By the Book: Catching Fire Chapter 1
With the wait for ‘The Hunger Games’ over and the wait for ‘Catching Fire’ just heating up with a new director chosen, the Mockingjay.net staff will be doing a regular feature every 3 weeks up until the release of the ‘Catching Fire’ movie in November 2013. For each piece, we will analyze the 27 chapters of the book and see what we think will change. What makes it into the movie and what gets dropped to the cutting room floor?
These By the Book pieces will contain SPOILERS for Catching Fire
Starting us off is Chapter 1, in which Katniss finds herself alone in the woods picking up the game that’s been caught. She takes it to Hazelle Hawthorne’s house, then stops at the Hob, Haymitch’s house where she encounters Peeta, and then heads home to find a most unwelcome visitor sitting in their study.
Beth
I think it will start with Katniss in the woods just like it does in the book. It will skip her just sitting there, though, and it will show her collecting from the traps and walking around. It might cut back and forth between her and the Capitol prep people, showing the contrast of her solitude vs. the crazy of the Capitol folks. After all, she IS thinking about them and what they would be doing right now in preparation. They will probably skip the part where she goes to their old house because it’s really not necessary to move the plot of the story along, and they’ll need to do a lot of cutting. So probably no Buttercup yet. I’m really hoping the scene with Hazelle stays, though. It would be nice to see that interaction and see that they’re practically like family. If they’re going to change anything around, I can see them adding Gale to that scene (even though us die-hard fans know that Gale is supposed to be working.) They’ll want to establish more of Gale/Katniss. They’ll probably cut the Hob scene entirely because even though I love Sae and Darius because not much established there that’s really important. She buys liquor for Haymitch, but we don’t need to see the actual process of her buying it. The part where Katniss throws the water on Haymitch to wake him up will HAVE to still be in there. The line “Look, if you wanted to be babied, you should have asked Peeta” followed by Peeta appearing, “Asked me what?” should definitely stay. It’d be a great introduction to seeing Katniss and Peeta together again and see the awkwardness of it. The rest of the chapter should remain relatively the same. The interactions with Katniss, Haymitch, and Peeta will need to be there. Obviously, they’re not going to cut out her meeting with President Snow. There’s a lot of potential for the meeting with him. I can’t wait to see some solid interaction between Lawrence and Sutherland.
Ciara
I think a very brief recap of ‘The Hunger Games’ will start. Docu-style news footage from the 74th Games, establishing the lovers from District 12, quick edits of their story, fame, wealth and effect on the Capitol and the upcoming Victory Tour, overlapping with news footage of the unrest in the Districts. Before cutting to an oblivious Katniss, alone in the wilderness, trying to forget the ghosts from the past. Maybe a mirroring of the first film, sitting on her and Gale’s spot but alone. A slightly broken Katniss when we first glimpse her. Not as free as she once was in District 12′s woods but feeling harried and beleaguered watching as the sun “drags me into a day that I’ve been dreading for months.” I really liked Katniss mourning her old life in her old house and I hope we can go back there, see its emptiness as she changes her hunting gear into clothes of status. I think she’ll give the game to Gale early in the morning before he heads to the mines. Through a brief interaction you could also establish he won’t accept her wealth, he looks forward to their Sunday hunts, and a resentful reference from him about the Victory Tour with Peeta. I hold little hope for the inclusion of Darius or Cray even though I think Darius could be a good exposition filler if we visit the Hob. And unlike Madge (sorry Madge lovers) his story holds a little more water as an example of Snow’s cruelty. Wherever and however it happens, I want to see when Katniss and Peeta first meet. Hearing his voice off camera and see the “knot of unpleasant emotions, like guilt, sadness and fear. And longing” etched on Jennifer Lawrence’s face and an uncomfortably long gap before “he even looks at me for the first time.” Introducing Peeta, the film has to establish instantly where their true relationship stands now – awkward and formal. And I loved Haymitch’s line: “Brr. You two have got a lot of warming up to do before showtime.” Of course the most important part is how to introduce President Snow. I’d like a slow and tense lead-up before the reveal. A panicked Mrs Everdeen and a rigid, scared Prim, both pretending to be relaxed, setting Katniss immediately on edge. Something’s not right when she glimpses the brisk Capitol attendants who guide her and leave her alone in the study before realizing someone’s there. When we first see Donald Sutherland, I hope he’s calm, measured and arrogant as he finishes reading the book, not looking up, allowing us a brief glimpse of Katniss like a deer caught in the headlights.
