
I can’t breathe, I just drooled on myself typing this.
LOL LOL LOL. THIS SENTENCE IS MAKING ME LAUGH SO HARD RIGHT NOW.
Ah, drool-inducing words, how I love them.
I found it kind of disappointing that, despite Katniss' emotional development, and her realization that the people of the Capitol are subject to the same oppressive government (even though they have much nicer lives, on the whole), she STILL can't manage to think of her prep team as human beings.
Aside from that one little quirk, I really liked this chapter. Team Peeta and Cinna forever, I agree. Though, I think my "teams" are not shipper-teams. I just like Peeta and Cinna, I don't really care if they end up in a romance with Katniss. I agree that Peeta's private training was great, and Cinna's mockingjay.
I still think the strongest statement that the victors/tributes can make is to refuse to go along with the Games. So far, despite their general reluctance and irreverence, they are still following the forms of the Games (going to training, dressing as their told, showing up where they're led…). What can the Capitol do if they refuse to play along anymore? Kill them? Oh, wait, they're going to do that anyway…
I don't think any rebellion will happen until they are in the arena, but I sort of wish they were less compliant.
I'm going to disagree to some extent here. I think that Katniss HAS seen them as human beings and even likes them, but she doesn't want to listen to them whine and cry right now and she has that right considering she's the one who's going into the arena…again.
I also think that when people pick a "team" they're doing it to show their love for that particular character, not their wish for that character to be with Katniss.
At this point, I felt like the victors feel as though they have no choice to do what they're supposed to do as far as the Games go. I think they know they can say a lot more then a new tribute but they still know that doing too much would hurt the people they love…and who wants that?
My irritation was mostly due to the line where she, again, referred to them as her pets. Referring to people as domesticated animals does not really improve my opinion of Katniss. That in turn annoyed me, because I've actually been liking her as a character lately. I do understand her impatience with their self-absorption and weepiness.
As for the teams… I thought it came from the Team Edward/Team Jacob thing. If it doesn't imply I want them to hook up with Katniss, then I am solidly Team Cinna!
Good point about the victors, I was thinking they had nothing left to lose. I forgot that their families and friends still work as hostages to insure their good behavior.
when I was younger and people referred to me as "pet" it wasn't to dehumanize me, but just a show of affection. I think Katinss is affectionate to the team, but as Madeline states, she's tired of the whining.
It must be difficult to put up with, having to comfort someone who won't be invited parties anymore because you could be going into the arena to die.
Well, I like my pets more than I like most people. So, I don't know. I think it's somewhat affectionate on her part.
haha good point 🙂
Coming from a girl who hates her sister's cat because he's an extra burden?
well she doesn't hate her sister's goat, because it's useful. And remember, she might not 'like' the cat, but she still feeds it scraps. There's a disconnect between what she thinks she claims to feel for the cat, and what she actually does.
BUTTERCUP IS THE REAL STAR OF THESE BOOKS
I think I understand her reaction, to an extent. She does not forgive easily, and she holds people accountable, but she is even more tough on herself. I think she is still angry at their insensitivity, when they first worked on her, when they discussed parties while she was days from dying, and their acceptance of beautifiying tributes before sending them to their death. Even after, even though they came to genuinely care for Katniss, they still never showed concern for people’s lives in the districts, for Katniss’ struggle to survive. Then, after being through the horror of finding out she will have to go back in the arena, she has to be strong for them, and calm them down. She senses that they care but that their distress will be transient, just as the deaths of so many childen before her affected them. She regards them as human beings, but she denegrades them in her internal monologue as a way of holding them accountable for accepting this, for shedding tears, then going to a party and throwing up to fit more food in. I think it’s a sign of growth that she does not behave in a way that makes them feel denigraded, or try to change them.
Cinna is a flawless being!
His hair's insured for 10,000 dollars
I hear he does car commercials.. In District 3.
I heard his evening wear for shrimp is the hottest thing right now. Too bad there's a shrimp shortage.
One time he met Johanna Mason on a train, and she told him he was pretty.
CINNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
I loved this chapter, especially because I didn't see the end coming AT ALL. I got all caught up in Katpee's cute rebelliousness, and then I was sure they were going to have to get married for their interview… just to rub it in. Once Katniss talked about how bread + fire = wedding in district 12 and I was convinced. (since Peeta is the boy with the bread, and Katniss is the girl on fire)
Just as I was singing "s-m-r-t I am so smart" Katniss turned into a mockingjay. So much for my theories! I think Collins is still laughing at me 🙂
Collins is laughing at anyone who thinks they know how these books will turn out.
The bread & fire thing totally did not occur to my until you said it. Brilliant point.
Now I want an insert where one of them turns to the other and says "We're toast".
(I know I must be sleep deprived when I start getting punny.)
I didn't notice this either and its an awesome bit of symbolism.
LOOOOVED this chapter =)
I wanted to cry at the end of this. Cinna is an amazing character!
I also loved the freeness that was felt on the roof. It was like the calm before the storm.
THIS WHOLE CHAPTER IS AWESOME.
There I said it. It amazing how Collins make them see that, well they are dying there's not turning back from there, the least they can do is screw with the Capitol a bit, AND I LOVE IT. Team Peeta forever, because what he did was thoughtful and cool, GO PEETA. And Team the other victors, because they are awesome. AND CINNA YOU ARE THE BEST PLEASE NEVER CHANGE THANK YOU. So giving the only thing I can say right now is: "HOLY SHIT THIS AWESOME" about pretty much everything, I will come back with more deep thoughts later. Yeah.
Please please do another chapter today.
