Thank You For The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

Today we've got a guest post from Tracee Orman, one of the first people I followed when I joined The Hunger Games fandom, who also happens to be a teacher using THG in her classroom (lucky students). Since we're honoring the books this week, I couldn't think of a better person to write an ode to the woman who started it all, Suzanne Collins.  

I want to take a moment to thank Suzanne Collins for writing The Hunger Games trilogy.  I’m not sure my words here will be able to express the amount of gratitude I feel for what reading her books have done for myself, for my students, and for the thousands of students who read them each year, but I will try.

The first time I had heard of Suzanne Collins' novel The Hunger Games was in September of 2008. Stephen King wrote a review of it in Entertainment Weekly, which immediately caught my attention since I both respect King's opinion and thought it was interesting he was reviewing young adult lit. So I ordered the book on Amazon based on his review and it sat on my nightstand for nearly a year collecting dust with other books I wanted to read but never had the time. 

Of course, I’ve been kicking myself for not reading it sooner ever since.

Suzanne Collins helped me renew my love for teaching during a time where I didn’t think I would last in the profession another year. In 2009 I had a difficult group of students–mostly boys–in a remedial freshmen English class. I had lost all hope of ever finding any material they would even attempt to read. All my old stand-byes had been exhausted.

But then I remembered the book on my nightstand. Since my students were mostly into hunting, I thought perhaps I could at least read a little more about that world since it was foreign to me. Honestly, the description of The Hunger Games didn’t appeal to me at all.  But by the time I read the first few pages, I started to care about this sad futuristic world that was a result of our present-day abuse of the planet and of each other.

Collins drew me into the story because I was truly interested in how our actions today will affect future generations. But when I shared the novel with my students, I learned that her story-telling is so much deeper, richer than I had realized.

While I was initially interested in the world of Panem, some students were immediately drawn to Katniss and her survival skills. Some were enthralled with the concept of the Games, and some wanted to know everything there was to know about the Capitol and all its modern conveniences and gadgets. And many girls loved the idea of two good-looking boys vying for Katniss’s attention. There is literally something included in the novel to appeal to practically everyone. Nature-lovers, hunters, miners, gear-heads, techies, fashionistas, make-up and tattoo artists...everyone.

And it isn’t just the content of Collins’ novels that appeals to all readers. It is the way she tells the story. Her style of writing has a way of drawing the reader in using humor and suspense while keeping the reader engrossed with sarcastic dialogue and heart-wrenching moments. (Seriously heart-wrenching moments.)

At a time when I thought it could be my last year teaching, teaching Collins’ novels gave me hope for the future of my students and for my career as a teacher. The first time I shared The Hunger Games with students who absolutely hated to read (and vowed they wouldn’t read anything I assigned), I watched them transform into students who couldn’t wait to read the next chapter. It wasn’t a slow transformation, either. By the second day of reading in class, they fell in love with the story as I had. And I looked forward to class as much as they did. Teaching was no longer a chore or something I dreaded and wanted to stop doing. It was a passion again. For that, and so much more, thank you, Ms. Collins.

 

 

Tracee Orman

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Sit In On A College Class About 'The Hunger Games'

Think about anything else that day? Fat chance.

I’d been waiting for this for over six months.

Before I left college for summer, I enrolled in a Young Adult Literature class for the fall semester. The title is all I needed to hook me. What made it better? The book list we were required to read.

Number four on that list? The Hunger Games.

The day of class arrived. Barely keeping calm, I poked my Mockingjay earrings into my ears. I braided my hair (well, the best braid I can manage with hair that is as thin as tissue paper and only shoulder-length). I grabbed my bag, making sure a notebook and functioning pen came with me.

When I made my way to campus, I passed a few people. I caught them looking at me a second longer than they probably should have. “Who invited Katniss Everdeen?” The question reflected in their eyes; pride reflected in mine.