Crystal
I think there’s a decent chance that ‘Catching Fire’ will start the same way that the book does, since they’ll probably want to start by showing how things are now that Katniss is back home and showing her sitting at their spot alone may be a good way to do it. They might change the scene at Hazelle’s a bit to show the tension between her and Gale, with Gale coming home from work covered in coal dust, which makes Katniss feel awkward and head home. I have a bit of hope that they’ll put Darius into the Hob scene so that they can show some lawful dissent later, but I think Cray will definitely be cut. They can put him in just with a couple of lines referring to him, not needing an actual scene to introduce him. I don’t think Katniss will have to wake up a drunken, stinking Haymitch simply because that’s not how they set him up in the first movie. She’ll probably just go there, they’ll talk a bit about the Victory Tour, and she’ll bump into Peeta on her way out. Instead of seeing the bodyguards outside the study, I think Mrs. Everdeen will simply give her a look and Katniss will look to the side to see Snow sitting in their living room.
Erin
I don’t think ‘Catching Fire’ will start the same way as the book. I think it will start much the same as ‘Hunger Games’, with Caesar Flickerman on stage with Plutarch Heavensbee, congratulating him on his promotion after Seneca Crane’s surprise retirement. They’ll talk briefly about this year being a Quarter Quell and how it will be hard to top last year’s star-crossed lovers, who are just about to leave on their Victor’s tour of the Districts. Then the scene will cut to Katniss in the woods, checking Gale’s snares. They’ll probably have Gale in the woods with her and he’ll kiss her in the beginning instead of having her remember it later. I don’t think much in Chapter One will be included in the movie, and that they’ll cut the minor characters like Head Peacekeeper Cray, Darius, and Hazelle. Also, because they’ll be filming in late summer/early fall, I think they will omit the cold and snow from the scenes, too. I would like to see Katniss and Peeta over at Haymitch’s house, but like his fall off the stage at the Reaping, I think Haymitch’s introductory scene will be cut again. The most vital part of this chapter is the surprise visit by President Snow– they cannot leave this part out! It sets up the tour very nicely and enforces that Katniss is pretending to be in love with Peeta while giving a glimpse of just how vile President Snowand the Capitol really are.
Gina
The movie won’t likely start the same way as the book since there is a lot of internal thoughts and exposition happening – so it could really go anywhere! The one scene that I hope they keep is when Katniss wakes up drunk Haymitch by throwing water on him. That scene is too great too lose, and it leads perfectly into the awkwardness between Peeta and Katniss. The lines I don’t think they’ll kill (especially if that scene makes it in the movie) are Katniss yelling “Get up!” and Haymitch’s comment on the iciness between Katniss and Peeta.There wasn’t a whole lot of dialogue to choose from in chapter one 
Kimmy
I think it would be a great idea to start the first film similarly to how Gary Ross did it in ‘The Hunger Games.’ in the woods. I feel like many of the characters that do not require as much screen time to build relationships, like Gale’s family, etc. will be cut out. Since, like why they cut Madge, it is more important to make the relationships between the major players seem realistic. Then, the scene where Katniss goes to The Hob and buys alcohol for Haymitch would be smart to include since it shows how their relationship has grown through the games. Then, when the scene in Haymitch’s house unfolds and Peeta shows up, they will have to portray how awkward it is between them. The one thing I am sort of confused about is how in the first film, they didn’t include the scene ‘it was all for the games, how you acted’ they only had the less obvious line where Peeta says ‘I don’t want to forget.’ I am interested in seeing how they’ll make up for that lost piece of information, since even though their performances were amazing and they got a lot across without actually saying it – I wonder if they will add a scene in the beginning of the movie that makes it obvious to the audience that Peeta is annoyed Katniss’ behavior was all an act in the games. Since, at the end of the first film Peeta still seems to believe in her performance, to a degree.
