100 Days of Mockingjay - Your THG Story
Molly Wed, August 12, 2015
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Suzanne Collins created The Hunger Games from an idea born of late night channel surfing between real war coverage and reality television. Suzanne, the daughter of a career military man and Vietnam Veteran, has said that she wanted to write an age-appropriate war story for every age group. The Hunger Games is her war story for young adults. The trilogy's themes of poverty, socio-economic disparity, government corruption, propaganda, revolution, redemption, and the consequences of war don't make the trilogy a typical YA light read. But I think that's also why we love it so much.
The Hunger Games means many different things to many different people. For some, the heroine, Katniss Everdeen, is a strong and inspiring female role model, for some she motivates as a survivor of poverty and PTSD. She's complicated, imperfect, damaged and an incredibly compelling lead character.
Some people simply adore the love stories - Peeta and Katniss are the catalysts for countless Everlark fan fics. Everthorne, Odesta, any 'ship you sail in The Hunger Games certainly isn't all hearts and flowers and the romances in the books are tinted with sadness. Not a typical happy ending to be found anywhere in the trilogy, yet we relish them all the same.
In Thailand, citizens have identified with The Hunger Games and used its three finger salute as a symbol to combat injustice. Odds In Our Favor uses the salute along with their #MyHungerGames initiative to highlight economic inequality in the world.
We want to know what The Hunger Games means to YOU. Why do you love it? How has it inspired you? What brought you into this wild, wonderful fandom and how has it changed your life?
This week, share your story. You can write it in the comments below or share on our Facebook page. You can also snap a photo, or create an edit or gifset based on what The Hunger Games means to you and tag us on Instagram, Twitter, or Tumblr. Use the hashtag #MyTHGStory across social media so we can find you, and we'll share as many of YOUR THG stories as we can this week!
This idea was completely inspired by the lovely Everlarked & Always, a blog you definitely should be following on tumblr. Check out the eloquent #MyTHGStory submissions of Everlarked & Always followers here .
Be sure to enter the Your THG Story Giveaway in the widget below! The giveaway is open to international tributes and runs from today, August 12th until Tuesday, August 18th at 8:00pm EST.
Reader Comments (137)
Heyy,
I really want to win the Hunger Games set with the black mockingjay pin and the journal. I dont know if I can enter the giveaway like this, but I hope so!
The Hunger Games means a lot to me, like really a lot. I've got a lot of trouble with school, I'm not gonna tell the whole story cause thats a really long story haha.
But the point is, Katniss inspired me to keep fighting for it. To keep believing in myself. And to never give up, even when people say that I should. But most of all... She inspired me to love myself and the people who care about me.
So I'm gonna keep fichting, keep believing, keep loving and stay strong!!
Xx Viola
Ps: Im a dutch girl, so im not sure I used the right words and all haha
My THG story starts when I first read the books. I was a fan of the series and couldn't wait for the movie to come out. I was excited to hear Jennifer Lawrence was cast because I loved her in Winter's Bone. For The Hunger Games I won tickets to the premiere. I got a flight to LA and headed out there to meet my friend and go to the premiere. I had an AMAZING time! Darren Criss was sitting a few rows in front of us and I got to see Jennifer Lawrence trip on stage in person! I have seen all the rest of the films on opening night and last year did the THG, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay Part 1 marathon which was quite exciting. I am hoping to be able to see Mockingjay Part 2 at the premiere, but either way I'll be seeing it on opening night with all my fellow Tributes.
What does the Hunger Games mean to me? The Hunger Games means a lot of things, fight for the ones you love, freedom is worth fighting for, but to me it is more than that. It is taking a stand for what you believe in. Rosa Parks Reminds me of Katniss, Rosa thought skin color didn't matter so she "rebelled" and said black people are equal. Katniss "rebelled" for the chance to be free!
I LOVE the hunger games because it's different then any other story out there. It's not just another romance novel about vampires and werewolfs, it's a whole world Suzanne Collins brought to life. The games themselves are very interesting and if you think about it, that could be our nation of we don't start standing up for what we believe in.
The hunger games has inspired me to stand up for my rights, fight for my loved ones, and also it has inspired me to try something new. I have bought the replica bows from the movie and I have been taking archery. I wouldn't say I'm "Katniss" yet. I'm probably more on a "Peeta" level.