I like that the shallow, vapid makeover team/Capitol citizens are starting to think of people other than themselves for a change. I always thought Collins was very clever with the skin dye descriptions. In a way she made them look less human with the greens and pinks because quite frankly, they aren't human in many ways. Their lack of compassion and utter ignorance is disgraceful.
This is the main reason I love Cinna. From what we know, he is from the Capitol, but he CHOOSES to not be like them. He is well aware that just because he has the luxury to be vapid and shallow, he doesn't have to be. The Capitol corrupts their citizens by providing every ounce of luxury so that they never have to critically think about the world and its problems, but Cinna isn't that way. Even though it doesn't need to concern him, he still CARES and that makes him aces in my book.
I love you Cinna you fierce designer you.
Yay Cinna <3 I love that teaching the victors how to play to a crowd and using clothes to create the victors' images are coming back to bite the Capitol in the ass, after being used as tools for oppression for 75 years. Cinna and Katniss are trying to start a rebellion with a DRESS, y'all.
I like how a wedding in District 12 involves toasting, just like weddings do now, but a different kind of toasting. I thought maybe the phrase survived the apocalypse but not the act. So maybe they read about giving toasts at weddings and they're like "OK let me heat you up some bread."
Actually I just read the other day where our “toasts” come from….something to done with people taking bits of toast and floating them in champagne? Ok now I really must go find the article so I can give you accurate information.
So maybe they read about giving toasts at weddings and they're like "OK let me heat you up some bread."
😀
The awesome just keeps on coming!
Can I just say how much I love that Cashmere and Gloss, as much as I don't actually like them, start the Quell bashing? I lovelovelovelovelove it. THG has influenced us to think badly of Districts 1, 2, and 4. Nobody in 2 has done anything yet to make me think well of them, true, but District 1 and 4? Cashmere and Gloss are obviously seriously pissed that they have to go through this again. That's human at the very least. Finnick seems…kind of creepy, but still good-hearted underneath it all. Mags just rocks. A few things I was thinking about on my 15th reread of CF…Finnick was 14 when he won. I doubt a 14 year old volunteers to go into the Games; he is Reaped. Maybe those in 4 don't typically volunteer, but spend time training in case it does happen (I can support this; volunteering for the glory, not so much). Also, I'm not very good with names (I had no issues with any except Glimmer, Marvel, Cashmere, and Gloss – seriously, who names their son Gloss?) but even I can tell Brutus is a Roman name. I remember reading in the comments somewhere that Cato is as well. Now I'm not sure about Clove or Enobaria, but the resemblance to Capitol names in District 2 shows how it is the most in the Capitol's pocket. District 1 has utterly ridiculous names and 4 has almost normal names.
On another note, only Katpee, Districts 1 and 2, and Finnick got high scores. What, were the Gamemakers not impressed with Mags's napping skills? Or Johanna's ability to instantly strip down to nothing? Obviously they don't know talent when they see it.
That's a good point about Finnick. I suppose it's possible that they have pre-reaping-day competitions, and the winner volunteers regardless of age. However, it does seem like they would typically send 17/18 year olds. Maybe whoever was supposed to volunteer that year chickened out and didn't do it during the reaping ceremony, so Finnick got reaped instead.
It's hard not to read rape instead of reap. That little "e" is good at melting in!
THATS HOW I READ IT TOO!!
"Also, I'm not very good with names (I had no issues with any except Glimmer, Marvel, Cashmere, and Gloss – seriously, who names their son Gloss?) but even I can tell Brutus is a Roman name. I remember reading in the comments somewhere that Cato is as well."
Well, a lot names are from one of Shakespeare's plays, Julius Caesar. There is a Cinna, Octavius, Brutus, Portia, Flavius, Cato, Claudius … sounds familiar, eh? ;D
My mom is in a Shakespeare reading group and right now they're reading "The Tragedy of Coriolanus," which is apparently President Snow's first name.
Maybe the process for volunteering is different or more difficult in those districts? If all they ever get is the volunteers that want to go in the arena then it wouldn't really have the same effect on the people of the district. They need to, at least occasionnaly, force innocent children into the arena or it becomes too much of a sport and the fear is lost and then they can't opress people? Iunno…
Sorry if I didn't make any sense >.>
The fact that Katniss sees District 2 as the lapdogs of the Capitol makes it that much more amazing to me when she realizes in the first book that Cato was never really her enemy and is horrified by his death. Team Collins is amazing!
I've always been intrigued by Cashmere and Gloss. It must be so terrible to go into the games with your sibling, especially when they're apparently very close, and I kinda wish they were explored more as characters, and for the pathos of having this bond in the Games. I also wonder if, despite the system of volunteers in district 1, they weren't reaped (instead of volunteering) for the Quell, or if one of them was reaped, and the other volunteered to go along as a protector (like Peeta does for Katniss). Cannot imagine how awful that would be. I really can't hate them too much because I pity them so much for their situation.
Y'know, the first time I read this book, I was just really annoyed the whole time, like "the arena AGAIN? She couldn't think of anything new to try? Lame."
But vicariously re-living it (sort-of), there are actually a lot of pretty awesome scenes. I'm still annoyed at the repetetive plot device of throwing them back into the games, but yeah, this chapter does rock. >.>
This is the first time I've read this book, and I agree with you. I'm just trying to set aside my irritation at the repetitive plot in order to enjoy the good bits (of which there are quite a few).
When I first read CF, I was intensely annoyed with the Quell and hardly paid any attention to what happened. My thought process for every chapter: "WHAT IS THIS. THIS IS A RIPOFF. ALL OF THIS IS STUPID. I HATE IT." And I've reread twice since then, and I really think my opinion was unfair. Not only is the Quell intensely different with the victors, but even the general tone is different. So, for anyone out there who's supremely annoyed with what's happening, please give it a shot. You'll kick yourself later if you don't; CF is my favorite book out of the three. 🙂
Yeah same. I was ready to give up on this whole thing when I read about the Quell but the dynamics since then have become so interesting, I'm glad I didn't. It really does have a very different feel this time round. I'm never going to be a fan of the Convenient Quell, but the way Collins is executing it is impressive. I guess that makes me Team Collins?