Sarah
I think that Catching Fire will open up with Katniss sitting in her spot from the first movie in the woods, but without Gale, or maybe even in a totally different spot; showing how the games has distorted even her most instinctual tenancies. Doing this, and showing her without Gale would also immediately show the audience that there is a distance in their relationship that wasn’t there before the games. I think that minor characters, such as Hazelle, will be omitted purely for the reason that they are not necessary to the flow of the story and that it’ll mean less new casting. They’ll want familiar faces all around not an abundance of newbies. I really want to see them to focus on Katniss and Peeta’s relationship and where it stands now that they don’t have to pretend for cameras. Its very vague about it in the book and it was a focus of the end of ‘The Hunger Games’ movie so they’ll probably go for that angle I think… they seem keen to focus on the more romantic side to the books too so I expect more Gale/Katniss interaction and more Peeta/Katniss interaction as well. I’d love to see Katniss looking after Haymitch too, it would give them time for Haymitch’s character development which I think is important as the story unwinds. Meanwhile, there will probably be references to it being the Quarter Quell throughout the opening scenes. Obviously the most important part of this chapter is Snow’s arrival… I can’t wait to see what Jennifer does with that so it needs a really good dramatic and tense build-up.
Tash
I would like to see ‘Catching Fire’ start with a nightmare/flashback sequence of Katniss’ while she is sleeping – it would set the stage for how affected she is in future by her dreams, and I think also set-up how she carries these horrors with her daily, as well as her fears regarding the Victory Tour. Then, instead of heading to the woods alone, she would meet with Gale where their kiss takes place. I can see much of Chapter 1 being cut, including the characters Hazelle, Darius and Greasy Sae (who was already cut from ‘The Hunger Games’) to enable more time to be spent between Katniss and Gale prior to the tour. Because most of the chapter is also solely narrated by Katniss, there aren’t really any lines to be taken directly from the book, but I think it will be very important to capture Peeta and Katniss’ uneasy attitude towards each other. Haymitch will likely provide the comic relief comment, so I do hope there is a scene in Haymitch’s house when Katniss visits him after the woods. The most pivotal scene, of course, is Katniss opening the door to her study and looking into President Snow’s eyes. I think ‘The Hunger Games’ ending clearly conveyed to the audience that President Snow is to be feared, and that a visit from him would be truly frightening, so this scene and Katniss’ face at this moment must be included.
I think I’ll have to agree with Erin on this one, even though I don’t like how much of the chapter won’t be shown.
the movie for Catchiong Fire is actually going to come oit November 2013. no, this november unfortunately
By “next” I meant 2013, but I changed it to clarify!
I agree with Tash. I really would love for them to start with a nightmare, it will help make it clear that although the games are over it’s a constant occurrence that she is thinking about them. Maybe they will have Amandla, Isabelle or Alexander come back to film a nightmare???
I think they definately need to include the scene when she wakes up Haymitch and Peeta walks in and her stomach knots, and then show a flashback of them on the train home from the games having their “it was all for the games, how you acted?” conversation. Just Hoping (:
And i hope because it is the only thing stronger than fear…
Thanks for the comments so far guys
I loved how we all ended up with pretty different responses, but some of the same themes as well. My thinking towards starting off with a bit of a nightmare was that it might make more sense later on when Katniss is on the train and set-up those tender moments between Peeta and Katniss 
But yes, I hope something about the “it was all for the games” is included and the audience sees that Peeta is hurting.
I adore all of these ideas (especially Tash’s idea of starting with a nightmare – always a great way to pull an audience in), but I do have a small problem with some of this stuff.
