47 Mockingjay Facts: Things To Know If You're A Hunger Games Fan

'The Hunger Games' trilogy of books had taken the world by storm, especially when the movies were released with exceptional story building and some top-notch performances.

The teen literary world was waiting for this book series to get unveiled, and when it did, critics compared the popularity and success of the series of 'The Hunger Games' to the 'Twilight' series by Stephanie Meyer.

The first book by Suzanne Collins was launched in 2008, 'Catching Fire' in 2009, and 'Mockingjay' in 2010. Producers decided to divide the 'Mockingjay' book into two and two parts of the book were made into movies.

The story is based on a game, a game organized by the Capitol to keep all of the 12 districts in line and also to pit youth against youth in a gladiatorial fashion.

From the first movie itself, Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, and Josh Hutcherson have led the team to create this beautiful piece of cinema along with Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, and more. For the second film, director Francis Lawrence took the help of the series and created the universe of Katniss Everdeen.

Inspiration Behind Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins had earlier stated that she was inspired by the minotaur and the classical account of Theseus.

If you read Greek mythology, Androgeus, King Minos' son was killed and as a punishment to Athens, it had to sacrifice seven maidens and seven youths to Crete.

They were put in the Labyrinth and murdered by the Minotaur.

Theseus, the son of the Athenian king planned to end the reign of Minos and the Minotaur. He joined the group of victims and led them to safety after killing the Minotaur.

Panem and the Roman Empire have a lot of similarities too. Like Romans did with gladiator rings, chosen ones had to fight to the death in Panem too.

Plot Of Mockingjay

After the previous events of 'Catching Fire', Katniss and her family along with Haymitch, Gale, and Finnick, and the rest of the survivors of District 12 reach District 13 and live underground.

Katniss portrays the Mockingjay, the symbol of the rebellion, albeit reluctantly.

Katniss gives demands including immunity for the surviving tributes of the Hunger Games.

Peeta is tortured by the Capitol and after he and the others are rescued, Peeta despises Katniss and has been brainwashed. He even attempts to kill her.

Gale uses controversial techniques to win over District 2.

Katniss goes to shoot a propaganda film. President Coin also sends Peeta with her.

Katniss decides to attack Snow instead and many friends are killed.

Rebels take over the Capitol and Snow was to be publically executed.

Katniss learns from Snow that it was Coin who orchestrated everything to manipulate her by bombing the place which also killed Prim. Katniss also realizes Gale proposed a similar plan to turn Snow's support against him.

Coin intends to take Snow's place and host the Hunger Games using Capitol children. However, she is outvoted.

Katniss was to execute Snow, but she instead kills Coin. Katniss is sent home after being acquitted of murder by reason of insanity.

Few people return to District 12 including Peeta. 20 years later, they are married and parents of two children. The Hunger Games have been abolished now.

Movie Vs. Book

The book 'Mockingjay' of 'The Hunger Games' series was made into two different movies, 'The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1' and 'The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2.'

Director Francis Lawrence joined the franchise with 'Hunger Games: Catching Fire' and signed on to do both of the 'Mockingjay' films.

Effie is not an important character in the book as she appears only for a brief moment in the end but the film has her in extensively.

The discipline of District 13 is toned down in the films. Julianne Moore tones down the character a lot.

Katniss becomes the Mockingjay and the list of demands to take on the helm is shortened in the film.

Pollux and Castor are identical twins in the book. They are fraternal twins in the films.

Flower scenes in the movie have been extended, while it's only a few flowers in the book.

The rescue mission of Peeta and the other victors is changed in the film.

There are many other differences between the films and the book, but the story is the same.

Characters In Mockingjay

There are many notable characters in 'Mockingjay' that you should know about.

Katniss Everdeen is the teenage protagonist of 'The Hunger Games' series. She grew up in District 12, in the poorest part, and is the daughter of a healer and a miner.

Her father died in a mining incident and since then, Katniss is the caregiver for her sister Primrose. Katniss is highly skilled in hunting and is independent.

She is declared the titular Mockingjay after she wins the first Hunger Games.

She follows her instincts but remains confused about her romantic feelings for Gale and Peeta. Since the first film, the character of Katniss Everdeen has been played by Jennifer Lawrence.

Gale Hawthorne is Katniss' best friend and also her hunting partner from the same district. Gale has been in love with Katniss for ages.

However, when the rebellion peaks, Gale and his tactics become brutal and along with Beetee, Gale develops weapons that lead to the death of Primrose.

Katniss does not forgive him and after the rebellion ends, Gale moves to District 2 for a government job.

The character of Gale is portrayed by Liam Hemsworth.

Liam Hemsworth, along with Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson carries the roles in all four movies with excellence.

Peeta Mellark also grew up in District 12 and is the son of a baker. He helped Katniss and her family in the fast from hunger and is from a fairly rich family.

He is loyal and always protects Katniss, at any cost.

Peeta is later captured by the Capitol forces and during the first half of the book, he is used by President Snow to torture Katniss.

He returns to District 13, but he is made to believe Katniss is the enemy.

Later, Katniss and Peeta come back to District 12, get back together, and have two children.

Peeta is played by Josh Hutcherson in the films.

Primrose Everdeen is Katniss' sister and in Mockingjay, she works as a medic in District 13.

She is eventually killed by a bomb. Willow Shields played this character in 'The Hunger Games' films.

Alma Coin is the tactical and cold president of District 13. She dislikes Katniss but has to tolerate her because of the importance of Mockingjay to the cause.

Katniss later kills Coin as she tries to enact the Hunger Games with Capitol children after President Snow is overthrown. Julianne Moore plays the character in the films.

President Snow is the former president of Panem. He is later killed in a mob. Donald Sutherland plays President Snow in the movies.

Haymitch Abernathy is the mentor of Peeta and Katniss during the 74th Hunger Games, he himself was a winner.

He is an alcoholic but an important part of the rebellion. The character is played by Woody Harrelson.

Effie Trinket is the escort of the tributes from District 12 and also an advisor to Peeta and Katniss.

She is only the surviving escort from the 74th and 75th Hunger Games by the end of 'Mockingjay'.

Effie Trinket is played by Elizabeth Banks.

Some other notable characters include Plutarch Heavensbee, Finnick Odair, Boggs, Johanna Mason, Beetee, Caesar Flickerman (played by Stanley Tucci), Cressida, Messalla, Pollux, Castor, Egeria, Annie Cresta, Commander Paylor, and Antonius.

Read the books and watch the film series. You will see how director Francis Lawrence uses his camera crew to provide drama. The first film of 'Hunger Games' needs to be watched to get the gist.

FAQs

What is the 'Mockingjay' a symbol of?

It is a symbol of rebellion.

Why is it called 'Mockingjay'?

A symbol of hope and rebellion, the writer says that Katniss and Mockingjay, both should never have existed.

How did Katniss get the circular bird pin?

The mayor's daughter, Madge, gave it to her.

What does Peeta symbolize?

It is believed that Peeta symbolizes hope.

What does Peeta do that makes Katniss look weak?

The comments in the interview made Katniss believe that Peeta made her look weak.