I was the first to get to class. I carefully placed my supplies on my desk, waiting for the company of my best friend, who turned me on to the novels in the first place. Soon, she was seated beside me half-shaking her head at my eagerness, half-fangirling over it. As others began to file in, I could not keep the smile off my face. A few who knew me better than the others asked me, “You’ve been waiting for this, haven’t you?” Ha, waiting. More like living for it. 

My professor made his way to the front of the class, cranking up the computer and old, semi-haunted projector. Finally, it was time to kick this into high gear.

“So,” my professor began. “The Hunger Games.” He paused. “Thumbs-up, thumbs-down? So-so?”

Every thumb in the room shot up to the ceiling. Soon, a three-finger salute went up and a Mockingjay whistle broke the silence from behind me.

This was going to be great.

We began with our professor giving us general information he had researched about the series. Soon, we broke off into groups, with a list of discussion topics we'd formulated as a class. Later, we came together as a whole and went over the discussion topics even deeper.

I never volunteered (ooh, puns!) so much in a class. Throughout the class, I was able to provide my professor and classmates with additional information about the events in the book series, Suzanne Collins, her inspiration for the novels, the movie franchise, and even the theme park. (Yep, that’s still a thing.)

Those two and a half hours were some of the best ones I spent at college. I could feel how much I belonged in that room, with those people. The love I had for this series only burned brighter upon my exit.

Since you couldn't be there with me, I'm sharing the notes I took in the class. First is the general information my professor brought to our attention. Second are the discussion topics that took up the meat of the class. What would you want to talk about in a class session completely dedicated to The Hunger Games? Sound off in the comments.

Click to read more ...

'Mockingjay Part 2' and Cast Featured on Entertainment Tonight

Entertainment Tonight aired a little featurette on Mockingjay Part 2 and cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth last night. Check it out:

Seeing the old clips makes me a little nostalgic. I can't believe it's the beginning of the end! 

How To Save A (Tribute's) Life: Francesca's Hunger Games Story

Can The Hunger Games save your life? Francesca-Maria certainly thinks so. We were so inspired by her #MyTHGStory a few weeks back, and the tattoos she got to symbolize her journey, that we wanted to share it with all of you.

 

Hello, my name is Francesca, I'm 19. Today I would like to share my Story with you Tributes and tell you how The Hunger Games saved my life. It must sound crazy, I know that. How can a book series and a movie can save somebodies life? But that is what happened.

I want to take you on a little time travel trip back to 2010 early summer. I got diagnosed with an eating disorder. I was starving myself to death and was admitted to our local hospital. One day, my Mom (visiting me) asked me if there is anything she could get me, anything I need or want, and I told her, "Please get me a book." I needed something to do, and she said okay. She asked if there was a certain book I wanted, but I said "No. Just something you think is good. I don't care." 

The book that she brought me happened to be The Hunger Games. When I saw the name on the book, I didn’t want to read it because I figured it was a story about someone also who was struggling with the same problem that I was. I didn’t need to read anything about that. But my Mom said, "Go ahead and read it anyway. You will see that it is not about what you are dealing with."  (She had already read it).

So I started reading and got so engrossed in the story that I couldn’t put the book down. After I had finished all three of the books, I started thinking about Katniss and how she had to fight for her life and the lives of her family. I started thinking that my life with this disorder was like the book. That the disorder was the Capitol and I was Katniss, and I had to fight for my life. Also, the movies were a big help. When the first movie came out, I asked my Mom to take me. She did agree only on one condition that I would eat some popcorn, something I hadn’t eaten in over two years. I wanted to see the movie so badly that I agreed with her. 

So it went on, year after year I fought, I watched the movies re-read the books for inspiration each time I felt bad and thought 'I’m not worth it.'

 

I also got the best role model a girl could ever imagine. I am so, so, so thankful for what our amazing Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss did for me although she doesn’t even know me. She is also a major reason that I am where I am at in my life today and maybe one day I will be able to tell her that in person. 

Now after five years since the diagnosis and treatment of my disorder I can proudly say that I’m back & living my life again.