The thing is, at the end of the Hunger Games (movie), we see Katniss and Peeta seemingly still in love. They’re holding hands, together as victors. There’s almost NO way of detecting that Katniss doesn’t feel that way. I think they’ll need to put the “it was all for the games” scene in VERY early on in the film, or the entire audience is going to wonder, “Why on earth aren’t they together? Why are they angry?”
But otherwise, I could also see the “it was all for the games” scene included in maybe a deep and meaningful chat between Katniss and Peeta on the train. So, in effect, have them be ‘cold’ towards each other, slightly mystifying the audience, and then later on have Peeta talk to her about it on the train. This could work similarly to the way they handled the bread scene in the first film.
Okay, so a lot of typing from me, hahaha. But I absolutely adore this book, and I think it’s fair to say it’s my favourite. I’d love for the film itself to be wonderful, too. I’m entrusting it to whoever is cast, whoever directs, and everyone in the crew – just simply crossing my fingers until it comes out.
I like the idea of Tash’s nightmare opening. I’ve been of the mind, like Ciara and Erin, that it might begin with a Caesar and Plutarch rehash of the star crossed lovers and an intro to a victory tour and Quarter Quell. Then we get some forest and Gale, the scene with K/P/H and, finally, Snow at her house.
I like the idea of the nightmare opening. I’ve been of the mind, like Ciara and Erin, that it might begin with a Caesar and Plutarch rehash of the “star crossed lovers” and an intro to a victory tour and Quarter Quell. Then we get some forest and Gale, the scene with K/P/H and, finally, Snow at her house.
It will be interesting to see how they present things with K/P. I’m still debating what we were supposed to get from the “I don’t wanna forget” convo. In as much as it may have questioned things between the two, it also reflected on their experience as a whole. I interpreted that Peeta knew she was amping things up, but still had hoped that maybe something there was genuine. I think, perhaps, TPTB didn’t want Peeta to come off as too gullible or seemingly ungrateful? Katniss is pretty cool and contained, so even with the economy of words, I felt things ended uneasily, albeit not stormily between them. I wouldn’t find it a stretch for them to be awkward and distant at the beginning of CF, but it seems as if at some point, they will have to address the whole “play-acting” aspect, since there is such difference of opinon as to the way things stood between them at the end of THG movie.
I really like Tash’s idea of the nightmare opening. (Kaleiney too!)because not only would it recap how horrifying The Games were to her but also in the very very beginning of the movie before she even goes out in the woods, They have Prim scream and then Katniss comforting her. It could be the other way around.
I thought that the woman who traded with Katniss and let her take the mockingjay pin in the movie WAS greasy sae? Am I mistaken?
Anyway, I was actually thinking of starting the movie with a nightmare, because Katniss’ nightmares in the book are insanely important and my favorite parts. I also like the interview beginning, because it worked sooooo well in the first movie
@Anonymous I like that idea. Of Prim having to comfort Katniss a little bit now. It would be extremely ironic.
I also like what @Emmy said in the comments. It would be a quick summary of their relationship and it wouldn’t take up much time.
OR, if you combine the two ideas above, the interaction could be in a nightmare? But, then that might be confusing to the audience so maybe not…
OR– maybe K/P could have that conversation on the train for the Victory Tour? It would really complicate things for Katniss because she would have been just coming from that conversation with President Snow.
I love how this could go any way. Everyone’s opinions in the post I can see happened because there are so many possibilities!
@Rory Mellark
I always just assumed that, too. It was never confirmed, though. We’ll never know if it was her or not!
That would be a pretty neat touch @anonymous, especially as Prim really does grow up fast. Although its perhaps a little soon… I love that you’re all expanding on our ideas too
Caesar opening would be kinda cool but to be really truthful I want the quarter quell to be a secret until Snow announces it, I want to be as shocked and angry being surprised with it on film as I was reading the book.
@rory mellark – I’d never thought that could be Greasy Sae, but it’s entirely possible. I seem to remember reading something where they said it wasn’t her, but it could easily be. Guess we’ll find out if she does surprise us all and return!
I think it’ll start with a huge dance number set to the latest LMFAO single culminating in a huge explosion and a 3-D, “DIRECTED BY FRANCIS LAWRENCE” covered in flames flying into the audience…
Okay, I’m done.
