The fourth installment in the “Hunger Games” movies yet again raked in millions of dollars following its opening weekend debut. The franchise, comprised of “The Hunger Games,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2” follows the lives of a post-apocalyptic world called Panem. Every year, there is a competition with two children from each of Panem’s 12 districts, one boy and one girl. Upon their selection, they enter into the Hunger Games: a game of survival and fight to the death. The last one standing brings honor to their district. These games had been created as a way to punish the districts for a previous rebellion against the Capital.
“Mockingjay, Part 2” begins with Katniss’ recovery following her encounter with a brainwashed Peeta, who attempted to take her life. In the previous film, “Mockingjay, Part 1,” the underground District 13 had managed to capture Katniss from the 75th Hunger Games, while the Capital captured Peeta. During his stay in the Capital, Peeta was tortured, therefore becoming brainwashed. Upon his capture by District 13, he attempted to take Katniss’ life. Following her recovery, she began to closely watch District 13’s leader, Coin. From her observations, she began to see Coin’s true meanings of this rebellion against the Capital. Coin’s plans are ones that Katniss wishes no part of.
After the marriage of Annie and Finnick, Katniss rejoins the battlefront in hopes of assassinating President Snow, the leader of the Capital and the rest of Panem. District 13 and all rebel forces gather at the edges of the Capital and begin to descend upon President Snow’s fortifications. All throughout the Capital, booby traps – similar to those in the Hunger Games themselves – are strewn throughout the city. Katniss’ group, following days after the fighting rebels, hope that by following in last, they will be able to avoid all fighting.
Throughout their travels, the group encounters a number of these traps, losing many along the way. Upon their arrival at the Capital, both rebel and Capital forces are drawn into the final battle.
“Mockingjay, Part 2,” although not the normal, happy Hollywood ending, lives up to the expectations of many. To fans of the book, the entire series follows a good majority of Suzanne Collins’ original plotline while bringing the Hunger Games to life on the big screen. The movie overall greatly showcases the struggle of the main characters throughout this world of Panem. In the end, Katniss has accomplished her goals and proved herself to their entire known world.
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2” will leave you greatly saddened, but joyful over the end of the Hunger Games. All actors and actresses have left behind a legacy: one forever to be enjoyed through film.
