The Hunger Games Book Trailer

The Hunger Games - Movie VS. Book

Some challenges the filmmakers might face when producing this movie include: all the special effects in the arena, capturing the feel of the capital and the people, killing children and animals, as well as the many flashbacks Katniss has throughout the story. Katniss explains her feelings/actions through her thoughts, which is hard to interpret in a movie. Also the lack of dialogue could become a problem. Although special effects can be useful in re-creating the authors’ vision, nothing can compare to how our imagination views the scenes. It will be very difficult for filmmakers to satisfy all audiences' imaginations.

One scene that is essential to keep would be the killing of Rue. That is a huge factor for the rest of the book, as well as the two follow-up novels. If they were to change that, the rest of the plot would have to be changed, which would upset many viewers fond of the original story. A second scene they need to keep is near the ending when they’re about to take their own lives simultaneously by eating the berries, before the gamemakers announce their winning of the games. This provides the perfect set-up for the rest of the series and an explanation for the gamemakers emotions in the next book. The last scene they should keep is when Peeta and Katniss are on the way back to district 12, and Katniss confesses her fake love to Peeta. This, again, sets the tone for the next book and explains Katniss' conflicting feelings.

Most of the book is filled with important information to explain peoples' emotions/actions, however there can be some dull moments. I think more time should be spent on the games rather than supporting characters or secondary plotlines. I think the movie was well-done, but I found the book to be more intriguing. If I had just seen the movie I would have enjoyed it just as equally as if I had just read the book. But combining the two seemed to make the movie less enjoyable because of things they left out or changed.

13 Reasons Why Suicide Prevention Program

The Idea             

My idea is to have a society of teenagers that come together after, or while, reading the book and discuss their journey or relationship with suicide in young adults. There would be meetings held in different cities across the country as well as 24/7 online chat and a hotline connecting them with other teenagers to talk about their experiences. The novel really incorporates prevention and the aftermath of suicide, so having a society that could openly talk about both of those things would be very rewarding for young adults. Of course, the meetings would all be free and group leaders would be strictly volunteer based. In the novel, Hannah was very afraid to talk about suicide with her classmates and her teachers. Here, everyone would be allowed a word in as well as time to think and listen to the group leader about their actions. It would be a highly judgment-free zone where you could truly speak your mind. I think this would not only help promote the novel, but help promote the books message.  All Hannah really wanted was some attention, and having a hotline for people with unknown identities, struggling with some of the same issues would be very helpful for people seeking individualized attention. You could also use the online chat rooms or one on one chat with teenagers around the country.

Connection

                “I’m sure the school had psychologists come in loaded with handouts, telling you what to look for in students who might be considering...Another pause. No. Like I said before, I can’t say it. Suicide. Such a disgusting word.” (Pg. 164) Hannah didn’t believe in saying something that she forced herself to do. With help from this teen prevention program we help students discuss and look into themselves as well as what they want to do to themselves. “…I admitted that I was at a point in my life where I really could have used any encouragement anyone might have left me.” (Pg.168) At these programs we intend to give students the same amount of encouragement that Hannah lacked in her life. Most kids struggling with depression just want to be understood. They need to feel wanted and important. With our unique approach to this rising conflict, attention and understanding will be a top priority. “A flood of emotion rushes into me. Pain and anger.  Sadness and pity. But most surprising of all, hope. I keep walking.” (Pg. 288) We not only want kids to know the warning signs of high depression and suicide but we also want them to help stop it. A friendly smile in the hallway or a simple “Hey” before class can change someone’s attitude towards the world. We fully encourage teenagers to know as much about this topic as possible, before they themselves or someone else has to suffer through the consequences.

Why It’ll Work

The idea will work by word of mouth. Teenagers socialize among each other more and faster, now more than ever before, and once they use these prevention resources they’ll become more open with talking about suicide.  In the book, Hannah doesn’t even want to say the word. I hope that with these meetings someone who would consider such a thing would be able to say the word out loud. Once the teenagers are open about their feelings, they will draw their own parents in so they too can express their ideas on the issue. Having such organized meetings as well as online services, will hopefully grow and be recommended by schools and organizations that deal with suicide prevention. The fans of the book that come to these meetings will be intrigued by how real-life experiences and the book are extremely similar. Teens will tell about some of their portrayals of the story and if they agree with some of the choices Hannah made, reflecting on their own choices. All information would be kept strictly confidential, unless you choose otherwise. This gives teens the ability to freely express themselves without fear of judgment, prejudice, or embarrassment.