Suzanne Collins, you are my hero, you wrote the books that saved my life, and Francis Lawrence you made them real for me. There is no way to describe fully what The Hunger Games means to me. It is a huge part of my life and always will be!

Thanks also to The Hunger Games fandom, without you guys I wouldn’t have made it either. You are amazing and like family to me! I want every little boy and girl out there to know that you are perfect as you are and being different than the rest does not mean that you're not worth the same. Be proud of yourself no matter what, you are perfect and awesome just the way you are, and something or somebody will come along to light up your day and be your silver lining. For me, it happened to be a book series and an amazing and talented actress as well as my family and friends.

Just remember as Effie would say, "CHINS UP, SMILES ON!"

I love you ♥  

Say hello to Francesca on twitter @JoultLover.

This week in our 100 Days of Mockingjay celebration we're talking about Hunger Games cosplay, tattoos, make-up, hair and nail art. Find out how you can participate on social media and enter our giveaway for a Katniss cowl and black Mockingjay pin HERE.  

DIY Mockingjay Pin Hanging Chandelier

The finished product

We’re three weeks into our "100 Days of Mockingjay" Countdown to Mockingjay: Part 2, and this week is all about Hunger Games parties and celebrations. If you’re planning a HG-themed bash and don’t know where to start, have no fear – you know PP has you covered! Here's an awesome how-to by our friend and follower, Stefan, for a beautiful Mockingjay Chandelier that can serve as the centerpiece for a Hunger Games gathering that even Effie would be proud to attend! 

DIY Mockingjay Pin Hanging Chandelier

By: Stefan Marin

So you want to throw a Hunger Games party, but need some ideas? Well here is one that will blow away your guests! As the Mockingjay is one of the most important symbols of the Hunger Games (well, arguably the most important), why not make it the centerpiece of your next party? You can find most of the items you'll need for this project at stores like Wal-Mart or Target. You can also acquire them from art stores such as Jo-Ann’s and Michael’s (Which usually have great coupons!). 

Here’s what you’re going to need:

1x Large Foam Graphic Board

2x Styrofoam Pool Noodles

1x Exacto Knife or Box Cutter

2x Cans Metallic Gold Spray Paint (such as Krylon or Rust-OLeum)

1x Roll of White (or Color of Your Choice) Cloth, Ribbon or String

1x Hot Glue Gun w/ Glue Sticks

1x Roll of Duct Tape

1x Pencil w/Eraser

The Steps: 

1) The first step might be the hardest, but it’s definitely where you want to start. First, take your two pool noodles (one is fine too if you want it a little smaller) and hot glue the ends together to make one large circle. There are plenty of ways to help it stick, like putting a wooden dowel rod into the hole, but I’ve found it just as easy to use hot glue and duct tape! This will be your foundation for the ring of the Mockingjay pin.

2) Take the large foam board out. You’ll outline the Mockingjay for the pin on the foam board in pencil. I'm including a few different mockingjay outlines that you can enlarge and use as your template, but you could also draw your own. Remember, the Mockingjay is going to get spray painted, so you don’t have to worry too much about erasing your marks.

3) After you have made the outline of your giant Mockingjay, take the Exacto Knife or Box Cutter and carefully cut out the outline of it. 

4) Next, hot glue your Mockingjay cut out to the ring that you made from your foam noodles. Let dry.

5) After it is nice and dry, you’re going to want to glitz and glam it up! Take it outside and spray it with your gold spray paint. Make sure you get it front and back and everywhere in between! You will need a few coats with drying time in-between.

6) You’re almost done! Take your cloth, ribbon or string and tie it around each side of the pool noodle. Make sure that it is balanced so that when it hangs it isn’t lopsided. You could also hang it with one string from the top of the ring - just be careful where you joined the pool noodles together. 

7) You’re done! All you need to do now is hang it up. I hung it using the ceiling tiles but you could also use 3M Command hooks on the ceiling to hang this. The finished product should look something like this!

