Super duper important – this post covers Mockingjay chapters 1-5. Erin and I are going to read it in chunks and discuss here on the blog over the next couple of days. There WILL BE SPOILERS for that part of the book, but there will be no discussion of anything past chapter five. And if you’re going to comment, don’t comment on anything from chapter six on under this post; save it for the next post, due sometime at the end of the day today.
For now, Erin and I are going to revisit our Peeta v. Gale debate while also reacting to everything else in Mockingjay in real time. This is a first for me, btw – all of my other YA books have been experienced purely through audio book. But I don’t like the lady who narrates the Hunger Games trilogy on iTunes any more than everyone else likes Suzanne Collins’ voice when she does readings, apparently, so I guess I’ll just go read it out loud to myself.
Anyway, I’m going to read now, my initial thoughts on chapters 1-5 will be after the jump. Don’t read that until you’re caught up! I hope chapter one is all about Cinna making out with Peeta…
AGAIN – EVERYTHING FROM HERE ON OUT IS FULL OF SPOILERS FROM CHAPTERS 1-5. IF YOU HAVEN’T FINISHED CHAPTER 5 YET, STOP READING THIS AND READ MOCKINGJAY INSTEAD.
Okay, so putting the book down to write for a couple of minutes is kind of tough. But five chapters in, Mockingjay is definitely off to a great start!
Here’s what we know:
District 13 fucking sucks! That’s a fun development. I’ve been rooting for revolution all along (which is a large part of why I’m so pro-Gale), but seeing that the people that stand to gain power in the post-revolution world are just as shitty as President Snow’s people is nice. I would like a dystopian novel that at least offered hope at getting to a regular topian world somehow, though.
If Snow is sending evil flowers and the rebels are making prep teams hang out in cells with drains over a couple of slices of bread, who the heck are we able to actually root for? Makes me wish Katniss and Gale had just run off into the woods back in the first book.
Cinna may be dead, but Buttercup is alive! I’m still thinking Cinna’s actually fine, though. The line about how he’s “believed” to be dead is too open ended. Yes, he was able to design her Mockingjay outfit before the Quarter Quell even got going, but he’s more than a designer. Until I see a well-tailored suit on a dead body, I’m holding out hope that he’ll be back.
As for Buttercup… that is one tough kitty. 18:00 – Cat Adoration. Awesome. I hope something comes from his open window later that’s more significant than just Katniss hearing something out of the window and then blah, blah, blah. We’ll see.
Most importantly, let’s tally up the score in
Peeta Vs. Gale!
Peeta is great with words. That’s really nice. Unfortunately, he’s retarded with thoughts, and that makes his words come out all wrong. Maybe he’s just trying to save Katniss, but no matter how hopeless the world may be, spouting out President Snow’s propaganda in the hopes that Katniss will survive is just annoying.
Peeta = +1 for oratory skills, -1 for spouting some bullshit
Of course, that’s just Katniss and Gale theorizing about his speech, but still. Gale, on the other hand, saved pretty much every character that mattered from District 12 by being the only person in the District to know about the swimming hole that lets you be invincible from fire bombing. Pretty badass. Too bad Peeta’s family doesn’t matter…
I also like that Gale is someone Katniss can tell secrets to. That’s telling. And when they hunt they’re two parts of one being. No words are necessary between them at all, meanwhile Peeta is able to lobby for a ceasefire using only words.
But. Asking Katniss about why she cares about her prep team reveals Gale’s one real weakness. While Peeta sucks because he’s blinded to the misery in the world since all he cares about is Katniss, Gale is too focused on that one small goal of overthrowing the authorities. I’m not saying he needs to keep Katniss on a pedestal above the rest of Panem the way Peeta keeps doing (because, yuck), but that level of not understanding what it would have been like to actually go through something as harrowing as the games is kind of shocking.
Gale = +2 for saving District 12 people, +1 for being a safe place for secrets, +1 for being able to hunt in silence. – 2 for not understanding that seeing people who’ve cared for you held in chains in a giant toilet might be upsetting to you.
Gale’s still in the lead 2-0 for now, but there’s room for change as we hear from Peeta directly.
But Katniss is still being used like a Calvin Klein model or something, and Prim is still the awesomest thing in the book. I’m sleeping for a few hours before going back into it in the morning, but I look forward to comments ABOUT CHAPTERS 1-5 ONLY, and I’m anxious to see how Erin takes Peeta’s interview and finds some justification for his shitty behavior. I’m also anxious to see more of what Haymitch has to say…
I should wake you up more often, little duck,
Henri
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I LOVE that you’re doing this, because I read the book alone and something tells me discussing – aloud – with myself isn’t going to be as satisfying.
