Question of the Week

One thing The Hunger Games series does is generate tons of questions and as fans of the series, we want to know what your thinking.  So, each week, we’ll be posing a new question to you.  Some will be questions about aspects of the series, others will be hypothetical, what if type questions, but hopefully all will get you thinking and generate discussion.

Below you will find the link to this week’s current question, as well as links to archived discussions.  We hope you will check them all out and add your own thoughts, as well as reply to some of the great comments from other readers.

Latest Question of the Week:

Do you think having an (almost) all adult cast will change the ‘feel’ of Catching Fire?

Question of the Week Archive:

QOTW #1: If you could have a conversation with one of the characters from The Hunger Games Trilogy, who would you pick and what would you ask?

I would definitely ask Katniss this: Thinking about how much you’ve changed Panem, if you had a chance to have someone else’s name drawn in your first hunger games instead of Prim’s, would you do it? — Emily

QOTW #2  If you could ask Suzanne Collins ONE question, what would you ask and why?

Was Katniss’ father a rebel and the accident where he died was provoked by the government? — Noemi

QOTW #3  Which book in The Hunger Games Trilogy is your favorite and why?

The Hunger Games, definitely. Although both CF and M are battling for the first place, this one was my favorite. It always has been, always will be. We were introduced to the characters in a way differnent and more compelling than any other story, and you felt connected with them instantaneously. We first met Katniss, a girl who completley took over my life and gave me the girl-power that helped me through a lot of things. She made me believe in myself, made me wonder and have different perspectives on things, made me feel emotions so riveting they forced me in an obsession with the HG trilogy. I’ve never felt like that with any other book – ever. I was constantly rooting for her. And then when Peeta came in – I was in love. And not just that girly, oohhh he’s soooo cuuuttee — Ally

QOTW #4  What Hunger Games scene are you most excited to see on the big screen?

I’m really excited to see the arena, costumes, and first interviews. But i’m absolutely pumped for the cave scene!! — Maggie

QOTW #5  What are your 3 must have quotes for The Hunger Games film?

QOTW #6  Who is your favorite character in The Hunger Games Trilogy and why?

Haymitch. One hundred percent. If he wasn’t an absolute drunk he would be the perfect role model. He noticed the skill both Peeta and Katniss had and he knew how to get them to use it to their advantage. Without him, those two may as well have died. I truly, with all my heart, think he is one of the most unsung heros in winning the revolution. — Lyndsay

QOTW #7 If you could change one moment in the series, what would you alter and why?  And how do you think this one change would affect the course of the series from that point on?

Nothing. Everything in the books is absolutely neccessary for Katniss to become who she is. If anything were different, I believe Katniss would be different, and the ending would be different also. Suzanne Collins wrote it perfectly.– Christy

QOTW #8  How would you describe The Hunger Games series to someone who is unfamiliar with the books?

I usually start off by saying, “If you could read just one book series in your entire life, The Hunger Games Trilogy is the one…” It’s just so great – a fascinating story about a not-so-far-off future in a dystopian society, and yet there is just so much more to it. It’s a depressingly fantastic story about survival, rebellion, life-choices, and yes, even a touch of romance. — Madison

QOTW #9 What are your 5 favorite moments from The Hunger Games trailer, and why do you love them?

ALL OF IT!!!!! YOU CANT MAKE ME CHOOSE!!!!! — Georgia

QOTW #10: Was Prim’s name being drawn in the reaping, pure odds, or a plant?

When I read this book, I actually thought it might have been a capital plant. I thought that the capital picked and chose who they thought would make the games most interesting. Of course they couldn’t control the volunteers, like our incredible Katniss, but choosing the names to be read would give them a little more power, something they are never able to get enough of. — Kate

QOTW #11 What merchandise do you want to see developed for The Hunger Games, and what is something you hope they steer clear from?

Merchandising for this series in general is kind of a sore spot with me. When I buy something Hunger Games related, it makes me feel just like a Capitol citizen. That being said though, I’m hoping they go for manufacturing those district jackets…that would be so cool. Much better than “Team Peeta” or “Team Gale”. But, we all know that those will still be made. — Emily

QOTW #12 What tokens do you think the other tributes in the 74th Hunger Games had with them in the arena?