 

Some other things that you could add to your finished product would be red and yellow tissue paper to make it seem as if it’s on fire! Though we don’t suggest you actually light it on fire (we’ll leave the realistic flames to Cinna). You could add glitter, use a different paint color, the possibilities are endless.

Whatever celebration you’re planning on having, whether it’s a huge HG themed birthday bash or an intimate viewing party, this huge Mockingjay will make the perfect centerpiece. Plus, your friends will be amazed at your creative abilities, because there’s no need to tell them how easy it was! ;)

If you feel up to the challenge of making your own Mockingjay Chandelier, we’d love to see how you bring it to life! Share your pics on social media using #MockinjayChandelier and be sure to let us know if you think of any cool additions or adjustments to the steps!

Also, don’t forget to enter this week’s giveaway through the widget here. The giveaway ends tomorrow at 8pmEST.

 

You can follow Stefan on Twitter @Alexandermarin9 and on Instagram @Stefanarchuleta.

How To Throw A Hunger Games Party

You know you have reached the next level of "obsession" when you want to throw a theme party celebrating the release of the DVD in your favorite movie franchise. My friends and family long ago accepted my tendency to obsess, and they just go with the flow. Fortunately for me most of my friends and family are equally obsessed with The Hunger Games and were super excited to attend my DVD release parties for Catching Fire and Mockingjay Part 1.

I started planning the parties as soon as I found out the release date for each DVD. You could get as creative as you want to with this type of party. Honestly, the possibilities are endless. I have seen some awesome Hunger Games birthday invitations that could easily be converted into regular party invitations if you want to go the traditional route. To start, I created an event page on Facebook where I was able to keep a tally on the number of guests and keep them informed.

 

The next thing I started working on was decorations. I gathered everything I owned related to The Hunger Games (books, posters, dolls, magazines) and put them in one place. Then, I looked for different ways to display these items in a decorative manner throughout the party space. I also began to search Pinterest for ideas. I found a ton of free printables and lots of creative ideas. (Check out our Hunger Games party board here for tons of printables, including the ones in this story) I purchased inexpensive tablecloths, streamers and tissue paper in fire colors to create decor. I lucked out and found a cardboard Peeta on clearance at a local record shop, so I snagged him. Ebay and Amazon are great for decorations if your budget allows.

I did my Catching Fire party myself, so I didn't get very creative with food. It was just typical party fare. Before my Mockingjay Part 1 party I got my hands on "The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook." My best friend took over the food part and made lots of recipes from the cookbook and labeled every food item we had with a coordinating Hunger Games tag. She even made the bread that Peeta tossed to Katniss in the rain! This is another area where you can go as big or as small as you want. You could just do chips, popcorn, and drinks if you want, or have a desserts-only party featuring a Mockingjay cake.





After having one successful party under my belt, I started to think big for my Mockingjay Part 1 DVD release party. Any time I found any Hunger Games related merchandise on sale I got it and saved it for the party. I had my guests put their names in a bowl, and we did a "reaping" where I gave away prizes. We also rented a screen and projector to really give it the "theater" feel. If you wanted to, you could do a trivia game (ther are several on our Pinterest party board) or play one of the Hunger Games board games (The Hunger Games: Training Days Strategy Game and The Hunger Games District 12 Strategy Game are both on Amazon) This was such a fun party, and all of my guests seemed to genuinely have a great time. I am already working on ideas for the next one!

You can find Amber on twitter @AmberHRailey.
 

Don’t forget to enter this week’s #ParTHG giveaway in our #100DaysofMJ celebration through the widget here, and stay tuned as our countdown to Mockingjay Part 2 continues with more fun themes and prizes!

New Interview With Liam Hemsworth From Film Ink Magazine

Film Ink recently posted a new interview with Liam Hemsworth where he talks about the end of The Hunger Games franchise, training for the films and Gale's larger role in the final 2 films. 

You were involved a lot more in the last two Hunger Games movies…

“Yeah, a lot more. There’s a lot of action in these films. The most fun is when we have scenes where we’re all in the same room with Woody and Jennifer, Josh and Jeffrey Wright. There were a couple of different scenes throughout these last two films which were hard to get through because we’re all like little kids. It’s tough to get through takes sometimes.”

