Mockingjay Pt 2 Countdown: EPILOGUE

Epilogue

And here we are, this is the bittersweet ending to not only the movie series, but also our Mockingjay Countdown posts! To celebrate that, check out some of our favorite countdown post artwork!

Chapter 15


mmmmmm whatcha sayyyyy // video by Denise featuring Denise and Courtney

Chapter 16

the Odair-Cresta wedding was GREAT but we didn't get to see the cake! Luckily, we know what it would have looked like. // graphic by me (Janine)
Chapter 22

:( // video by Denise

Chapter 23

we LOVE Tigris and her shop (and Eugenie Bondurat who is gorgeous and super nice in person) and this commercial is probably our favorite video! Tigris, if/when your shop opens up again, call us! // video by Denise

Chapter 25



We didn't get to see Katniss' parachute-induced dream, but you can't help but imagine this exact thing when you read it! // Art by Courtney

Chapter 27http://www.welcometodistrict12.com/2015/11/chapter-25-creature-as-unquenchable-as.html



Katniss' book. Ending the countdown with all the feels! // Graphic by Tiffany

And now let's talk about the Epilogue!

We’re sure the epilogue presented a slight challenge for the movie adaptation, since there is no voiceover from Katniss. The overall message of the epilogue was there, but instead of Katniss telling the readers, she’s speaking sweetly to her baby.

In the book, Katniss has an older girl with dark hair and a younger boy with blond hair, but since the movie used Jennifer Lawrence’s nephews, this is different. Katniss mentions the Hunger Games more directly in the book’s epilogue, saying that they’re taught about in school and that their daughter knows that Peeta and Katniss played a role. Despite these changes, the epilogue for the movie definitely fit the tone of the book’s epilogue without making it longer than it had to be.

Both epilogues end with the same line, and the movie’s credits roll to Jennifer singing Deep in the Meadow, whose lyrics are in the epilogue. My favorite thing in the epilogue though, which felt like a nod to book fans, is Peeta and their son playing with a dandelion. Overall, we feel that the movie epilogue was well adapted. Kudos to Francis!

- Tiffany

So there you have it! Do you have a favorite countdown post! Let us know here or tweet us @WtoD12

The Girl Who Was On Fire Giveaway!

Looks like we have one more giveaway in celebration of Mockingjay Part 2! This giveaway is brought to you by Smart Pop Books, known for books such as The Girl Who Was on Fire and The Panem Companion!

Back when The Hunger Games franchise was young, we didn't have any movies to go crazy over. We spent our time chatting with fans, having discussions, and reading what few resource books were available. If you haven't had a chance to read The Girl Who Was on Fire and The Panem Companion, we highly recommend you do so ESPECIALLY if you are a Hunger Games super fan.

1 winner will receive prize pack including:

                                           -The Girl Who Was On Fire

                                           - The Panem Companion

                                           - Complete Set of District Buttons

Contest ends on Dec. 9th midnight PST, winner must respond to email within 24 hours to claim prize. We will give a heads up on our twitter when the email will be going out.

US and Canada residents only.

Enter Below:

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Mockingjay Part 2 - Los Angeles Premiere and After Party

Monday evening, the beginning of the end. After getting ourselves beautified, Courtney, Tiffany, Janine and I arrive at LA Live to enjoy one last Los Angeles Hunger Games Premiere. After spending days camping out for the first two premieres and jumping in line last minute after a shift at work last year, this year we got to have a mini reunion with our fellow fansite runners before getting our tickets to the movie and passes to the after party.

The fierce faces behind Welcome to District 12

The first thing that made this premiere stand out from the others was the INSANE WIND! We went from polished to THIS

Courtney being a beautiful butterfly flying against the wind

It was so cold and windy that the heaters they had initially wanted to put out kept falling over so we had to suffer. Though I was wrapped in the warmth of a faux fur coat, Courtney, the poor girl, had made incredible archery inspired accessories to her outfit that she wanted to put on display, so she suffered. 

Arm Guard 

and

Gloves

Courtney also made President Snow inspired accessories for all of us!

Foreshadowing!!!!

After getting our amazing view at the front of the red carpet we waited until the stars arrived.

Taking selfies before the actual celebs showed

The drummers finally start and the red carpet begins! 

Meta Golding, who made a wonderful cameo in the film. 

My favorite little sister ever, Willow Shields, being incredibly adorable.

Elden Henson and Wes Chatham as the brother Star Squad cameramen, Castor and Pollux.

Literally my favorite person in these films because he's so incredibly hilarious in person, Sam Claflin.

Patina Miller, who was wearing the most beautiful dress and was so insanely sweet and a joy to meet.

The man at the helm, the amazing Francis Lawrence. I will always adore this guy.

The amazing and beautiful Stef Dawson who I can't even put into words how generous and wonderful she is.