I think it will start at the woods and jump to the part with snow
Haha, “Catching Fire: the Return of Greasy Sae”!!!!
What’s funny is during the movie my friend was all like “she is the best actress EVER”!!! Ha I thought it was the funniest thing ever!
i agree with tash. i think starting off with a nightmare is good way to begin. I also agree with kimmy, because like she said, in the hunger games movie they nevr did “it was all for the games how u acted”. so maybe the will have somekind of flashback with that. maybe when she first sees peeta.
I think maybe it will start off with katniss having a nightmare, then her going to the woods to relax. then i think they should show her at gales house. (cut the hob scene). then it should definatly show her pouring water on haymitch (that is soooo funny!) and have peeta there like in the book. i think when katniss sees peeta she should have a flashback to when peeta says”it was all for the games.. how you acted”. then she should back to her house and find Snow.
im gonna have to disagree with KSC about the LMFAO dance number.
1. maybe it will start with the review of celebrations for the victors and coverage of Parcel Day. (because let’s face it, many people are asking why it is called “The HUNGER Games”… i hope suzanne collins inject some things in here. say, emphasis on starvation… i mean the game is a mini-version of the situation in the districts *minus the brutal Careers as its the Peacekeepers on the districts*, you have to be a hunter or a gatherer etc. it will be nice to see the reactions of the D12 people to the parcel day too. or how they treat katniss in connection to that.) and then Claudius and/or Caesar as the voice overs… and then Katniss, Prim and her mom watching this. It will be nice to have moments of Katniss and Prim.
then Katniss going to the woods and then the kiss.
katniss returns to victors village , wakes up haymitch, awkward and “BRR” meeting with peeta and then the highly anticipated visit from Snow.
I like the different ideas of each one! Especially those of Erin and Tresh
Personally, I see the opening scene like that: A clock. The ticking of this clock (IN REFERENCE OF THE FUTURE GAMES)sounds in the room. The camera turns to Katniss’s bed. She wakes up from a nightmare. (Sorry for my english…)
I love this new segment! It’s a great way to explore a pseudo-script writing process. I agree most with Erin and Tash that it will open with sort of tv recap and Gale will be shown with Katniss. He is going to have to get a decent amount of screen time because you don’t know much about him based on the first movie. I’ll be interested to see what sort of spin Lawrence will add.
Hhhhhmmmmm I’m split between starting it off with Caesar and Plutarch onstage and A nightmare……..What I think they might do with the whole was Katniss acting or not thing is wait until they are in the beginning of the victory tour and something I can’t remember off the top of my head but in CF they had to stop and Katniss went for walk and Peeta followed her and they agreed to try and be friends (at least behind cameras)….well in the movie maybe Peeta will confront her then on whether it was all for the games or not……
I’m going to suggest something that’s probably heresy, but here goes.
What if it’s Plutarch who cooks up the whole engagement/wedding dress thing, ostensibly as a ‘big show’ to keep the districts distracted, but in reality as a way to keep Katniss visible as a heroine.
So the movie opens with shots of Snow and Plutarch in the control room watching the riot footage and spying on Katniss in District 12 with their hidden cameras. “The Tour is unwise,” Snow tells Plutarch. Plutarch (desperate to keep the show on the road) argues for a spiced up ‘engagement party theme’ tour with the wedding dress show at the end of the tour. “Very well”, says Snow, “I will let you have your show, I might even find it amusing, but remember Plutarch, bread and circuses alone cannot control an empire.” Cut to screen image of hovercrafts.
And a scream! Katniss is dreaming of hovercrafts. She wakes screaming. Love Anonymous’ idea that Prim is there in an instant, holding her, comforting her while Buttercup prowls, hissing, then meowing to get out the window. “He hates the new house”, Prim says. “So do I”, says Katniss “I feel like I’m still in the Arena, like they are still watching me….”