This chapter is pretty much the most amazing thing ever, but you know Snow is just going to bring ALL THE EVIL EVER to the next chapter #debbiedowner
Still, CINNA! WHY ARE YOU SO AMAZING? <3
Tsk tsk, mark. Keysmashing already? At this rate, you'll need, like ten more keyboards to get through the series.
I wonder if you save more by buying in bulk?
There’s a 10% discount at Vold-e-mart.
OHMYGOSHI'MSHOPPINGTHERENOW!!
I read this chapter and was consumed with fierce pride, and bone-chilling dread. "Operation This Will Not End Well is a go!"
Sorry, it was such a beautiful chapter that I'm convinced that Bad Things are coming, because Collins will not allow us to have Nice Things.
Well, the Games start pretty soon, so that will probably result in some Very Bad Things. 🙂
Our lives are so utterly tragic.
FUCK. YES. CINNA. I love you until the end of time. Also, how lucky is Katniss that she doesn't have a stylist who makes her wear flaming cow suits or whatever the hell that shit was? Although as FUCKING BADASS AND FIERCE AND AWESOMESAUCE as Cinna is, I'm a bit worried that President Snow, sick, twisted sense of humor that he possesses notwithstanding, is not going to find that very amusing. But it was a very public FUCK YOU so I don't even care what he thinks because Team Cinna forever!!
Yay for ~real~ interactions between Peenis. They have a really nice dynamic once the cameras stop rolling, and thank goodness they can drop the act between them, at least for a bit.
God, all of the Victors are BAMFs, even the ones we want to hate. Thanks to them, this is going to be the least popular Games the Capitol audience has ever wanted (or not wanted?) to watch!
~Unpreparedness level is still at an all-time high…~
I am so afraid for Cinna at this point. I don't think Snow will let him off the hook. 🙁
YOU CAN'T TAKE MY CINNA AWAY YOU EVIL BIGOT
I mean, Peeta's ~too good~ and he's in his second Hunger Games, and Cinna's TOO BADASS… Collins is just mean. I sometimes think she's President Snow sans the "bigot" part. Evil? Quite possibly. TAKER AWAY OF ALL THINGS THAT ARE GOOD? Yes. DD:
" I'm a bit worried that President Snow, sick, twisted sense of humor that he possesses notwithstanding, is not going to find that very amusing. But it was a very public FUCK YOU so I don't even care what he thinks because Team Cinna forever!!"
OH NOES. Bitch does something to Cinna and it's on. Heard that Snow: ON!!!!….
And I'm yelling to a fictional character, WHAT.
It's okay. I yell at books, plus President Snow elicits strong reactions from me.
I AGREE, IT WILL BE TOTALLY ON.
Goddammit. I am supposed to be doing some serious work right now (job applications, self evaluations), but I happened to check my Google Reader and saw there was a new Mark Reads. And of course I had to read it.
I had started re-reading Catching Fire to go along with these reviews, but my resolve broke at Chapter 16 and I read right through to the end of that part. Oops.
I thought it was amazingly clever for the victors to play on their relationship with the Capitol. The Capitol citizens wouldn't even imagine that they were being manipulated by the victors. The speeches were perfect, and, well, Cinna. AWESOME as usual.
Ditto. I'm supposed to be writing a summative. Damn.
I found Effie's comment at Peeta about how 'that kind of thinking is forbidden' very interesting…
It kind of makes me realise that maybe the Capitol people don't have it so great after all. I mean, obviously they don't have to deal with the crushing poverty and starvation and everything, but it does seem as though they might have serious restrictions on their freedom.
Seneca Crane being killed for his failure was a real wake-up call for me because it showed that even high ranking Capitol officials are held accountable in the most blunt and barbaric way. And we've seen before that people try to escape the Capitol sometimes (the red headed avox girl springs to mind).
So It begs the question – what happens to you if you express this kind of 'forbidden thinking'? Is this a kind of 1984 type of thing, where the 'proles' are forced to live in poverty but at least have some measure of freedom, while the upper classes are living in a kind of low level fear, monitered and controlled in every aspect of their lives, unable to speak out against the system?
Just a thought. I'd like to hear what everyone thinks…
Yeah, I have noticed that Effie gets really nervous anytime she or anyone else says anything that might be considered subversive. I think a lot of the ignorant, insensitive things Effie says are actually the result of her fearfully trying to hold the appropriate views and attitudes of a Capitol citizen.
The Capitol citizens certainly have a better life than the people in the districts, but I get the feeling that the average Capitol citizen holds no real power. They are still victims of their government.
That's what I thought. I was reminded of when Katniss shoots at the Gamekeepers in the first book, and Effie makes some supportive comment about how they had no right to ignore her just because she was from District 12…and then she looks round nervously a if she's said something terrible.
Katniss makes several references to being watched and cameras being everywhere but I don't think she often really considers what this means for people living in the Capitol all the time,
Although I think Peeta made some comment about how he'd run away if he lived there when they were on the roof in the first book. So I get the impression maybe he's thought it through a little more than just 'Districts-good, Capitol-evil'.