The woman who made these films happen, producer Nina Jacobson 

One of my favorite fallen tributes, Alan Ritchson, who I dorked out over.

The great Jeffrey Wright who is always such a wonder to meet (and not only because he looks like Court's dad).

The incredible Jena Malone! Johanna is still my favorite.

I was beyond excited to meet Eugenie Bondurant, who plays the breathtaking Tigris. If you've followed our Mockingjay Countdown, you know how amped I was for Tigris.

The woman who started it all! Suzanne Collins, who Courtney got a wonderful hug from.

Saved this for last because NATALIE DORMER!!!! Need I say more?

Sadly, our picture opportunities with Josh and Liam didn't go smoothly, so we don't have those, and poor Jennifer got whisked through the red carpet after press photos. 

After the last of the stars made their way into the theater, we got to go in to see the last film for the first time! The cast and key members of the crew came onto the stage to give a final send off before the film rolled. Thankfully Janine had spare tissues, because I cried my way through that movie.

As we made our slow exit out of the theater, we got our passes ready to enter the after party.

aww yeah vip

As we ascended the stairs, the first thing we see is a three finger salute, which we had to take a picture in front of. 

For those about to kill totalitarian rulers, we salute you.

The entrance of the party was made to look like President Snow's mansion!

Thankfully there were no parachutes raining down on us at this point.

We filmed the way into the mansion, and you might catch a glimpse of JK Simmons to our right as we walked in.

Walking into the #mockingjaypart2 after party!

A video posted by Welcome to district 12 (@welcometodistrict12) on Nov 23, 2015 at 10:01pm PST

We entered the party and one of the first things you see in the middle of the room was a greenhouse filled with white roses, while the rest of the room was filled with red roses. We had such a wonderful time and the cast was all over. We even ran into Amandla Stenberg, who I had to gush over!

The VIP section was closed off with a Capitol symbol hanging over it, but we made our way over to say hi to some friends. Stef Dawson was awesome and took pictures with all of us!

              


We then ran into Jackie Emerson and told her about the Samsung experience, which they had at the after party! We all went over to check it out. Sadly they stopped doing the Faces of the Revolution posters because of the high demand, but we managed to take our own photos.

Sadly, the night had to end at some point (and that point was nearly 3AM) so we had some dessert with the other fansites and said our goodbyes. What a wonderful end to many years. It was a dream come true to get to have an opportunity like this. Thanks to Lionsgate and to the cast and crew! You made this girl's heart soar.

A Letter From Suzanne Collins

Scholastic posted a letter from our OG fearless leader Suzanne Collins thanking everyone involved with the Hunger Games movies. Read it below and get teary eyed with us!

A Thank You to The Hunger Games Film Team

Having spent the last decade in Panem, it’s time to move on to other lands. But before I do, I’d like to say a tremendous thank you to everyone associated with the film franchise. I’m thrilled with how this quartet of films, which I find both faithful to the books and innovative in its own right, has been brought to life on the screen.

In an earlier letter I credited director Gary Ross for his wonderful rendering of the first book, but now I turn to Francis Lawrence who has so amazingly helmed the rest of the franchise. Creating three big budget films in three years, that’s a feat in itself. But I doubt many could do it with his incredible visual style, edge-of-your-seat action sequences, and hardcore commitment to difficult themes. Thank you, Francis, for showing up, for staying, for always hearing me out, for your unfailing good nature, and for bringing your remarkable talent to these films.

Billy Ray, Gary Ross, Simon Beaufoy, Michael Arndt, Danny Strong and Peter Craig, gifted writers all, thank you for sharing your pens, brains, and wealth of experience as we transformed three books into four scripts. A screenplay is a very different animal than a novel, and it was a pleasure and an education to work with you and watch you weave your magic.

There’s no Hunger Games without Katniss. I hoped for someone good enough, and I got someone who exceeded all my expectations. Jennifer Lawrence, your emotional depth, luminous presence, and sheer power carry this story and I will always be grateful to you for opening the door and allowing it to come into your life. And for the rest of the cast, if I had a chance, who would I replace in these films? No one. I don’t think there’s a weak link in the chain, and what an exquisite chain it is. I still can’t believe half of you came on board. You blow me away with your ability to bring out the humanity of these characters from under outlandish wigs, while fighting lizard mutts, pumped with tracker jacker serum, waging war and so much more. Thank you for volunteering for the Games and inhabiting these characters with such texture, color, humor and pain.

Much thanks to our masterful Production Designer Phil Messina and the many top-notch designers who signed on. It has been a delight to watch you fashion and expand the world of Panem, whether by hand-crafted or computer-based means. From the excess of the Capitol to the claustrophobic hive of District 13 to the violent scenes of civil war, you have taken the ball and run with it in fabulously detailed and thoughtful ways, grounding the fantastical, and fusing disparate elements into a cohesive reality. And to composer James Newton Howard for his moving and evocative scoring of the franchise, which so hauntingly reflects the heart of the story.