At first, I was kind of disappointed to find 13 such a depressing place, but then I remembered – this is dystopia. We can’t have happy and shiny until the very end, if at all.
I cried my eyes out at the end of mockingjay when Buttercup and Katniss cry together over Prim dieing. I kind of hate Gale right now!!!!!
“Peeta is great with words. That’s really nice. Unfortunately, he’s retarded with thoughts.”
Exactly. While I’ve never been a fan of Peeta (he’s a bit whiny for my taste), I really hope that his tunnel vision doesn’t end up making him a bad guy. Also, Cinna could do better (and he better be alive!).
I agree with you that Katniss and Gale’s relationship is the strongest that we’ve seen so far in the trilogy, I think he’s been officially regulated to the friend zone. On one hand, I hope that I’m wrong, but on the other hand, Katniss really needs a friend who has her best interest in mind in a not obsessive way (ahem, Peeta), and Gale seems to be that friend.
I lol’d so much at line… even though it’s not true. Peeta’s thoughts are much nicer than Gale’s. And he doesn’t have to resort to being a moody prick! Unlike SOME.
I too found it interesting that District 13 wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a bit disappointing but adds much more to the story.
I loved the Prim/Katniss interaction. I was nice to see Prim with a strong voice.
WORD. I’m so glad to see that Prim is coming into her own.
i think prim probably could have been awesome earlier if katniss gave her more of a chance. it’s also nice to see katniss starting to reach out a little more instead of living in her own v twisted head, and seeing more of what’s really going on.
i can’t believe i’m saying this… but… yeah, prim is kind of rocking it in district 13. i think y’all are right in that she just needed katniss to let her grow up a little bit. big sisters can be so LAME sometimes!
YAY, I’m so glad I have all these posts to read and comment on after the devastating experience of finishing the book yesterday. Man, I could not put that shit DOWN. I read the first 250 pages Friday night and finished the rest yesterday morning. SOB!
I always loved Prim and thought she was a bad-ass! She was healing shit and taking names right off the bat. But she’s even bad-assier here. Sigh.
SPOILER:
Prim dies at the end of Mockingjay :’(
I think a sunny, happy District 13 would be out of character for the book. I’ve got more to say that probably should wait for a later discussion– even if I don’t refer to any details, my attitudes are influenced by what happens later.
Um, if I was wavering before (which I kind of was) I am now definitely team Gale. No matter anything Capitolized about Peeta, Gale has won me over. I think he and Katniss have a much more realistic relationship than Peeta and Katniss. I’m about to start chapter 14… I’m completely useless today as all I’m doing is reading!
Never was Team Gale. Never will be. In fact, he irritated me SO MUCH in this book. (Finished it late last night, but I will not spoil anyone!)
Ugh i HATE gale!!!!!!!!! Peeta is epic
Finished the book last night, but am so happy to have others to discuss it with.
Buttercup being alive made me so happy. I like the fact district 13 is just as messed up as the rest of Panem, just coping with it differently. I really like the pace of the book so far.
I am concerned about Gale being regulated to the friend zone. He is def the most connected to Katniss emotionally, and I love that now that Katniss knows how he feels, he’s just giving her time. He is focused on the bigger picture.
Hmm, Gale may be the most connected to Katniss emotionally, but there’s no way he can understand her the way Peeta can (having gone through the Games and the Victory Tour alongside Katniss).
Arghhhh I just want them to get Peeta back from the Capitol safe and sound!!
Same HEEEEEERE! Gale= BOOOOOOOOOOOO
Gale is so close-minded! I didn’t hate him before, but now I can’t stand him.
I thought I was the only one in the universe who couldn’t stand Gale! Good to know I’m not alone.
You’re def not alone. He’s too hard-headed and hot-headed, more so than Katniss. Their two personalities combined are combustible and not in a good way.
Oh ho-ho-ho, I have written like, a term paper on why I can’t stand Gale, but that will wait until everyone has finished.
(It’s part a personal/visceral reaction to the character and part textual.)
I would love to see that lol!
Oh you are SO not alone. Gale is just so… hard and mean. I mean, Katniss is hard and mean too, but it’s different with Gale. Katniss has redeeming qualities like her relationship with Prim, but with Gale that’s all we see, and it makes me sad.
I mean, he’s an awesome character, but I don’t want to be his friend :p
Team Peeta. Still.
I think he has more heart and sensativity than Gale. I mean, come on, the whole crap about asking Katniss why she cares about her prep team? Not cool.