When I say the first movie on March 28th, 2012 in St. George, I instintly fell in love with the world Suzanne had created. From the hob, to the Capitol it amazed me. I started to read the books and fell even deeper in love!! From the moment Katniss first lit on fire, to the last, she kept on inspiring me to stand up for my free rights!
"Thank you, for your consideration"
-Trey
Coming off of Harry Potter, I was in 8th grade. Something I had obsessed over was coming to an end. I was recommended the hunger games series. The teaser had just been released and I still had no idea what was in this curious book title. What were the hunger games, and who was Katniss. I was immediately hooked. I remember bringing it to a fancy dinner, reading it under the table. I looked around at my lavish surroundings. I felt out of place. My setting and feeling matched Katniss as she entered the oppulence of the Capitol. It was like I was on her journey. I read the book nowhere and everywhere. I cried for Rue while everyone around me was consumed in a brutal football game. I read in horror as Katniss discovered the eyes of the dead tributes while sitting in the car waiting for my mom. The book had the power to draw me away form my environment while simultaneously drawing my attention to the flaws in the world I lived in. It gave me something to escape to and relate to as nightmares and anxiety and depression plagued me through high school. Now I am about to be a senior in high school. I Though my arenas were less treacherous, UI got through them. Katniss reminded me you can survive anything, and that the scars left on your body are signs of strength not weakness.
The Hunger Games means a lot to me because it was the first YA series I ever read - so they were the first characters I ever for attached to. I feel that it is a really strong story with really strong characters that can help people (like me) gain the confidence to stand up for what they think is right
So it's really difficult to put into words what this wonderful series means to me,but I'm going to try ^^.I can honestly say that it did change my life.When I was starting the first book I couldn't help but to feel totally related to Katniss,and one of the reasons why was her relationship with her mother.It's hard for me to talk about it,but my mother has a mental illness,one form of shizophrenia.It started when I was very little so I don't know it any different.I remember trying to sleep at night when I was a little child while she kept talking to someone who wasn't there.However,there are better days and I can clearly see that she cares for me.But still,when I was growing up,it was very hard for me to deal with this situation.I know it was not fair,but I was angry at her although of course it wasn't her fault.So Katniss' feelings for her mother in the first novel were exactly mine.But when she realized in Catching Fire that she couldn't punish her mother for something she couldn't help,I came to the same realization.I try now to be more understanding and helpful to my mother instead to just push her away.Besides,I have a very strong bond with my sister which we formed over the illness of our mother,so I can totally relate to Katniss' and Prims relationship.And no matter how bad I feel,no matter which problems I will have to face in my life,because of the Hunger Games,I know that it "can be good again".
I have a really good connection with The Hunger Games grin emoticon Last year, I had gone on a trip to some place along with my friends and we were resting under a very tall tree. We heard a lot of birds chirping on the top of the tree. I got an idea of whistling the Mockingjay call. I whistled it out loud, hoping that the birds would repeat it. But no, they didn't. But I did not lose hope (After all, hope IS the only thing stronger than fear). I whistled again and it happened. It did! A bird repeated the tune! After that bird, another did, and another, and another! I was so happy and so shocked! It was one of the best events of my life! I felt lucky that that happened to ME!
The Hunger Games means so much to me that I can't begin to describe it haha. I didn't actually think that I'd like it when I first read the blurbs but as soon as I read it I was just like :O For me it means so much bc I can see our society in the books and I think Suzanne has captured that so well. It'd about bravery and fighting for what is right and even though you might not always think that you can do something or want to do something you can surprise yourself by by being a true leader :P
Hi. I was a shy 7th grader who wouldn't read a book to save my life. My mom brought home the hunger games series and I started to read it. I thought that I would hate it but I couldn't put it down! The way Peeta made Katniss have personality when Haymitch said she didn't have personality was super cute. I was emotional when Rue died and when Peeta wasn't the same after the capital took him. The books helped me through the divorce my parents were having and even now when kids make fun of me, a 10th grader, I can always reread the love story of Theme Hunger Games.
