I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the Lions Gate Hunger Games: Mockingjay theatrical release. I received a book, products, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Hunger Games Mocking Jay Pin and District 13 Map Scarf - ad #mockingjay #mc

I love books and so many times when a book is made into a movie it’s so disappointing. It seems they usually fool with the storyline because they believe they have a Hollywood formula that they must use, but that usually translates into a film that falls far short of the original. Thankfully that’s not the case with the “Hunger Games” series and that’s why I’m so thrilled that a new chapter is opening in theatres 11/21/14.

The newest film is based on the third installment of the book series written by Suzanne Collins. It’s a book I’ve read four times now. I rarely re-read books, so the fact that I’ve enjoyed it four times really says a lot. But “Mockingjay” is such an epic story that it’s being split into two films which I love – it means they’re not going to cut important storylines to make it fit. But why would a 50-year old read a young adult fiction book? I ask that myself all the time. My son encouraged me to try it and when I asked the premise of the book I think I stared at him in horror. He looked at me and said, “Trust me, it sounds gruesome, but you’ll love it.”  And love it I did. As a dedicated vegetarian and pacifist, why in the world would I love a book about children fight to the death?

Mockingjay Part 1

Because the story and the characters are compelling. Yes, it is brutal, war is brutal, and this last book in particular has some very gruesome scenes so I’d caution against younger children seeing it (or see it with them and make these scenes a starting point for a conversation about war, about oppression, and about how power can corrupt – talk on their level and in their comfort zone).

I also love that the film centers around a strong female lead. She’s got love interests, but that’s not the focus of her life and she’s not waiting for them to rescue her. She’s seen as a becon of hope to others, but she has a realistic fear that shows she’s human.

The character of Katniss is one with many flaws and that’s probably why I love her. She’s had loss, doesn’t have a much of a relationship with her mother, and is trying her best to find a way to make life better for herself and everyone else in her community.

Check out the trailer for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I – it’s intense. It’s definitely one for the big screen so that you get the most of the music and visual effects.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Trailer – “The Mockingjay Lives”

“Mockingjay – Part I” releases in theatre November 21, 2014.

Learn more about the film and its characters plus find additional videos at The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I website. There are also plenty of free downloadables – posters, character cards, and more.

Will you be seeing Hunger Games: Mockingjay in theateres?