I started wondering if the Capitol citizens maybe went through something awful and destructive like the obliteration of D13, but I don't think the Capitol could have hushed it up so well, so I think that's out. It does sound like living in the Capitol must be an extremely oppressive environment, and yeah, perhaps everyone is under strict, 24-hour surveillance. Why else would most people be content to live in frivolity without questioning the Games, the situations in the districts, why their lives are so rich, the presence of Avoxes (do most Capitol citizens even know about them? Or is that just saved for the tributes?), and the general regime of the Capitol? It's also interesting that they don't participate in the Hunger Games beyond watching them (which is required viewing for every citizen anyway). Perhaps their lives are the way they are because if they just SHUT UP AND STOP THINKING, GO LIVE HAPPY LITTLE LIVES WITHOUT WORRYING OR QUESTIONING, PLEASE
because we've already got our hands full with the districts, thanksthen the Capitol won't add their children to the reaping? I guess that's enough privilege to get people not to question why it is they're content to watch and participate in something so abominable? Look, I don't even know.Or maybe it's just that Effie, despite her silliness and insensitivity sometimes, is more clued in to the situation than the average Capitol citizen. Something to do with her proximity to the Games as the D12 chaperone, as it were?
I think Effie is more aware than most that she is at the mercy of the Crapitol just like Katpee.
I think that this a very good comparison, and I'd love to get into a boring discussion about class and revolution. You're right that the people of the Capitol Districts 1, 2, and 4 do not have completely easy lives just because they're wealthier. Effie's a member of the upper class because she's from the Capitol, but she's completely reliant on the ruling class for her livelihood. She's not really free to think or act, and being close to power makes her more vulnerable to negative attention (as Seneca Crane was). She's a much more sympathetic character than she first appears. And just think of how free the people of District 12 were compared to 8 or 11 until Snow sent in the new Peacekeepers and the security fence was suddenly electrified. It's no mistake that the current unrest was sparked by District 12.
You get invited to Lake Laogai.
/avatar
The final dress scene gave me goosebumps. Cinna is the biggest BAMF. Why can't he be my bff??
<img src="http://dev.null.org/img/life_is_unfair_os9.gif">
I was so proud of him in this scene, until it hit me: he will probably be severely punished for this. I was afraid to keep reading.
Am I the only one who was kind of touched by the prep team getting all teary? I mean, it was quite sweet really. Also it shows that they thought Katniss was more than just a ticket to the best parties.
You'd think Peeta had done something quite shocking in front of the Gamemakers, such as writing "SNAPE KILLS DUMBLEDORE" on the floor.
BUT HE EVEN EXCEEDS THAT. ALL THE SADFACES FOREVER. :'(
YES. The best way to rebel against tyranny is to write spoilers everywhere. That’s the real secret behind how Harry killed Voldemort.
“Yo! Voldy shorts!”
“Yeah?”
“THRESH KILLS CLOVE!!!!!!”
“Noooooooo!”
Maybe he just went in wearing the spoiler shirt.
Cinna is such a fearless, fierce badass. I like how both he and Peeta channel their rebellious feelings in their artwork in this chapter, Cinna with the dress, Peeta with the painting. It's a nice way to show that you can stand up against your oppressors in many ways. I also just like that two of Katniss' favorite people are artists.
How great was it to see Katniss and Peeta just being? This was one of those times that they were together, not being watched, where you really felt like they had left all the other stuff behind. The way Katniss wraps her arms around him when they leave dinner, how they spend every minute together. It's really sad, but in a way really comforting. They really have something genuine.
"who’s snipping away at my hair with silent tears running down my face."
I think it's supposed to be 'her face' 😉
How about some mockingjay dress fanart, no?
<img src="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/324/d/c/katniss__into_a_mockingjay_by_alicecullen88-d338haf.png">
<img src="http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/245/e/3/the_mockingjay_by_fuzeworld14-d2xu8q8.png">
<img src="http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/079/8/6/the_mockingjay_by_burdge_bug.jpg">
<img src="http://th01.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/269/d/9/the_mockingjay_by_waveoftheocean-d2zj5ln.jpg">
<img src="http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/001/8/9/bride_to_mockingjay_by_mirandafear-d3670yc.jpg">
<img src="http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/312/c/8/katniss_everdeen_by_b00ts-d32gsj5.png">
And a fanart that has ceasar flickerman AND capitol people!
<img src="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs51/f/2009/285/1/0/Mockingjay_by_glitchinmybrain.jpg">
And you can never have enough cinna
<img src="http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/337/3/f/cinna_by_thesearchingeyes-d3446id.jpg">
Oh, and Cinna?
<img src="http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6485/tumblrldtan1do7d1qzwh4i.gif">
Spoiler-ish picture has been removed.
Whoa. Maybe this is just because I recently saw Black Swan, but the whole white dress beside the black feathered dress is kinda eerie!
i *love* the cinna one
OMG, that doll! I WANTS IT.
I am and always was Team Uprising….. (and if I knew how to input a picture I would input the avatar I made waiting for book 3 to come out but I can't even figure out how to italicize words on this site….so I fail at fun stuff)
Team Uprising FTW!!!!!!!
And don't worry I don't know how to italicize here either. I FAIL AS WELL.
Italicize: < i > word < /i > removing the spaces. Images: no freaking idea.
Thanks!
Thanks. I suck at this, I knew I should have paid more attencion in that class in high school *facepalm*
< img src="http:whereveryourimageislocated" > But with fewer spaces
<imgsrc="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e7/my2junegirls/TeamUprising.jpg" >
Let's see if this works.
nope I still suck
You have to put a space between img ans src. Img=image, src=source
<img src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e7/my2junegirls/TeamUprising.jpg">
trying again?
WOOOO HOOOO Thanks! I did it. This is what I had waiting for book 3 to come out. I think this is ok to post now based on what Mark's read so it isn't spoiler-ish.
Whoops – sorry! Forgot to note that you have to leave the space between img & src – looks like you got it though!