Something personal. Maybe a parent or sibling or friend has something that they always wear or are never seen without, so they give it to you. So when you’re in the arena you won’t forget them or your district.  — Georgia

QOTW #13: How are you planning to celebrate the theatrical release of The Hunger Games?

My sister and I are going to go to the movie at midnight, but we plan on getting to the theater to wait in line early Thursday morning. It’s during our spring break which is awesome! We’re definitely going to be first! And we’ll be bringing the fold out chairs too We also plan on playing the Hunger Games board game about a gazillion times. She’s going to dress up as Katniss and I’m going as Effie! It’s going to be so much fun; I can’t wait! — Emily

QOTW #14: Have you asked for or are you giving any Hunger Games related gifts this holiday season?

I asked for a bow and arrow set. I know that this gift is probably the least common asked for for a hunger games fan, but I want to shoot arrows like Katniss!!! — Kati

QOTW #15: Did you receive any Hunger Games gifts this Holiday?

I got the Hunger Games 16-Month Calendar, a FULL-SIZED (27″ x 40″) Peeta poster (omg…), the Collector’s Edition of the book, the Movie Magic magazine on the movie, and a REAL recurve bow!!!(I’m taking up archery…its official) — Madison

QOTW 16: What resolutions do you think the residents of Panem would make for the new year?

katniss- try to eat less food…LOL no.
Peeta- Try NOT to think about bread…
Haymitch- BLAME IT ON THE ALCOHOL.
Effie- Don’t give people unrealistic expectations
Gale- Get checked to see if he’s bipolar
Clove- Stay away from large rocks. Forever.
Cato- LIV IT UP.
Marvel- Do not spear all the innocent things.
Glimmer- Stay away from any sort of bee. — Cillia848

QOTW #17: How did you discover The Hunger Games Trilogy?

I discovered The Hunger Games because I subscribe to Entertainment Weekly. It was the issue where Jennifer Lawrence was on the cover as Katniss. The article was pretty interesting and I saw that the movie was being filmed in my home state. So I picked up a copy of The Hunger Games and the next day I bought Catching Fire and Mockingjay. I read all 3 in 2 days and then immediately reread them. — TickTockHG

QOTW #18:  Have you gotten a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a complete stranger to read The Hunger Games? How did you do it and what did they think of the books?

Last year in reading class, we had to do a paper that introduced us to debates by coming up with a simple topic like “Why Mr. Krabs should give Plankton the krabby patty formula.” Then we had to fill out what we would say to support our case. I did “Why The Hunger Games should be a part of every school’s reading curriculm.” My reading teacher, who was actually the one who first recommended the trilogy to me, then assigned it as summer reading. I introduced approx. 35 kids to the world of Panem — Moira

QOTW #19 Which of the Theatrical posters for The Hunger Games film is your Favorite? (not including the character posters.)

The first one because not only do I own it, but thats where all the main hunger games excitement really began!
It was with that poster that helped to draw in all the non ans and people who haven’t read the book before! — FinnickLover

QOTW #20: If you lived in Panem, which District would you choose to live in and why?

District 1 all the way! The thought of being Capitol-like without actually being THE Capitol is very tempting… if not, I’d rather live in 12, where the Peacekeepers are less harsh and you can starve in safety — Gil

QOTW #21: Which of the new Hunger Games products are your must haves and why?

I’m not a big fan of the merchandise, personally. It’s very pretty and they did a good job, yes, but I feel like it’s going against the message of the books. I feel like it’s bringing us closer and closer to the superficial, ultra-consumer and clueless people from the Capitol who wore mockingjay belt buckles and watches following Katniss’ time in the arena. On the other hand, the mockingjay pins themselves could be perceived as a show of force for the “rebellion” against those values. I think I’ll pass on them, though I can’t wait for the movie. — GloryisBen

QOTW #22: Did Haymitch have a mentor?  Furthermore, what happens when there is no previous victor to be mentor for the tributes?