Amen, sister
Just finished chapter five and came here immediately to read. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE I am still just so damn excited to have the book in my hands that I have to keep calming myself down enough to read! I am greatly disturbed by the amount of Gale-hate in the comments, because I LOVE HIM SO MUCH and if he ends up doing something truly jerky I will be heartbroken.
I’m with ya on the awesome of how District 13 is not a great solution – DYING to find out what happens next, so back to reading!!
I haven’t actually read this post yet, I just needed a place to vent that WHAT THE CRAP, BORDERS (bookstore, not me), WHY HAVEN’T YOU SENT ME MOCKINGJAY YET?! Hello, I pre-ordered it ages ago!! My tracking info says it’s in ATLANTA OF ALL GODFORSAKEN PLACES! I’m gonna send some tracker jackers after its ass.
BORDERS YOU SUCK. Not me, I’m awesome. But the bookstore.
I’ll leave a more relevant comment after I’ve actually read these chapters.
noooooooooooooooooo! that’s terrible! i worried about something like that happening to me, so at the last minute i decided NOT to order from amazon. not cool!
It’s my fault, I should have gone the store route, but I trusted in the internet! NEVER AGAIN, INTERNET.
the only thing you should trust the internet for is porn. never books!
I preordered from Borders too. (The hardcover set with all three books.) It STILL hasn’t arrived, and there’s no update on the FedEx page other than shipping info was sent yesterday (the 23rd). I’m so mad at Borders I could cry.
However, I bought the ebook for my nook and read that today instead. Silly to have to buy it twice, but I figure this way I can loan both out and get more people hooked.
I know!! Amazon hasn’t sent it to me yet either!! I have resorted to buying it from the bookstore and keeping it in pristine condition so I can return it when Amazon FINALLY ships my copy.
pardon me for channeling my inner “you’ve got mail” meg ryan but Y’ALL THIS IS (one of the many reasons) WHY YOU GOTTA BUY LOCAL!!!!!
OMG. SOMEONE THAT KNOWS HOW I FELT! I preordered my book, and was HEARTBROKEN when I found out it was shipped out on the release date! I was so frustrated walking into Borders seeing all of those copies on the shelves when my personal copy was hundreds of miles away.
It was driving me insane.
WHAT THE SHIT?! It’s trying to tell me the estimated arrival date is August 30. I’m going to go ahead and assume that’s ERRONEOUS so I don’t gank a bitch.
Ahhhhhhh just finished 1-5. I LOVE District 13. I mean, OF COURSE they’re crazy. Look what they’ve had to go through. And you have to change your morals/outlook when you want to overthrow a big bad government. It would be nice if you could stay warm and cuddly but that’s never how it works. I’m excited to find out if they stay relatively good or not.
I was jazzed about Buttercup too! I hate it when pets die in books, so this was like a bonus treat!
I’ve always been Team Peeta and so far, that’s still going strong. I don’t care WHAT Peeta says on TV. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a prisoner of war and he can say whatever he needs to do to survive with both legs intact. I know I would. Self preservation FTWWWWW!
Gale is boooooooooooring. Also, why isn’t Katniss jumping his bones? Like, she obvy doesn’t feel anything. Because the CRAZINESS and scariness of rebellion is a total panty melter (at least, it always seems to be in fiction). Then again, she hasn’t tried anything with Peeta. Maybe Katniss is secretly Team Johanna?
Mmmbmmm. My theory is that he’s been brainwashed or Stockholm Syndrome-d or whatever. It’s just not Peeta!!
megan, dubs true on the panty melting action of the rebellion. i think gale is a great guy, i really do, but WHERE IS THE CHEMISTRY? i think it got blown up with district 12.
Ahhh, but isn’t it interesting that Peeta’s “propaganda” speech, once digested by Gale and Katniss, becomes Katniss’ final confirming reason to be the “Mockingjay.” Reverse psychology, anyone?
LIZ! YOU’RE A GENIUS.
Sorry to pop back, but Henri, I, like you, am a total Gale-lover, and I am DYIINNGGGG to see what you make of the rest of the book. Can’t wait to read your thoughts!
Not going to comment about the story yet because I can’t remember what happened in what chapter and don’t want to have to look it up, but Brian’s not done yet so I had to come see what others thought!!!!
Major points for good ol’ Greasy Sae being in the surviving 10%.
They can insert tracking devices into arms, but these people do not have concealer strong enough to hide a scar? Prioritize!
Also, let’s be real. Revolutionaries are bad lovers. Look at Che, Bolivar, and even MLK Jr. Great leaders; bad lovers. Gale’s always going to choose the cause over the girl. Although the two of them giggling in a cupboard together was simultaneously adorable and uncharacteristic.