Ok, as stated before, I love this chapter very much. Because of that I'm going to make a list, to organize my HOLY SHIT THIS IS AWESOME" thoughts a bit:
1. Katniss: You go girl. She has really grown up quite fast and she's finally coming to terms with her fate and just going with it. All while Fucking the Capitol up. Good job!
2. Peeta: I love Peeta. And with chapter proves why: He's a good guy, yeah he's somewhat inocent and thick at times, but he really does care for the things that matter and honoring Rue like that (even if he didn't know her) just because of the fact that what they did to her is wrong, that takes guts and good heart, and I just love him ok?
Instant Debate does not like my comments. sigh.
3. The victors are awesome, and their reactions to this proves it: They are disgusted by Kat wearing the dress because they KNOW it's just one more way the Capitol controls them, and really they are all very alike, oppressed by the fucking sistem and trying to rebel, with the little things (like Johanna telling Kat to make him pay {I love you Johanna}, and with Finnick {I love you even more, Finnick} instantly blaming Cinna for doing such a horrible thing to her,) that some times are what matter.
4. I fucking love Cinna, that is all. And I'm worried about how Snow will make him pay for this, because I'm sure the fucking bastard will do something. Meh.
Finnick immidiatly blaming Cinna for what Katniss was dressed in just adds support to the whole discussion last chapter about the fact that he was close-to-naked because his stylist dressed him like that, while Johanna strips for the hell of it.
Plus, flaming cow suits and what Katniss has said about coal miner outfits. What. I wonder how many of the stylists are paid by the Capitol to make their tributes look ridiculous.
But then, given what we know of Capitol fashion, maybe those stylists just thought flaming cows would look awesome 😉
True. I suppose Collins just left out the fact that they were ~bedazzled~ flaming cows… :p
As soon as I read your comment, I though, "I sure do!" DOES THIS MAKE ME A BAD PERSON!? (or just tasteless?)
Probably all of them.
Which makes Cinna even more especial and awesome.
Yeah, I think Finnick has more in common with Katniss in that aspect that Johanna. And she's kind of a bitch, but that's what defines her character (so far). But my point was that the both of them were sympathetic with Kat about having to wear the outfit that represents the life she will never have.
All the victors = BAMF
Cinna = BAMF FOREVER
I love how the victors keep turning it around and playing the audiance while pissing off the president. And Johanna managed to stay clothed for an entire chapter. I don't want to know what they dressed Finnick in for his interveiw.
I don't think Finnick should ever be dressed. He just needs to walk around naked as much as possible.
Throwback to the first book – Ya'll have to see this! A group of young actors who wanted to audition for parts in the Hunger Games movie they are supposed to begin casting and filming soon. It's not professional, but it's a really amazing video for amateurs. Decent camera work, good special effects, and convincing acting. The girl portraying Rue is white, which is a little weird since Rue was dark-skinned (I guess she was black or of Hispanic decent), but it is just an audition so I'm not irritated by that.
Warning: it's a rendition of Glimmer murdering a boy tribute and then Rue's death scene, so it's incredibly sad, and it did make me cry. *wibble*
[youtube Z_jw3z68TW0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_jw3z68TW0 youtube]
This was posted back in the chapter where Rue dies, but it is a good video.
I think the last time this was posted someone said that the girl playing Rue is white because she is actually auditioning for the part of Prim but the scene called for Rue instead.
May I just say that I think it's awesome that they made Linkin Park the soundtrack to this video…hehe
OH DEAR GOD THE DREAD IS UNBEARABLE. Something really bad has to happen now, right? RIGHT?
I honestly don't know how you can stand the suspense. 😉
Also, that gif is the best I've ever seen.
I did greatly enjoy that gif 😀
Team Peeta forever!! I love how he used his talent to make a stand against the Gamemakers. It was nice to see Katpee just get to relax for a day, even if you know that only bad things are coming. Their relationship seems to be getting stronger and changing from just having to fake it for the cameras to actually having a genuine friendship and possibly more. It seems like in this chapter Katniss realizes that everything is not about just keeping herself or Peeta alive anymore, but more about defying the Capitol to the end. And the victors were able to rally together and do just this at the interviews. By calling out Snow for not changing the Quell and playing on the Capitol citizen's emotions, they are rebelling in their own way. And Cinna of course created his own little act of rebellion in Katniss's dress, which was amazing!!
You know Mark's having fun when he doesnt criticize "Wonderingly"
CINNA IS THE FIERCEST OF ALL.
“I’m not sure. I just wanted to hold them accountable, if only for a moment,” says Peeta. “For killing that little girl.”
Peeta my love, never change <3
“Make him pay for it, okay?” she says.
Johanna, BAMF to end all BAMFs, never change <3
Because Cinna has turned me into a mockingjay.
Cinna you goddamn genius, never change <3
I can’t breathe, I just drooled on myself typing this.
Oh Mark, you wonderfully hilarious human being, never ever change <3
The thing that struck me when I read this chapter was that both Peeta and Katniss took the opportunity to remind the game keepers of the consequence of their actions, without knowing that the other person was doing it. To me that indicates that they are both thinking along the same lines. It was brilliant.
I love what Cinna did with the wedding dress. That would be a great scene in a movie version of this book.
I have been waiting since you very first announced you were doing HG for you to get to this chapter. It rips my heart apart and makes me swell with love for Cinna.
One of my all time favourite chapters from anything ever.
Cinna forever, I loved him from the first sight. Is the Capitol going to strike back at the victors for telling them off?
I can’t breathe, I just drooled on myself typing this.
asfghsdg, LOL. Be my best friend, Mark.
This is what was in my mind when you were questioning why Cinna was being so kind to Katniss in the first book. 😀 HELL YES CINNA.
