The Book

The book was quite wrenching to read, as Suzanne Collins really brought out how cruel the games are. Katniss obviously had to make it, but I really liked Rue, and I was very sad when she died. I was quite torn about Peeta throughout the book, as at first he seems to be a good guy, then he seems to be just using Katniss to gain popularity, and then it turns out he was bluffing and is actually a good guy.

The Book And The Film

I think one of my favorite things overall had to be the characters. I can't really explain why, but for some reason I just really, really liked some of the characters. When I finished the book I had two favorite characters, Katniss and Rue, but when I saw the film, that expanded to four. I had fairly neutral feelings about Peeta and Cinna in the book, but Josh Hutcherson and Lenny Kravitz played their parts so well I couldn't not love them.

I guess what did it for me was how well acted the whole thing was and how moving some of the parts were. The scene where Katniss volunteers as a tribute was very powerful, and when she stands up on the stage along with Peeta, they both really look like they've just received a death sentence.

Right before the games started also had to be one of my favorite parts of the film - Cinna giving Katniss the mockingjay pin, telling her he'd bet on her if he could, and hugging goodbye... I dunno, it was great. And the look Peeta gave Katniss when he saw her looking at the bow during the countdown.

Aand finally, Rue's death. I wondered how well the film would be able to pull it off, and it was actually better than the book. Again, very moving.

I think I'm done ranting about this now.