I first discovered THG when I heard it was going to turn into a movie. I went to the store & bought the books. When I first started reading my reaction was "Okay this is cool." then when I started reading more I started to love the book. I read the rest of the trilogy & just loved the books so much. The reason why I love the trilogy is because it's not like any other story I have heard of. I love the fact that it shows how one girl can change the world (or panem in this case). Another I adore with this series is that usually the tougher guy (Gale) gets the girl (Katniss). But in this case Peeta who Katniss doesn't really know gets her. I also love how usually the love interest (Peeta) is always safe. But in this case he's not safe in the capitol's hands. I just love that these books are not like the ordinary fairy tales you usually hear. It's reality. These books inspired me to read more books & to stand up for what I believe in, which I am happy that it did because 1. Books ARE AMAZING & 2. I've become a much more stronger person. The fandom has changed my life in MANY ways. One way is that I have met more people & made a lot of friends. Another way is understanding situations in the world today. The THG fandom is astonishing & enormous. I'm glad that I am a part of this fandom.
Another thing I love is that it has changed the WORLD. This story about a 16 year old girl is changing everything. I think that is simply amazing.
~ Carolyn
If it wasn’t for the Hunger Games I never would have gotten into cosplay or rediscovered the community I belong in. I had been feeling quite lost after a medical discharge from the Navy. I felt like in the 10 years I was in I had lost who I was and didn’t know how to define myself. Prior to the Navy there were no fandoms, just kids that liked shows that were weird. That’s who I was and I was very happy with that. The Navy took that away from me and I never felt like I was able to regain it until one day a friend told me about the Hunger Games books. I read the books and was totally blown away. Then someone mentioned to me that the first movie had already come out, so of course I had to watch it. It matched everything I had expected it to be from the books. Catching Fire is what really started to spark my interest in cosplay and led me back to being who I was. I started out with probably one of the hardest costumes to replicate, the beautiful wedding dress Katniss wears. I never knew I had the capability or the creativity to create something so elaborate and beautiful and for once I was really at peace with myself. I felt as if I was blossoming back into my old self, but as someone new as well. I was excited about what I created but hesitant to share it because the internet can be a cruel place. I decided to do it anyways to push my comfort level. I submitted the final product to The Official Hunger Games Halloween costume contest in 2013 and was chosen as one of the 8 winners. I got compliments from everyone any time I wore it. I couldn't walk a few feet at Comic Con without getting my photo taken. I had never felt more at home in my life and really feel like I rediscovered my place in the world but also myself.
I hope this all makes sense and I wish I could attach a photo somehow.
Well where to start, The Hunger Games made a HUGE impact to me by opening my eyes to conflicts that's happening in our world right now and it's amazing of how the whole political themes in the books can reflect to our society. You would wonder that the events in the Hunger Games trilogy won't ever come to life, however in the past decades some of these horrendous acts has happen. These themes and consequences of war are everywhere and it's our job, the millennium to stop this . Furthermore within the years of my Hunger Games phase (that still hasn't gone away lol) I met the two most amazing, funny, relatable, tacky, and most importantly lovable friends throughout this glorious fandom Yadira Jazmine two who truly become my best friends, something that you don't get everyday, my golden trios for life! I can't fathom the amazing moment I've had over the past years, I met some of the cast of Catching Fire with my beloved mother which was a one in a lifetime experience to meet and have them sign my poster something that was amazing, however I still remember skipping school to see them and missing my civics test that day, oops. My journey having being a fan of the Hunger Games change my lifestyle completely, in my high school and middle school years I've been wearing all of my Hunger Games pin on my collar, people come around and make fun of my style. I'm that person who loves to feel different and awesome, I ignored them and their remarks, even then I wore my pins for my Senior Pictures which was AWESOME! I won't ever forget the times I woke up excited for a new trailer and coming home from school to see the new Hunger Games posters and stills, also staying up late to see the cast interviews, the premiere, and the comic con panels! And most importantly I will never ever stop throwing up my fingers up high and do the Three Finger Salute while sing the hanging tree annnnd while people stare at me wierdly lol
My hunger games story starts when I first picked up the first book. I don't like Harry Potter or Twilight so the series was perfect for me. What I really like about the series is that it's main character Katniss is relatable to me in some way.