Next, Haymitch breaks it to Kaniss and Peeta that their Victory Tour is going to be one big engagement party. “I told you this is not about you. This is bigger than you and your feelings, sweetheart.” Turning to Peeta while sloshing more booze into his coffee cup: “And anyway, it’s what you wanted isn’t it?” Peeta: “No it’s not what I wanted. Not this. Not some freak Capitol show. I wanted it to be Real.” Peeta storms out, Katniss is still stunned, horrified. Haymitch says, “You know, you could live a thousand lifetimes and not deserve him.”
Cut to Katniss in the woods, running…straight into Gale’s arms for that “I had to do that, just once” kiss. Katniss: “I can’t think about anything except how scared I am.” We hear a hovercraft.
Katniss is alone again in the woods. Night falls. Katniss returns to find Snow. Snow says: “I know about the kiss.” Gives Katniss a rose: “Don’t forget Miss Everdeen. Roses have thorns.”
interesting suggestions!!
but guys, shouldn’t we keep Plutarch a surprise? (say until his scene with Katniss: the watch with the mockingjay?)
i don’t know but it will be really sinister when Snow asks Katniss (about Seneca) ‘do you know where he is’ and Katniss realizes he was executed.
goodness! i love your idea Hana of that Haymitch-Katniss-Peeta conversation.
Ara, I agree on Plutarch. I think he plays it straight so he seems like just a replacement for Seneca. We who are in the know, know that he’s undercover and might guess at his motives, but there is no hint of that at first. He’s just a Gamesmaker putting on a great show.
about the nightmare suggestion…
maybe the very night after that Katniss-Snow conversation? Then Katniss wakes up on the wee hours, maybe grab something warm to drink to calm her nerves then she sees through the window that the house nearby is lighted too (the occupant is also awake. peeta.) meaning she’s not the only one having a difficulty with the nightmares? and now only intensified with Snow’s visit.
PS We already know Seneca is dead because of the brilliant berry scene in HG. I think it would be especially cool to open with Snow in the control room in part because that was how HG ended. Also, we get to see how obsessed Snow is with Katniss and how intent he is on holding onto power at any cost.
Hana, yes. about Plutarch still:
not showing him in the beginning will make those who do not know (people who haven’t read the books) go “So who’s the head gamemaker now? could it be snow himself?” maybe if we follow the book’s introduction/revelation of Plutarch will be better? what do you guys think? but it will definitely be great to have him on a chat with Caesar to have a contrast (on Seneca) on how he will “talk” about the games… or how he sees it.
I’m loving this post! What fun. So we have about a month to write this script, send it to Lionsgate and wait for the check
A lot of people I know are saying that CF will just be a HUGE flop, because of the director change. I don’t know whether or not this will impact it. I also kind of wish that they weren’t making the books and movies into this big hairy deal, with the action figures and dolls and games. I liked it how it was before, and even if it IS better for income so Lionsgate can keep making movies, I just wish that it wasn’t so commercialized, because that is the message of all of the books, right? That this is a horrible thing and that the Capitol is just so commercialized and FAKE. I bet they would have Katniss barbie dolls, too…
i love Tash’s beginning of the movie, but i also like Erin’s idea as well…anyway, there are a lot of great ideas here, maybe we could mix it up a little bit and come up with a really amazing script…nice one guys, keep it coming
I think they should start out with Gale and Katniss and when they kiss and Pres. Snow is like watching on like a monitor or something and then it’s like “2 weeks later” and then ps shows up and talks to Katniss….Idk they will do a great job….I’m re-reading CF right now and I have NO idea how they are gonna fit all of that book into one movie…
would it not be redundant? when snow told katniss “i know about the kiss” (in the book), that really got me.
-but if snow will be shown looking or obsessing with katniss before that scene in the movie, would it not be less ‘impactful’? because we as movie viewers already know he is watching her Every (as in literally Every) move. -
i am stalking this post, btw. great job, everyone. thanks for putting this up!
I really hope they make it clear that Katniss isn’t really i love with Peeta yet. If I was watching the movie without having read the books, I might have thought that they were in love.
