Mockingjay was written by Suzanne Collins as the third and final piece of the Hunger Games series. It is a Sci-Fi and Thriller novel published in 2010 by Scholastic Inc. The story picks up in the gloomy underground barracks of District 13 a short while after the end of the second book, Catching Fire. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, finds herself confined by the secret fortress that the long-lost District 13 has built. She reflects and mourns the total destruction of her old home, District 12. Their country, Panem, is war-torn. The nation itself is split into 12 Districts and a Capitol. Each District has its specific industry, and all exist to serve those in the corrupted Capitol. The current conflict began two years ago, but the tensions and foundation of the country go way back. Once, the Districts attempted to revolt against the Capitol but lost. As punishment, each district was forced to send one male and one female tribute to the Hunger Games, a brutal, all-out death match every year. Each Hunger Games only had one victor, who became crowned in glory and riches. Everyone else dies trying. In the 73rd Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark were chosen in District 12. 12 had always been the poorest district. Only tribute from District 12 named Haymitch had ever won. It was usually a death sentence. Poverty made it nearly impossible to become strong and healthy, and training was out of the question completely. Their industry was coal mining, no use in a death-match. Other Districts, such as 1, 2, and 4, were wealthy and had industries that tied closely to combat. When Katniss and Peeta were chosen, a long, hard-fought battle and a scripted romance saw the both of them coming out victorious. Throughout the game, they acted as lovers to sway the public, even forcing the game’s rule to change to allow two victors to give them hope to both make it out. When the two of them were the only ones standing, however, the rule was cruelly revoked. Eventually, the Capitol allowed both of them to win after they both threatened to commit suicide by poisoning, which would leave no victor at all. Although successful, their act was seen as defiance by the Capitol, and a sign to revolt for the Districts. Next year, Katniss and Peeta were forced back into the arena by another change in the rules, likely the Capitol’s attempt to kill off the driving force of the revolution. When a stunt was pulled that blew up the arena and allowed Katniss to escape on the brink of death, a full revolution broke out among the people as they saw hope. In retaliation, the Capitol captured Peeta, tortured him, and firebombed the entirety of District 12. Survivors were taken into District 13. 13 also took in Katniss, several former victors, and generally anyone who could help the revolution overthrow the Capitol rule. Throughout the novel, the revolution rages on. Katniss faces pain and sees suffering she could never imagine. She goes through grief, watching the Capitol brainwash Peeta and use him as a puppet. The ethics of war play a large part in her character as well. Katniss seems to be one of the only people who care about the innocent lives in the crossfire. The District won’t let her fight, only hiding her in their back lines, using her as a symbol to spread Propaganda to gain additional support. Her moral dilemmas and pent-up frustration are clear in the entire book. Tension is built as the story reaches the climax. The final scenes of the revolution contain thrilling action, highs, lows, tragedy, heartbreak, sacrifice, and everything else at the heart of human conflict. The conclusion sees the war end but leaves countless more questions than answers. Although peace is restored, the ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger. The future is intentionally left unclear. The entire series serves as a warning against a corrupt and abusive governing body. The series, especially Mockingjay, reminds us of the massive costs that come with war, and questions how much humanity is willing to pay for freedom and justice. Ethics and cruelty are concerns brought up countless times throughout the novel as well. The Hunger Games as a concept is similar to the Labyrinth in Greek Mythology, where different places were forced to send children every seven years as payment for war. I personally enjoyed the thrill aspect of the book. There were twists and turns everywhere, and I was always on my toes, never knowing what was coming. However, I wish the ending was a bit clearer in explaining the war's aftermath and where all the characters ended up. We got a bit about Katniss and Peeta’s marriage and new life, but many details are still murky. Other major characters are completely missing as well. Overall, the book was a great read and well worth my time, but I’d recommend reading the previous books first so as not to get completely lost in a highly complicated plotline. My only complaint would be the conclusion, but that is up to personal preference.
Miles Z
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