This is my first run through of these books. I’ve seen the movies, but I wanted to know how much context I was missing without reading the books and I can confirm that a lot of context is lost!! The movie captures the gist/overall theme of the books with the rebellion of the capital government and districts but the conflicts of interest, emotional trauma, and political details are barely touched on in the movies. Meanwhile, the books have given sooo much and more. 

Some key differences:
- katniss comes off as borderline unlikable (at least in the first 2 books) but it’s not without reason. Katniss is 16-17 and has so much weight and responsibility placed on her. With that in perspective, her emotions, train of thought, and approach to others makes more than sense and truly empathizing to her situation. 

- Peeta is amazing!!! I don’t think I was as attached to Peeta in the movies as I am now. Protect Peeta at all cost <3

- Haymitch’s and the other tributes backgrounds are explained more in this book and I found that information invaluable to understanding the importance and meaning of the rebellion!! 

- The overall parallels of this book to our world / the life we live today is uncanny.