I think they definitely set up Pres. Snow as a villain to be feared in the first movie well enough. His eyes were so creepy and cruel.
Tay Tay, you are right about the length. They will never fit all of CF into a reasonable length movie unless they do one of two things:
1. Either they split CF into two movies or
2. They do a major streamlining of the plot with big cuts as Tash discusses above, and time compression as Erin suggests — plus core plot lines have to be clarified and even changed in a major, major way to focus on the important stuff that moves the world and character building along, while still telling a great story with a deep message that doesn’t bore non-readers to death (in other words, there has to be action and big, powerful visuals).
Some more really interesting points here again, glad its proving to be such a popular series!
(sorry you all have to wait 3 weeks between them – but we did it purposefully so the last one will come out exactly 1 week before the movie does)
I liked the points about Seneca and Plutarch, although we as the audience know that Seneca died, but Katniss doesn’t – so I think they will need that line in there from Snow about knowing what happened to him. Especially because that affects what she does for the game makers the second time around.
Great points too about Snow, he has to say “I know about the kiss”. Donald Sutherland sent shivers up my spine in The Hunger Games and I’m sure he’ll do the same in Catching Fire. To get that whole idea of him watching her the whole time will be truly horrifying.
ithink they will start with katniss in the woods by herself and have her flashback to the scene after the games when the train pulled over and peeta gets upset with katniss. to establish that peeta is upset. then gale will arrive and they’ll go through there normal teasing nature but each character will be closed off in a way they will have the scene where gale kisses here after he leaves she’ll run away confused and is ready to run upstairs and bury herself in her pillow. but of course when she opens the door she will find president snow. it is different to the book but will cover all the ground that needs to be covered but they will cut out all the other scenes, not because they arent interesting but because they aren’t necesary. dont get me wrong it would be awesome if they could make it exactly like the book but it would take ages to make andages to watch.
After reading these theories on how the film will begin, I think I would agree with Tash. Actually, to start with a nightmare about Rue would actually be good, since the entire “relationship” between Katniss and Rue was not totally explained in the film, at least I don’t think the audience understood that Rue reminded Katniss of Prim, and a nightmare about it would maybe make up for that “omission”. I was also a little bit confused with the ending of the movie, where Katniss was supposed to had Peeta know all she did was for the Games (like we don’t know better). Since it didn’t happen in the movie, I don’t see what the producers will do to try and make that clearer for the audience. Do I want Peeta do be mad at Katniss like he was in the book? Not really, that would be maybe too much “twilight-style” for me and some of the male audience to handle, but I think it would be good to see the unease and awkwardness between them. In fact, I think they should make a scene where Katniss and Peeta talk about it to clarify the audience what they probably didn’t understand the first time round, that Katniss “only” did what she did to maintain the Capitol Audience entertained. Maybe Peeta gets a little bit hurt and gives her more space, but not totally angry.
As for Gale, I wouldn’t change a thing and would keep it exactly as in the book. I think she should go meet him in their usual spot in a Sunday morning and, just like it happenned in the book, cry/laugh when she sees him. Then they would hunt and definitely do NOT talk about Peeta or the Games… Finally, when they reach the Hob and Katniss says goodbye to him, he kisses her and, just like it happened in the book, he says he had to do it at least once, and then leaves. I am extremely afraid for this scene because, as a male fan of the Hunger Games Triology, my tollerance for too much romance is only so-so, and I just HOPE TO GOD they don’t make this become the next Twilight.
Anyway, When Katniss gets home (maybe still a bit shocked about the kiss, though I realize President Snow only appeared a few days after it), President Snow would be there and he would threaten her in that smart way he does. I don’t think he should say “I know about the kiss”, that would be maybe a bit to frivolous for a President “concerned about the welfare” of the people of Panem. Actually, that may actually be the only thing I thought was a bit ridiculous in the entire story.
As for Katniss awakening Haymitch with cold water, I think it would actually be a nice touch. I honestly wouldn’t change much about that scene, and I would definetely include it in the film.