Hola bueno yo no se hablar ni escribir inglés así que creó que ni me entenderán muy bien, yo conocí The Hunger Games en el 2011 pero recién en el 2012 tuve un acercamiento hacia la saga de tal forma que sentí como si esta maravillosa saga fuera parte de mi y no me equivoque, mucho tiempo paso para que pudiera comprarme los libros, pero por suerte mi mama un día vino con los tres y pude leerlos
Mi vida cambio tanto pero tanto, katniss me enseñó tanto a pesar de que ser el Mocking Hay fuera difícil ella no se rindió y siguió luchando por sus seres queridos, siento que si hubiera sido ella me refiero si hubiera tenido aquella suerte no habría sobrevivido pero ella si, realmente leí los tres libros en menos de dos semanas, dedicaba tanto a terminarlos
Ahora que se acaba la saga de peliculas muchos "fans" por así llamarlos de seguro dejaran la saga y adiós, pero yo no, yo amo demasiado todo lo que este maravilloso libro me ha dado, no quisiera que acabe jamás, quisiera que pudiera durar para siempre porque hay miles de historias por contar muchas aventuras de personas que pasaron por esto, siento que si no fuera por peeta y katniss por primrose, gale, finnick, annie, johanna no sería nadie ahora nadie fuerte porque yo también me siento sinsajo
Gracias ❤
De una Peruana
So the Hunger Games...
Let me start off by saying that The Hunger Games Trilogy is amazing. Great read. Those books are like no other fiction I have ever read. Yes, it's fictional but in a different sense. It seems so real to me, and from what it sounds like, to so many others.
Katniss is the symbol of hope in Panem. Although she doesn't realize it at the beginning, her life is more than what she thinks. She was the hunter that helped provide for her family and her district. To the people of her district she was a sign of life, not just a food provider. In the games it became a literal fight for survival. And with each moment that went by she had to learn something. Her survival, along with Peeta, proved there was hope for the future. An elaborate plan was already in the works, but they needed the final piece to carry it out.
I relate to Katniss, although I'm a guy, in the sense that my life has been a struggle of survival. I grew up literally on the streets at an early age. I was adopted at the age of eight and as great as that seemed, it would change. Without going into too much detail, I suffered through neglect, abuse, severe hunger, and many near death experiences. Just like Katniss, I can say I am lucky to be alive right now. But I determined to make it through amid the tears and turmoil. The stress continued until the day my adoptive parents got rid of me too. That struck home the hardest - the people that chose me got rid of me. Just like Katniss on the Victory Tour, I felt like more damage than good was being done. But I determined to keep going. I refused to be defeated.
That was when I realized I could be a symbol of hope. I realized that so many around me were suffering too with personal things and there were those that had it worse than I ever did, but that made no difference. I had come through a difficult situation and survived. So why couldn't the others survive instead of turning to crime, or drugs, or alcohol like Haymitch to erase the pain and memories only for a few moments? They could and I've decided to help. I'm no Superman and I'm no therapist, but I can say I have been the hope for many. I have helped them get through tough situations.
So to me, the Hunger Games means persevering. Everyone will face tough situations. It's up to that person to persevere or find somebody near them who already has.
It helped me and my other ftiends stand up for one of my friends during a bullying situation - I read the books and saw the films and I stopped them as #TheHungerGames tought me the power of unity and fighting for what I believe is right
I became aware of THG in 2012 when I saw the preview for the first movie. I was so taken by the trailer that I immediately went to the bookstore (luckily in the same Mall) and bought the book. I was half-way through it when I knew I had to get - and read as soon as possible - the other two. I don't know how many times I've read each book and seen each movie (so far) - but I was so drawn to the idea of a strong female character who takes her destiny in her own hands. In August of 2013, as I was awaiting the next movie, a young friend confided she had breast cancer, and I became her patient advocate, taking her to chemo, radiation, etc. In an effort to cheer her up, I told her that as much as I wanted to support her, I'd never shave my head when she lost her hair. She laughed and said, that's cool - but would you get a tattoo with me? And I knew immediately what I'd get in her honor: a mockingjay on my shoulder, to represent another strong, young woman fighting her own battle. We went together to the tattoo parlor, where I got my first tat at the tender age of 66! My friend, by the way, is now cancer free, and while she doesn't have a mockingjay (she got the word 'courage' with a breast cancer ribbon for her tat), my shoulder now reminds me of two beautiful, strong women!