Who behaves the most like a little kid?
“Woody! Woody is like a little kid at all times, especially if he doesn’t have lines in a scene and the rest of you do have lines. He’ll just go all day long. He’s quite hard to work with sometimes.”

You shot both the movies back to back…

“It made the shoot a lot longer.”

Do you get on each other’s nerves working together for so long?

“No, we’re pretty lucky. You’d hate to do something for this long with people that you didn’t get along with. We’ve been together for years now, and we’re all really good friends. It makes those long days a lot easier when you enjoy being around them.”

How did you feel about the sad death of Philip Seymour Hoffman?
“Yeah, it’s very sad obviously…it was extremely sad. He was a good friend of everyone, a great actor, and a great person. It was really upsetting and very shocking.”

Gale has a much bigger role in this movie. Did you have to go, physically and emotionally, to places that you hadn’t been before?

“Yeah, physically a lot, and emotionally as well. Gale has been held back from doing anything in all these stories, and now all of a sudden he’s in a position where he’s able to fight back. He’s ready to go to war; he’s willing to do anything to take down The Capitol. I got injured so many times on these films just from doing stunts all day long. I like to do my own stunts, as much as they’ll allow me to do it. But it gets repetitive, and you get beaten up through the process. I do a lot of physical activity outside of work when I’m doing something like this. I train with all the stunt guys, and do various different sports: boxing, kick-boxing, running, sprinting and lifting things…”

Were there any new skills that you picked up from that training?

“Yeah, we did a lot of kick-boxing training beforehand with guys who have been doing kick-boxing for most of their lives. You learn a lot doing stuff like this with guys who really know what they’re doing.”

What will you miss the most about filming The Hunger Games?
“I’ll miss the relationships that we’ve all built, from the cast to the crew. The crew’s been the same since the beginning, and there are so many people that I’m really close friends with now. Towards the end of shooting, me and Jennifer would sit there and get quite emotional about the fact that it was coming to an end, and the fact that we wouldn’t be spending as much time with all these people. That’s what we’ll all miss the most.” 

Read the rest of the article, including what Liam misses most about Australia at FilmInk.com. 

100 Days of Mockingjay Week 3 - #ParTHG - The Hunger Games Parties & Celebrations

"The presidential palace, the party of the year. Eyes bright, chins up, smiles on! I'm talking to you, Katniss."

gif by mockingjaysourceIt's Week 3 of our 100 Days of Mockingjay celebration (what the heck is that? Go here.) and this week we're talking about Hunger Games parties. "Hunger Games parties?" you say, "Isn't that a little antithetical to the entire message of The Hunger Games trilogy? Isn't that just a little too Capitol, Panem Propaganda?" To this we say: 

gif by gifthgNot only are parties just plain fun, but they’re also a great excuse to get your loved ones together to celebrate something you love - The Hunger Games. They break up the monotony of the everyday, and they give you a chance to express gratitude and caring towards those around you. So PARTY ON! 

This week we’re focusing on Hunger Games celebrations of all kinds: your fan created parties, cakes, decor, weddings, etc. We’ll also be looking at celebrations within The Hunger Games books and movies and some of the crazy bashes Lionsgate has thrown for the franchise. 

This week (Aug 26 - Sep 1st) share your Hunger Games party, food, decor, etc. photos on social media with the hashtag #ParTHG. We’ll be pinning them to our Hunger Games party board on Pinterest.

Another week, another giveaway! This week we’re going to get you started on your own Hunger Games party with a set of 4 drinking glasses by PanemPropaganda (that’s US!) plus a black Mockingjay pin to wear. You’re the host; you need to look the part.

The giveaway is a RANDOM DRAWING and is, we're sorry to say, US only this time around due to weight restrictions. You must enter through the widget below to qualify. Sharing on social media isn't required to win or part of the giveaway selection - it's just for fun!

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