Film Comparison

On of the biggest differences I noticed between The Hunger Games book and the movie was when Peeta’s father came to visit Katniss before they were taken to the Capitol. 

In the book Katniss is taken to a room in the Justice Building where her family and friends can say goodbye to her.  One of her first visitors is Peeta’s father.  Katniss is not expecting him and is pretty surprised that he came to see her.  Katniss recalls trading with him in the Hob and how he was always more generous with his bakery then he had to be.  He gives Katniss some cookies as a parting gift and even more importantly to Katniss he assures her that he will keep an eye on Prim to make sure she doesn’t starve to death.  This is a huge relief to Katniss knowing there will be someone else looking after her little sister besides her mother. 

In the movie the only visitors that Katniss is allowed to see are her mother, Prim and Gale.  The screen writers completely cut out the part about Peeta’s dad visiting her. 

I understand that a movie can only be so long and there are always parts that are going to have to be cut out of books, but I felt like this was an important point.  I think that Peeta’s father came to see Katniss because he wanted to let her know that he understood that Peeta probably wouldn’t be coming home alive.  Even though he never said it out loud the fact that he came to see her makes me think that he wants Katniss to know that he understands his son’s fate and he has accepted it.  Peeta’s father knows that even thought Katniss is a girl she has a better chance of getting out of the arena live then Peeta does.  He knows that Katniss is a competitor who has what it takes to stay alive in the game, unlike his son Peeta.       

One main similarity between the book and the movie was the relationship between Katniss and Rue.  In the book and in the movie the reader definitely got the sense that Katniss saw Rue like a little sister.  The part of their relationship that both the book and the movie were totally in sync on was when Rue was killed.  In both cases we saw how much Rue meant to Katniss.  Katniss who has showed very little emotion up to this point finally breaks down and cries.  She wants Rue to have a peaceful death so she sings to her and surrounds her with flowers.  This is one of the few time in the book and movie that Katniss experiences a “feminine” emotion. 

In both of these cases Katniss falls back on the masculine tendency she knows well, control.  With Peeta’s father she doesn’t fall to the floor thanking him for saying he’ll look after Prim and promising him she will not kill Peeta.  She gives him a heartfelt thank you and that’s it.   Rue’s death is very hard on her and instead of breaking down Katniss quietly sheds a few tears, sings, and says her goodbyes.  Her control allowed her to mourn over her friend’s death, but not let it consume her.  Many times controlling women are seen as cold and unfeeling, but because of the circumstances Katniss’ control allowed her and her family to stay alive.