Of course, open rebellion is probably not going to go well for him, but… I'm sure he knows that and doesn't care. I get the feeling that Cinna felt like, if the Capitol was going to be this cruel, he'd at least do everything in his power to take them down while he could. Katniss is just the perfect opportunity.
The victors' interviews are a fantastic touch as well. I think you can really tell at this point that EVERYONE is pissed off they have to go through this insanity again, since we've seen enough of the victors to guess that pretty much everyone who survives the Games has some kind of coping mechanism, whether it's drugs, drink, or something else. At that point, why NOT do what you can to fuck the Capitol? If you're going to die anyway…
Also can I say I am hugely looking forward to eventually seeing this on film? It will be so amazing!
I HAVE GOOSEBUMPS MARK. GOOSEBUMPS.
Cinna is the best thing to have happened in the history of all best things.
"Finnick recites a poem he wrote to his one true love in the Capitol, and about a hundred people faint because they’re sure he means them."
Even though it makes me think of something really childish, like Ginny's poem to Harry on Valentines, this is so cute. Also, THEY ARE SUCH FANGIRLS.
You're so vain, you probably think this poem is about you!
Man, just reading about that moment makes me cry again. It's so fucking perfect.
Cinna is an awesome BAMF. Yup.
All i could think was OH SHIT CINNA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
Cinna is the best thing ever. 😀
"I give a respectful nod and turn to go, but at the last moment I can't resist tossing the container of berry juice over my shoulder."<img src="http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j449/thefbm42/GRRYEAH.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket">Haha I love thst she did that just to peeve them off even more. KATNISS BAMF
And how awesome are Katpee? Very would be the correct answer.
I really do love the Katpee montage of them in this chapter and consider that they are growing closer mutually and it's really genuine.
And WHAT ARE YOU DOING CINNA!!!
<img src="http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j449/thefbm42/uhhwhat.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
I mean TEAM CINNA BUT YOU'RE IN HUGE TROUBLE NOW!!! THINK WHAT THE CAPITOL WILL DO!!!
Team Cinna is ALWAYS the right way to go. ALWAYS.
Always?
ALWAYS.
oh my god mark for reals THIIIIIS BOOOOOK
this chapter is the one that sealed my opinion of catching fire as the best in the series. very rarely do books like this make me feel anything (other than occasional mild amusement), but i got really emotional when all the victors unanimously and unprompted started questioning the games & the capitol IN PUBLIC! ON LIVE TV!, and then THE MOCKINGJAY DRESS AAAAAH i died. like, i literally gasped out loud and went OH NO HE DIDN'T! oh cinna, you brilliant, brilliant man.
http://i51.tinypic.com/2d29l5d.png
FLAWLESS.
Ha,ha,ha. Cinna was flawless––the writing wasn't. During the interviews, Katniss just goes on listing again; we don't hear one word from the tributes. Even Caesar's role is reduced to one line! His dialog with Katniss was brilliant in the first book, and I wanted to SEE his professional facade waver over the course of the interviews! He's such a great character, and he could have been used here to achieve an amazing effect. The scene at the end WAS powerful; I just believe it deserved to have way more time put into it.
Oh, and one more thing: can someone tell me what this 'mockingjay' is? I can't seem to remember for the life of me! 😉
The Mockingjay is the bird that came from the mating of Jabberjays (those birds created by the Capitol) with Mockingbirds. They repeat tunes, and they represent the rebellion, after Katniss' pin. Remember the women from D8 with the wafer with the Mockinjay on it?
Yay, Cinna. He was so badass. So love how sneaky he was
In the seventeenth chapter of Catching Fire, TEAM PEETA and then TEAM CINNA.
Mark, you are giving me whiplash.
SADFLK;JSDAL;KFJSDL;KFJSDALKFJSDL;KFJSADKLFJSADF OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG I AM SO GLAD YOU FINALLY GOT TO THIS PART BECAUSE OMG CINNA IS A BAMF FOREVER THE END.
SERIOUSLY TEAM CINNA FOREVER AND EVER AMEN THANK YOU.
Oh god. This book. All I can say… oh, and by the way, the next fucking book too… jesus. Collins can fucking write.
I can’t breathe, I just drooled on myself typing this. FUCKING FLAWLESS. Oh my god oh my god OH MY GOD.
One of many chapter endings I have been waiting for your reaction to. This is possibly my favorite image from the entire series. Maybe my favorite scene. I mean, there are lots of amazing scenes, but this. Just. Holy shit. It's beautiful. It's the kind of scene they had better fucking nail in the movie or I will punch someone. (Can Darren Aronofsky guest direct that scene? He can just reuse that bit from Black Swan!)
CINNA IS THE BEST.
YES I THOUGHT ABOUT BLACK SWAN TOO.
I totally didn't until writing this comment, but, dude, that is basically exactly what it should look like! JUST ADD FIRE.
Something I've been wondering: How does Peeta know what Rue looked like when she died? Katniss was the only one there, and she says that they don't put it on the replays, so how does he know?
Just a minor plot hole that I decided to be nitpicky about.
He saw it in the highlights during the 3-hour showing of their Games.
but not the covering of flowers… only the part where she sang to her
Maybe Katnss told him
I didn't know it was going to be a mockingjay, but I kind of saw the dress thing coming. I mean, Katniss is like "this dress wasn't this heavy before" and Cinna's all "well, I had to make some… adjustments to it. >_> Oh and the dress is pretty fitted, so you shouldn't raise your arms. Until you, you know, twirl <_<"
LOL So now you're Team Cinna, Peeta, and Haymitch forever? Funny. Me, too. 😉
What I love so much about this chapter is that nearly everybody's agreeing for a change. Even Cashmere and Gloss, who are careers, are furious at the Capitol. I also love that at this point (though you didn't mention it in your review) even the Capitol's citizens are angry, upset that their celebrities are going to die.