My Hunger Games story started when the first movie came out in theaters. Personally I like books more then movies, but it's because of the movie I started reading THG. Just before the movie came out I saw the book in bookshops but I was like: "Naah, I'll buy it later". That same day I watched the trailer and I was so excited. I ran right to the bookstore to get the last 3 books they had. I can't remember it exactly but I think I didn't sleep long that night. I think I am so thrilled about it because it is such a strong story! Suzanne did an amazing job. Every single character taught me something. Katniss thought me to never give up. Peeta made me believe that words can be really powerful, sometimes more powerful then weapons. Snow and Coin taught me to do every single thing, no matter what, to reach your goal. Because of Effie and Haymitch, I try to do whatever I can, with what I have, to help my friends and other people in need... The movies were/are as good as possible. Gary did an amazing job, I really loved The Hunger Games, but I think Francis did it a bit better. Catching Fire and Mockingjay Part 1 were absolutely stunning! Every book, every movie left me with tears in my eyes. Thanks to every single fangirl and fanboy, fansite, cast-crew member for making the last 3 years the best of my life.
In 2011 I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Dysautonomia, that affects my blood pressure. Every time that I would stand up I would get really lightheaded and almost pass out. Since I could not do anything other than lay on the couch, I got really into reading books, and The Hunger Games became my go to series for when I was having a rough time. I got really connected to the characters because they taught me how to stay strong through the rough patches. I feel like I have a strong connection to the character Peeta because with both share the same passion: baking. I even hope to someday open my own bakery, and have made cupcakes inspired by The Hunger Games. When I am having a really hard time, I can always turn to The Hunger Games and baking!
I first found out about THG when we had to do a project for my school's "English Week", during which we sort of honor the English language. In my class we decided to make a rap about the first Hunger Games movie, and I was among the writers, so I obviously had to watch the movie. That same afternoon I rented the movie and huddled up in my room to watch it. When it was over, I was absolutely baffled, and instantly knew I belonged to a fandom. It may sound weird, but actually, after watching the movie, I sort of fell a connection to this story so strong I just couldn't stop thinking about it.
After watching the movie, I obviously wanted the books, so I told my mom to buy the trilogy for me. She did, and I read the three books in a matter of days. The more I read, the more connected I felt. When I was done reading the trilogy, I knew I was a goner, I knew I practically belonged to THG.
Progressively, I became a hardcore fan. Created fan accounts, bought merchandise, read the books and watched the movies again, etc. In 2013, came the "Victory Tour", with a stop in Miami, just a couple of minutes away from my aunt's house. I couldn't lose this opportunity, so I flew over there and attended the event. There, I got the chance to meet Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Alan Ritchson and Stephanie Leigh Schlund. It was (and still is) one of the happiest days of my life. Also, I sent fan mail to some of the cast and crew members. As of today, I've received replies from Alexander Ludwig, Willow Shields, Suzanne Collins, Francis Lawrence and Sam Claflin.
Nowadays, what can I say? The Hunger Games is a very important part of my life. To me, it represents freedom, it represents fighting for what you deserve. To me, The Hunger Games represents hope, which is the only thing stronger than fear.
My hunger games story start when my cousins see the movie but in that time i was not intrested then i see my parents and brothers see the hunger games: catching fire but again I was not intrested so much then my parents buy the book to my cousins and I read a little beat and now I was a little intrested then I see all the movies except from mockingjay, then I see mockingjay and I loved the story so i starts to buy the books and then read them, and buy some merchandise and now I am writing this whit a mockingjay neackle :), ( im sorry if something is wrong but I speak spanish)
Hi
I fell in love with the hunger games trilogy because i have had this fascination with dystopia. The hunger games was byfar the best dystopia becasue it has everything from love conflict to social trends. This franchise has lead me to finally gettting round to writting my own ideas for books and movies. The first thing that made me realise that i was fanatic about the hunger games was how an idea for another country to the west if panem.
Ever since i read the books and saw the first movie i was obsessed, i wrote about the hunger games first movie for my GCSE English coursework. Than i wrote a review for my school library.
I don't know that my story is really interesting but all i know is that even if I don't win at least i would be able to show my support for the franchise by writting my story and to show how powerful katnisses story is.
My THG story starts with my sister and mom. They had both begun reading The Hunger Games, and I had seen the movie trailer for it. I was curious about it and decided to read it after them.
Boy, was that one of the best decisions I've ever made.
After finishing the first book, I found that I couldn't stop thinking about it. Katniss' bravery and independence was stunning and I'd never read any book with a female heroine as strong as her.
I didn't read a whole lot before THG, but when I started reading that series it kicked me into hyperdrive. I began reading a TON more of YA novels and I currently have quite the collection.
So anyway, I hadn't been able to see THG in theaters since I'd read the book long after. So I was out shopping and, lo and behold, there in a glorious display was The Hunger Games available for my viewing pleasure.
