Rachel’s Comments (group member since Mar 27, 2012)

Rachel’s comments from the Hunger Games Trilogy group.

Peeta.

Thrilling

The new characters, the Arena, the revelation about District 13, and...Peeta and Katniss' makeout on the beach! :D

The trailer is FANTASTIC! I love that they stayed with the structure that worked so well with the teaser trailer for The Hunger Games--not showing any scenes in the Arena or after. Now we can eagerly anticipate the next trailer where we will get a glimpse of Finnick and Joanna, the Arena...and hopefully the makeout session on the beach. :D

I actually think all three are exceptionally written. I think how fresh and intense The Hunger Games feels when you read it, and the intricacy of establishing the world of Panem, all the characters (especially the leads), and the plotting make it the best. But only by a smidge, because there is something perfect about how Suzanne Collins upped the action in the Arena for Catching Fire--so sadistic and yet cool at the same time--while also introducing new characters who became beloved and keeping the overall plot of bringing down the Capitol moving ahead. Mockingjay wraps everything up well and manages quite a few plot surprises, which is no small feat in a trilogy.

Wright is an amazing actor, so I'm thrilled.

^Yep, I heard that news. That's cool with me. I still would have preferred someone new but NOT the other girl they were auditioning. She looks WAY too exotic to play Johanna. And too young. I think Jena has a lot of talent so this could be great.

Alexis wrote: "Milan~The Gummy Bear Princess!!!!~ wrote: "How old did you guys picture her?? I pictured late teens or early 20's :P"

Me too!"

I'd have to go back to the books to see exactly which Games Johanna won to know how old she'd be in Catching Fire but since we know she won by convincing the other Tributes that she was this young frightened girl, I always pictured her as someone older--maybe mid-20s in Catching Fire--but who looked a lot younger and used that to her advantage.

None of the actresses we've mentioned so far here seem EXACTLY perfect to me--though Bell or Glau would be fine--so I still say someone new could be the best choice.

^I don't know...I LOVE Firefly, so Summer will always be River Tam to me. I wouldn't mind if she played Joanna, but I guess I just never saw Johanna as exotic-looking at all--just a brunette with brown eyes. I REALLY think someone new would be a good idea.

I LOVE this character too! Neither Naya nor Kristen seem perfect for Johanna to me. Naya to me is just...wrong somehow. She has a lot of attitude as Santana, but I think Johanna has deeper things going on that I don't know if Naya can really do. And I do wish they'd cast a natural brunette, so that leaves Kristen out (though if they do cast her, I wouldn't mind much).

I would love to see someone new play Johanna. Someone who's maybe done only TV show episodes or something. They could really discover someone and give them a career with this role. That would be cool. (Maybe me? Yeah, I wish!)

From the first book, Rue. From the second, Johanna!

Sarah wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Peeta FOR SURE! From the second I read Katniss remembering him giving her the bread and then Peeta's confession during his interview, I wanted her to choose him and never wavered. I ..."

Joanna wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Peeta FOR SURE! From the second I read Katniss remembering him giving her the bread and then Peeta's confession during his interview, I wanted her to choose him and never wavered. I ..."

Thank you both! I'm glad you two appreciated the way I framed my opinion and agreed with it. And it's true--Gale is a great and necessary character but the blending of Katniss and Peeta into a relationship is so much more positive and upbeat than Katniss and Gale would have been. It's that balance, like you said Sarah!

I think Josh was perfectly cast. He really has the charm and good guy-feel that Peeta needs to have, plus he has a lot of talent. And he's quite good-looking. As for the height thing, I don't mind it--I actually think Jennifer is a bit too tall to play Katniss instead of him being too short. (Hollywood needs to be a little more aware of casting actresses who are taller than their leading men--women are supposed to be shorter than men!--but that's a separate issue!) But no one can help their height and it wasn't that noticable in the film. Plus, when he can throw a 100-pound weight across the room, who cares? :)

Peeta FOR SURE! From the second I read Katniss remembering him giving her the bread and then Peeta's confession during his interview, I wanted her to choose him and never wavered. I like Gale but I think Suzanne gave Katniss a lot of maturity at the end of the trilogy when she showed that Katniss knew herself well enough to know that Peeta was who she needed. As for on screen, I actually think Josh Hutcherson was wonderful as Peeta, charming and a positive presence.

Hi! I can't believe I only just now thought to search for a GoodReads group on The Hunger Games--I read the books a long time ago! Of course, I devoured them--the writing is so wonderful. Can't wait to get into all the discussions here soon!