Random question, do the names from District Four remind anyone of Irish names? This may be because I am Irish and know both a Finn and a Mags (and the stereotypical O start to Finnick's name) and because we're a big fishing country, but I dunno. That also brings to mind the question of WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE REST OF THE WORLD AND WHY ARE THE OTHER COUNTRIES LETTING THESE PEOPLE KILL CHILDREN?
Seriously, I've been wondering that myself. What the hell happened to the rest of the world? I think that either it disappeared, or the other countries are in the same situation and everyone minds their own business, or else they have no idea. Either way, it's seriously fucked up.
Yeah, Finnick reminds me of Finnegan, which sounds Irish to me. Plus he's described as having bronze (which I take to mean that it has a reddish quality) hair and sea green eyes.
D4 has Irish-based names, yep.
why do the other countries of the world let atrocities continue in other countries right now? it's an impossibly complex question, and I think Collins was trying to make a point. Well, several points.
(also, I assumed that with the nuclear holocaust or whatever happened, communications are down? or Panem keeps extremely strict control over communication – which is already implicit. who knows what else is out there, or what condition those countries are in)
resubmitting comment due to error. hopefully it doesn't post twice.
I kind of think of it like North Korea. Oppressive and kept locked away from other countries. They probably don't know what's going on and if they did, they still may not mess with them because the threat of nuclear war or something like that. While other countries may WANT to help, they really can't.
Plus, we don't know anything about the foreign policy before the capitol took over. The US may have really pissed everybody else off and now they just don't want to help us out either way.
Cinna is such an amazing character… I love him so much!
*sigh*
I have been waiting for you to review this chapter ever since you announced your undying love for Cinna. 🙂
That said: HOLY FUCKING SHIT LOOK AT THIS MAN. TEAM CINNA, BITCHES. HE SPELLS "FUCK YOU" WITH FABULOUS DRESSES AND FASHION!
I want Cinna to be my best friend until the end of time!~ <3
Ahahaha I just noticed that you changed the "just another WordPress site" in the corner there. Truer words were never spoken!
Thank you for pointing that out. I laughed for a very long time.
OMG!!! I hadn't notice that. I guess he finally came to terms with his unpreparedness. LOL
Haha you are not perpared. True that!
YES YES YES YES OMG YES!! I have been WAITING for you to get to this part! TEAM MOTHERFUCKING CINNA FOR ALWAYS!!!!!
THE END OF THIS CHAPTER WILL BE AMAZING IN THE MOVIE. And if it's not, I will rebel.
That's why Cinna's dresses weigh so much. They're full of secrets.
WIN!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAAH OMG your Bohemian Rhapsody gif. I can't.
<img src="http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac156/cetati/GIF/Donnayayy.gif">
ooohhhh noooo
Cinna what have you done
This right here, is my favorite HG fanart. Possibly fanart ever. In the book, the scene where Katniss's dress turns into a Mockingjay was one of the best parts of the series, IMO. I can't wait to see it in theaters, but I think burdge-bug captures the scene spectacularly here.
the mockingjay by burdge-bug
<img src=http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/079/8/6/the_mockingjay_by_burdge_bug.jpg>
Also, Peeta was so great in this chapter and this is why I love him. “I’m not sure. I just wanted to hold them accountable, if only for a moment,” says Peeta. “For killing that little girl.” You go Peeta!
<img src=http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac247/headstem/GIF%20PARTY/ekg6qtjpg.gif>
And Cinna! You are amazing and own my heart!
<img src=http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lerftbwdRq1qevoic.gif>
Team Peeta and Cinna FTW!
JOSEPH GORDON LEVITT AND DAREN CRISS GIFS. AND CINNA AND PEETA. I DON'T THINK THIS COMMENT CAN HOLD ANY MORE AWESOME IN IT.
Daren Crissssssss. <3
First time posting!
When I read this series, I couldn't put them down – I think I read all 3 over about 36 hours. (I was on holidays).
I loved them the first time, but I am also gaining so much appreciation of the books from reading Mark's analysis, and going through them chapter by chapter. Instead of just rushing to see what happens next, I'm thinking of the impact of what we've just seen.
The image of Katniss as a Mockingjay is so awesome. Peeta would paint such a cool portrait [if he wasn't on his way into the arena 🙁 ]
Cinna rules everything!
Cinna may be the best in that world, but that gif you used at the end was THE BEST THING EVER IN EXISTENCE.
Words cannot express my love for Cinna. There are none up to the task, in any language.
afdhsthlerhgardgaer.
i hadn't realized that i caught up to you and now i'm siting here like
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
i have to wait for updates now! sehgterhge.
i haven't read catching fire in awhile but i srsly love it. and finnick.
and cinna. TEAM CINNA FOREVER YES.
(btdubs you are not prepared. i keep saying that out loud while i read these)
Best act of rebellion EVER!
Just. Um. Fuck yeah. Cinna, you amazing bastard.
(Also, I would just like to note how much I love that we've all managed to disrupt all the 'Team This' or 'Team That' crap from romantic alliances to Holy Shit Awesome Character. Screw you, Twilight.)
i was actually just going to comment on that! just now!
I was thinking that earlier, although I think my definition of "Team" might be more like: "person I want to live until the end of the series." Regardless, it still means something other than "specific misogynist animal/sparkly corpse that I want to bone a vapid waste of literary life."
TEAM PEETA AND CINNA FOREVER, indeed cinna is such a bamf omg
Everything about this chapter was amazing. It's definitely been my favorite of this book so far. Everyone was just so amazing and rebellious and guh! It was everything I'd hoped and dreamed of since they mentioned the Rebellions.