“They can insert tracking devices into arms, but these people do not have concealer strong enough to hide a scar? Prioritize!”
Haha, I loved the bit when Plutarch’s assistant almost gagged at the sight! It’s just a scar, lady, chill out!
lee, i too was shocked at the lack of make-up availability. are you telling me that people with green skin and gold tattoos and pink hair with mouse lights walk around WITH VISIBLE BAGS UNDER THEIR EYES? bish plz.
Lesson I learned a few Harry Potters ago … never pre-order a book you can’t wait to have through the mail. If you have an indie book store, B&N, Borders or even a Target or Walmart, spend the extra couple of bucks … it’s worth it! I just finished it. If you don’t have a box of tissues parked next to the martini glass, go get them right now. I can’t wait to read the comments once the spoiler ban is over!!!
District 13 definitely sucks and I wouldn’t want to live there I. This day and age but in a dystopian world they are a step up from district 12 and such. There rules and regulations have allowed them to not just exist but to also grow and infiltrate other districts and the freaking Capitol. That can’t be done overnight and as much as it sucks that they watched 70 some years of tributes dying they are just now ready for a fully armed rebellion. If they had tried years ago then more people than just the tributes would have died and Panem would still suck, and District 13 for realize would be a pile of nuclear waste. Now, that said I still hate them and they don’t seem like a step forward from President Snow. I’m wondering if maybe President Coin is a jealous relation? Lol
As for Peeta and Gale. Gale is so connected to katniss because they grew up together. He is more of a brother, confidant, and yes, a FRIEND, than a lover. The way Katniss forgot about every person in the room when Peeta was on TV and then she CARESSED the TV! That is love-love. But love-love isn’t always the healthy choice. Gale would choose the revolution over her and Peeta would choose her over the revolution. Either situation has potential disaster written all over it!
Out of the first five chapters my favorite line is spoken to Gale by Katniss and I plan to use it in my hubby after our next disagreement…
“No, I want you to rethink it and come up with the right opinion.”
Man, I just love that girl. And when she isn’t over thinking things she is thinking beautifully!!
Oh and the cheesiest line is at the very end of chapter 5…
“People of Panem, we fight, we dare, we end our hunger for justice!”
but how awesome was haymitch??? “and that, my friends, is how a revolution dies.” DAYUM.
i think i’m team haymitch.
I loved it! not only his saying it, but his laughing uncontrollably and THEN saying it. Best followup to the lamest line thus far!
That’s what I love about Haymitch. He’s always willing to keep it real, especially if he gets to laugh at someone, hurt their feelings a little bit, or call them dumb to do it.
Totally Team Haymitch (and Finnick)
so WHAT IF katniss and gale really ARE related? like they’re half-siblings from some secret love affair or something? sc makes such a big deal in every book about how they aren’t related, it’s almost a case of protesting too much.
but maybe i’ve been reading too many of erin’s FITA recaps.
That would be so twisted but I see what you mean. They both are always saying “But we aren’t cousins!” every time someone wants to explain away their closeness.
As William would say “”The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
But then again your theory about Erin’s FITA recaps makes sense too.
I chalked that up to someone saying that they were cousins in the first Games as a way to cover up their closeness since Katniss was supposed to be in love with Peeta but obviously too close to Gale for that to be true. ew otherwise.
Well I read all 3 books this week! They Were do addicting!
I have been team peeta from the start, I know gale and katniss are really close friends but I never felt the connection between them the way I did with katniss and peeta, mockingjay I have to say is by far my fa! I wont spoil it for n e one but This book had me short of breath heart pounding in tears, loved it!!!
PEETA IS GAY!!!!!!!
Shut up your gay!!!!!!
In ur dreams Peeta is gay. And since when is Peeta gay?? *cough cough* jealous
PEETA IS GAY!!!!!!! he made out with gale O.o
Show me the prof
You are crazy. Peeta is the sweetest, bravest, and overall best thing to ever walk the face of the earth. Gale kills Prim. Hmmmmm…. wonder who Katniss will end up with?
@Maddie Turner. Thank you!!! Someone knows the truth!!! Who on Earth would choose someone who KILLED one of their family members!!?!?!? Not me!! One thing i did like about Gale though is that he knew that he was done. He knew it plain and simple. No begging for forgiveness. He knew it. Luvv ya Hunger Games~Kaela
Katniss marries Peeta and they have kids. Gale is forgotten and Katniss kind of hates him because he might have had a hand in Prim being killed. So why are there still debates?
OMG! This is turning into Twillight all over again! We should all be on team Haymitch!!! He is the one who kept Peeta alive and he also kept Katniss alive.