I think the first D12 victor was probably alive for the Haymitch’s games. My guess, though, is that maybe he didn’t have a big role in teaching Haymitch. Haymitch seems very independent. Either his mentor didn’t pay much attention to Haymitch, or Haymitch didn’t pay much attention to his mentor. I think that Haymitch went into the games telling himself the same thing he told Katniss and Peeta – stay alive. I don’t think he would’ve felt like he needed much more instruction.
As for at the beginning of the games, I would think that The Hunger Games probably started out as not such a glamorous event. My guess is that it probably started as just 24 kids thrown into an arena to kill each other, no tribute parades, no mentors, no stylists, no interviews, maybe even no sponsors. Then, as the Capitol citizens got more and more tired of just watching gore, they changed the Games to make it more interesting, more exciting, more “fun” for the Capitol citizens. And later on, if there was no living victor to mentor a tribute, I would think that they would appoint someone from the Capitol. — Alexandra

QOTW#23: Can changes made for a film adaption end up being better than the book?

QOTW #24:  Do you plan to see The Hunger Games in the theater more than one time?  And if so, any ideas how many times you’ll be viewing it?

I’m gonna watch it as many times as I can, this movie is not all about just killing each other, The Hunger Games is all about learning to value the ones you love and to stand for what is right. )– Next Katniss

QOTW #25: On a scale of 1 – 10 How would you rate The Hunger Games film?

11. Like Katniss’ training score.

When I watched it for the first time, it absolutely blew me away. “The movie event of the year” didn’t feel like the movie event of the year. It felt like an indie–intimate and personal and real. That’s exactly how reading the book felt. Suzanne Collins puts you in Katniss’ shoes as she wanders through Panem and its Hunger Games, and in this film, Gary Ross does the same. But that being said, the book and the movie are two slightly different and wonderful things, and that’s perfectly okay. In fact, I think it’s better that way. Why? Because we get new scenes, new lines, and it’s not an exact copy of the book we’ve come to know and love. It’s an expansion. A wonderful, moving expansion. And it honestly doesn’t get any better than that.
Enough said. — Madison

QOTW #26: Would you choose to form an alliance in the arena?  Why or Why not?

nope. i would never do it. if i had an ally it would take my mind off surviving. i would constantly be worrying about being the last 2 left, her waching my ally die. i know if you survive the arena your never the same, but it would be even worse if i killed or saw my ally be killed. i would never forgive my self because they trusted me. if i was killed i wouldnt want them to live with the burden of seeing me die. cuz its different if you dont know the person, its still wrong and it will still screw you up, but betraying your ally? thats even worse. — sarah

QOTW #27: If your mentor told you that you must team up with at least 2 tributes, who would you choose and why?

I think I whould choose Katniss because she’s smart, loyal and she can hunt and find food. I would also choose Finnick because he’s loyal, good with the trident, smart and has a lot of sponsors. I also thougt about FoxFace Because she is very clever, but I dont think she would ever want an alley, and as Katniss said, i might get a knife in my back… — Emily

QOTW: #28: How Many Times Have You Seen The Hunger Games?  Do you have plans to go back for more?

I’m sitting at 18 times right now. Going again tomorrow and probably several times when it is back in Imax. :3 — wthemily

QOTW #29: Apart from Finnick, which character in Catching Fire are you most looking forward to being cast?  Do you have a suggestion for who you’d like to see fill the role?

I am most excited to see Johanna. She is strong, with a powerful personality, and independent. It also is interesting to watch someone argue with Katniss. A lot. I don’t want to have any prefrances for an actress because I feel if the fans choose an actress, she most likely won’t fullfill the traits of the character the way it is described in the book. Somehow to see Johanna’s rash, stubborn personality that covers her loss and pain. — Allison

QOTW #30 It’s Katniss’ birthday, and all of Panem is celebrating! What would you give to The Girl on Fire as a gift for her special day, AND why would you choose it?

I would give Katniss a trip around Panem, but this time without the constraints of the Victory Tour. She could see the beach in District 4 and visit Annie and her baby. In District 11, Katniss would be able to meet Rue’s family face-to-face and thank Thresh’s family since he saved her life. She would also have the opportunity to visit the memorials to the victims of the Hunger Games. Finally, Katniss could visit her mother and Gale and introduce them to her children. — Maddie