Team Cinna forever! I was probably drooling on myself, too, when I read the end of this chapter. XD
peeta's 'i just wanted them to be accountable for murdering that little girl' moment was so moving.
and cinna is just kickarse wonderful.
oh look, i just said the same thing every other commentor said.
BECAUSE IT IS TRUE!
This isn't really relevant to this chapter (except Effie's in it) but I thought I would share. I can't remember if it was here or on Cleolinda's livejournal, but people mentioned that they pictured Kristin Chenoweth as Effie. Apparently Cheno is obsessed with THG right now and EW thinks she should be cast as Effie. http://bit.ly/el0G8k I for one think she'd be perfect.
I love that article, mainly because they suggested Cillian Murphy for Cinna AND I AGREE SO UNBELIEVABLY MUCH. Cillian would be a great Cinna, plus Cinna has that whole gold eyeliner thing going on and Cillian has those gorgeous blue eyes that eyeliner would draw attention to.
Also, I vote for Tom Felton as Peeta. I know, I know, "He's Draco!" But he totally fits my mental image of Peeta: http://images.wikia.com/harrypotter/images/3/34/T…
I love the parallels between CF and THG. In Katniss' first interview in THG, she describes herself as a silly, twirling girl in a pretty dress. It's clear that Snow intended to shove her back into that role – to remind the Capitol that she's nothing MORE than a silly, twirling girl in a pretty dress. Cinna completely torched that plan by showing Katniss' metamorphosis from Pretty Girl to Dangerous Revolutionary Symbol – he's basically saying, "She may be a pretty girl in a dress, but she's still going to take down your government."
Props to whoever noticed the Bread + Fire = Peeta + Katniss. That's ten levels of awesome for realizing that – I don't think I would have got that on my own.
Mark, thank you again so much for reading this. Your posts are a true joy. 🙂
Cinna "torched" that plan, huh? Nice. : )
In my dream version of the movie, Tim Gunn IS Cinna. (Pity that he's a wee bit too old.)
oh my god this will be amazing when i get uo to reading that in the book, Plus they need to make the second movie just fro the scene of her dress changing.
Plus Mark I am upset as your reviews of these books has forced me to break my "Buy nothing because I am a poor university student' budget. Shame on you for making me want to read these books.
Go to the library! Put a copy on hold if there isn't one available!
Too late I already bought them now. but then again by the time I bought them i had also spent $30 on comics. It's not Marks fault I lack self control. and I'm not that poor, I'm just trying to start saving money.
I was never really Team Cinna before, I mean I liked him, but he wasn't featured enough to make him my favourite character, but after this chapter?
I got chills reading about that outfit. CINNA IS A GENIUS. <3
OMG this is amazing.
I loled.
You win at life.
And need I say it?
YOU ARE NOT PREPARED.
I wish the reveiws didn't come out right in the middle of my computer science class. I'm supposed to be coding a summative. As is my friend, who reads these over my shoulder.
Mark, Mark, Mark. You think the victors working the viewers up about their impending demise is unplanned? My guess? These are people who have known each other for years, been oppressed and controlled and in some cases whored out by the Capital for years (maybe even surgically altered without their permission. Whose to say Enobaria's teeth were her choice? I remind everyone of the wedding dress and katniss's almost enlarged boobies). They probably went into the interviews after talking to each other a bit about how they are going to make some sort of statement about the unfairness of it all. They probably didn't plan out who would say what exactly (although, maybe they did. I don't know. Wouldn't a giant victor conspiracy be awesome? Katpee wasn't invited because they are young, foolish, and impulsive. It is a total old people club. Oo! Maybe haymitch wanted KP to get close to the other victors because he wanted her to join the old victor conspiracy, but she was all like," no way! I don't want to hang with those losers!" And he was like, "fine, if you are going to be stupid and oblivious, we will have an awesome governmental coup without you.") but they totally build off each other on purpose to have the highest emotional, logical, and ethical appeal. Snow looks heartless and stupid.
In my opinion, this just shows that your assumption that the rebellion is forgotten or abandoned is presumptuous. It isn't obvious or violent, but it is totally there, underneath, seething, in the hearts and minds of the people of the districts, the victors, and now the people of the capital as well! Snow is so screwed. I hope when the games start, Katpee rush to the pile of weapons, turn around, and all the other victors are sitting down for tea and crumpets, looking at them like they are crazy: "What? You thought we would actually fight to the death for the amusement of Snow? Again?! Please girl. Sit down. District 13 is on its way to pick us all up and take us out for celebratory eggrolls. They totally just took over the capital with the help of your angry fans. Pass the butter please." That would be awesome, if somewhat anticlimactic.
Also: I love how Katniss, the girl who is one of the most oblivious 16 year olds ever (which is saying A LOT), is the symbol of the rebellion even though she the least committed person to the rebellion of the main characters that I've seen. Kinda like the mockingjay itself…
"Also: I love how Katniss, the girl who is one of the most oblivious 16 year olds ever (which is saying A LOT), is the symbol of the rebellion even though she the least committed person to the rebellion of the main characters that I've seen. Kinda like the mockingjay itself… "
It kind of makes me think of all the ways people put women as symbols for things (like the French Marianne) – just a pretty face and things taht they represent, not actually anything active, which I feel is kind of degrading because theyre supposed to be this pure thing afterwards. I do hope they wont do anything to Katniss to make her more like this – we do see Snow doing it, and people who want the revolution might try to take her back that way. :/
Thankfully, Katniss wont ever be that passive.
I don't see what's so amazing about this book…. anyway, Cinna is probably the only character I actually like.
This book contains Cinna.