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Oh Hunger Games, you had me…until the very end.

Let me back up a bit. I tend to be really nitpicky when it comes to books-turned-movies. So before I saw The Hunger Games in theaters, I mentally prepared myself for all the changes that were likely to be made.

And of course, there were plenty of changes. Such as: the mockingjay pin was given to Katniss by her sister, Prim, rather than the mayor’s daughter, Madge, Katniss’ nails weren’t painted, Peeta’s leg wasn’t amputated, and so on. I was willing to overlook all of these little things because I really enjoyed the enhancements that were made to the film.

The book is told from the point of view of Katniss, but the film gives you a well-rounded look at the Games. You get to see President Snow and Seneca Crane talking, Haymitch convincing sponsors, Ceasar Flickman narrating the Games, and my favorite part, a behind the scenes look at how the Games are produced. I thought these additions were a brilliant idea to give the viewers insight into what is going on outside of the arena, while also making it easier to follow for those that were seeing the movie without reading the book.

My biggest issue with the movie came at the very end. Katniss’s affection for Peeta in the arena was mainly for show, and a way for them to get sponsors and ultimately stay alive. In the book, as they are on the train back to District 12, Peeta, who genuinely cares for Katniss, learns of this deception and betrayal. This was such a crucial part of the book and part of the reason why I quickly started reading Catching Fire. It would have made for an amazing finish to the movie as well, instead of the anti-climactic ending that we got.

As with all the other books-turned movies, The Hunger Games movie did not live up to the book. I liked seeing the Capitol, the ridiculous outfits that everyone wore, and the Games/arena itself. I just wish they had spent a bit more time developing Peeta and Katniss’s relationship as it is central to the trilogy, especially in Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

What did you think of the movie?