I was about half-way through Catching Fire (the book) after seeing THG. I even got my dad and brother to become a fan of the series (movies only, unfortunately). I started buying memorabilia (the majority of which was on display on two large shelves) and T-shirts. Obsessed is an understatement.
I absolutely loved The Hunger Games and was hesitant when I heard that Catching Fire would be getting a different director.
But then the Catching Fire trailers were released. By this time I had read the entire trilogy multiple times and was attached to the characters greatly. When I saw all the trailers, I was awed by how true to the book they seemed but was still hesitant. Then there was the actual movie release. I saw Catching Fire in IMAX and it was absolutely amazing, beautiful, and stunning. I was amazed at how incredibly true to the book it was and decided from that point on I wanted Francis Lawrence to direct all book to movie adaptions.
I saw CF a second time in a theater in non-IMAX and still loved it. I pre-ordered the blu-ray of CF and waited patiently for Mockingjay news.
My CF blu-ray arrived and stills/posters for Mockingjay began to stream out.
Then came the first trailer.
I was beyond excited and the music was incredible (one thing the franchise never fails at: its trailer music). Then came the second trailer, and then the final trailer. All were beautiful and got me psyched up. Though Mockingjay Part 1 is my least favorite of the movies, I still love it dearly. Then came the long wait for news on the final movie. I was both ready for something to be released and not ready.
The first still was released and the excitement was back. The first teaser trailer for MJ2 was aired and it filled my fandom-loving heart with joy.
Then came the character posters. Most of the major characters had their own posters, donning red Mockingjay face paint. It was beautiful. Epic. Powerful.
And then came a few propos, which were very cool but not trailer-cool. A poster of a very badass Katniss wearing a red Mockingjay suit while sitting in President Snow's throne was released. I absolutely adore that poster.
And then came the official trailer.
I forget how many times I watched it, but it is definitely my favorite trailer of all the films (coming second would have to be the final CF trailer).
And now here I am, awaiting eagerly and not so eagerly the finale of a beloved franchise. I desperately want to see the last film, but a part of me doesn't want to because I knows that it's the end.
I love The Hunger Games series and always will. I look forward to MJP2 and cannot wait to see Katniss return.
Hello, My name is Brandon Porter, I work at a movie theater in Orlando fl and I am a proud hunger games fan. Here is my HG story:
My hunger games story begins in 2011. Around August, I saw the official poster and the teaser trailer for the first movie while working at my job at the movie theater. It didn't really catch my attention at first, but as promotion started kicking into high near the end of the year, I got the sense that this was something seriously special. After I saw the official trailer on GMA in November of 2011, I found myself drawn into getting into this story. I finally went and read the first book later that month and it was one of the best books I've ever read. When I saw the movie the next year, I was pleased with how it turned out and how the creators showed such respect for the source material. I am proud to say I have been a fan ever sense. Who would have thought that the decision to read this book series would change my life in such a way. I've read all three novels, have all the mockingjay pins (except the one for the fourth film), movie posters, and the first three movies on Blu Ray. I am proud to be part of this fandom and I consider the HG film franchise to be in the same boat as Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and Harry Potter as one of the greatest film franchises of all time. Can't wait to close the current on this era of brilliant films this November. #YourTHGStory #100DaysofMJ
(I also participated in the everlarkedalways My THG Story, but I decided to focus more on what the series means to me here than how I actually got into it, so…)
Since really getting into the THG story and also the fandom, I've spent a good bit of time contemplating why I love the story so much, and particularly why I like Katniss so much as a character. We don't have very similar upbringings, really, but there are things she and I do have in common, albeit from different circumstances. For example, we've both lost our fathers. I actually didn't lose mine until 2013, almost two years after I first read the series, and it still took me until November 2014 to really start obsessing over the story. We also share a favorite color. :) I have a soft spot for romance, particularly that that isn't easy, which kind of defines the romance aspect of THG. I also love the messages the books have in them about society and war and the way Panem is governed and the problems that are caused by that, and also the emphasis that's placed on compassion and just being good to the rest of humanity, and also showing what can happen with the people who lose sight of those things. I'm a big fan of social justice, believing that everyone should have a fair shot at upward mobility within their society, that all the wealth shouldn't be concentrated at the top, and so on. So the things in the story that emphasize those issues are things I really appreciate reading about, and I love seeing them in a YA series, especially since people of all ages read them, not just teens and young adults.