While all this is happenning, maybe some scenes in the Capitol, maybe Caesar interviewing Plutarch about his promotion to Direct GameMaker, that strategy seemed to kinda work in the first film.
That’s all for now, Regards from Portugal.
I agree with Tash’s idea the most. It seems so perfect to open up with a nightmare. There could be so many ideas for that. Like some of the earlier tributes there giving her murderous looks then turning into mutts or something. But I just need to point out, Greasy Sae WAS in the movie; I’m pretty sure it was her who let Katniss keep the mockingjay pin at the Hob.
I NEED CATCHING FIRE TO COME OUT!!!! TIME, WHY DON’T YOU GO FASTER??? oh yeah, and since before I was Team Geeta (Gale and Peeta), after my dream last night I am definitely TEAM GALE!!! Peeta was mean to me in my dream. >:(
Am loving this post, I keep reading different comments and thinking, oh yes they should do that!! I think it would be good to start with Caesar hosting a show, whether it be with Plutarch or with Claudius, introduce it as the hunger games 6 months review show…they need to emphasize what a big deal the K/P relationship is in the Capitol especially for the non-readers and also they can then lead on to briefly explain the victory tour and maybe even the quarter quell…end their show with clips of the ‘best bits’ of the 74th hunger games, then cut to Katniss waking up screaming obviously having had a nightmare, Prim is there trying to comfort her, they can show Katniss’ reluctance to speak about the games and how she just wants to forget about it and move on, then she leaves to the woods and meets Gale, show the change in their relationship dynamic from the first film with body language and how they keep to small talk, then he has to go to work, she has to get ready for the tour, he kisses her as a goodbye, says the line from the book about having to do it just once, she is left stunned, goes to wake up Haymitch, perhaps add extra dialog to explain the frostiness between Peeta/Katniss to the non-readers, then the main thing is obviously the meeting with Snow, which I hope will remain as close to the book as possible, perhaps with one of his aids whispering something to Snow when Katniss enters the room or slipping him a note and have it implied that it was telling him about the kiss that happened earlier that day with Gale…he has to say the line ‘I know about the kiss…’ its too good to miss out!! So many other good suggestions above though, I think there are many ways it could go!! Can’t bear having to wait another 18 months to see it!!!
Oooh I just got an idea. Since the kiss between Gale & Katniss was obviously recorded or something, they could start of the movie with Snow sitting and watching the footage of the two…?
Although I personally think that it could be quite cool to do the movie the same way as The Hunger Games, I personally liked the whole switching between several places and having the little not win corner saying “DISTRCIT 12″ or something, and since Prim is getting older it could be sweet if you for instance start of with a clip from the capitol with Snow & Plutarch or Ceasar interviewing Plutarch or Snow etc. And cutting to district 12 with Katniss screaming and afterwards her going through the woods, and ending up at Haymitch place. I personally don’t really care that we meet Hazelle or go to the Hob, but I think it’s quite important to have Haymitch in there, also because he’s sort of conforming that there is an akward situation going on between Katniss & Peeta?
I had not thought of it before reading your comments, but I can see how starting with a short interview with Caeser Flickerman could quickly establish that 6 months has passed and about Victory Tour. Then maybe showing Katniss on Victory Tour train, having nightmare flashbacks to Gale’s coldness to her, the awkwardness with Peeta scene, and then the conversation with Snow. Could have her wake up and immediately be in the present reality of being on train. I agree, though, that waking up Haymitch and his comment about “Brrr, cold in here” will help us understand how things stand with Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch. And we need enough interactions with Haymitch to understand the depth of his “betrayal” at end of CF.
what about in the first book how hatniss told peeta she didnt luv him
I agree with Erin on this one, they’ll need that interaction between Plutarch and Caesar to introduce him as new Gamemaker as well as maybe having them talk about their excitement for the upcoming Victory tour which will explain what the tour is, seeing as we wont have the thoughts of Katniss to explain it
I loved the last but I think this next movie will be even better especially with the idea of waking up to a going to the woods and I personally think that they should include the sentence of look if try wanted to be babied you should have asked petea