For my producers, Nina Jacobson of Color Force, who was there from the beginning, and Jon Kilik, who joined us soon after, thank you both for bringing your dedication, energy, and many talents to this huge project. I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am to you and the excellent team at Lionsgate for protecting the work, for not swerving away from the harder moments, and for allowing the themes and narrative of the books to play out as originally conceived. And sincere appreciation to Tim Palen for his brilliant marketing campaign, Julie Fontaine for her stellar PR, and the entire gang at Lionsgate for tirelessly presenting the franchise to a global audience.

Thousands of people have worked on these films in a myriad of ways, prepping, shooting, in post production, and promotion. Please, anybody seeing them, take a few moments to watch the credits and acknowledge the enormous collaborative effort that goes into making a franchise.

For me, The Hunger Games Trilogy is part of a larger goal to introduce the ideas of just war theory to young audiences, but how much wider and more varied an audience came with the films, and the credit for that goes to all of you who contributed so much to this project.

Finally, to all the readers and viewers who have accompanied Katniss on her journey, thank you for playing a role in The Hunger Games, you are truly a vital part of the experience.

May the odds be ever in your favor!

-Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay Pt2 Countdown - Chapter 27

Chapter 27

We're almost to the end of Mockingjay and our countdown, and as the movie draws nearer, we're at a chapter that we're anxious to see on film.

After Katniss kills Coin, she's taken to her old room in the Training Center as her trial goes on without her. Will we see Katniss's trial? Will she be there or will they hold her in the room like in the book? So many questions about how this part of the book has translated to the movie, and we haven't had any indication either way. Since the books are limited to Katniss's POV and the movies aren't, we could very well see the discussion about what to do with her.

Eventually, Haymitch takes her home to District 12. He's charged with looking after her since her mother will not be coming home. Katniss struggles to look after herself, only eating when Greasy Sae comes over to cook for her. She comes across Peeta when he finally arrives back in District 12. He's planting evening primrose in her yard in memory of Prim. Katniss finds out Gale won't be coming back. For the sake of pacing in film, this might not be as dragged out in the book. It's likely Peeta may come back with Katniss and Katniss finds out that Gale won't be coming back sooner.

Katniss tries to go hunting, but she's too weak. Buttercup shows up when she comes back, and Katniss yells at the cat that Prim isn't coming back. We're praying this scene makes it to the movie as it resonates with a lot of fans. This triggers the beginnings of Katniss's recovery. Afterwards, she speaks with her mother and Dr. Aurelius on the phone. Katniss decides to fill a book with memories of the people she's lost and does so with help from Peeta and Haymitch. It would be a nice touch to see it in the movie.

At the end of the chapter, she reveals that she and Peeta fall in love:

So after, when he whispers, “You love me. Real or not real?” 

I tell him, “Real.”

Cue intense crying and sobbing from everyone in the audience. Probably.

Next up on our Countdown, we'll have the infamous Epilogue to lead us into the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

#MockingjayPart2 Lionsgate and Fandango Giveaway!

Hello tributes! We've got exciting news about a giveaway celebrating the release of Mockingjay Part 2 and our 5 year anniversary as a fansite! It's been a long and fun road these past few years, and we are thrilled to give fans a chance to win some rad stuff here at the end of the franchise. Thanks so much to both Lionsgate and FANDANGO for giving us sweet prizes to make this giveaway all the more epic.

Here is what you can win:

Grand Prize:

·         The Hunger Games DVD Pack – The Hunger Games, Catching Fire & Mockingjay Part - 1
·         1 Mockingjay Part - 2 Gold Pin
·         1 Black Revolution Leaders Pin
·         1 Final Katniss Poster
·         1 IMAX Katniss Poster
·         1 Faces of the Revolution Poster (Peeta, Gale, OR Katniss to be selected randomly)

FANDANGO prizes:

1 pair of Fandango tickets to see Mockingjay Part 2
        (we're giving away 2 sets of tickets!)


ENTER BELOW. Prizes to be shipped by Lionsgate, so U.S. only! Contest ends November 23rd, 2015 @ 12:00 am





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May the odds be EVER in your favor!

Chapter 26: The Mockingjay Deal

We are almost at the end! Today we will be discussing Chapter 26: The Mockingjay Deal. In the aftermath of Katniss' confusion about who was really behind the bomb, she reverts heavily to her District 13 habits. She is far worse now than ever, and the notion that the rebels are behind the worst act of all is likely sending Katniss into insanity. It'll be interesting to see if they include Haymitch's MEGA HARSH quip when Katniss tries to confide in him. “More boy trouble?”

To me, the aftermath of everything is the most interesting and important part of Mockingjay. Suzanne Collins' whole point of writing this series was to illustrate the destruction and reality of war. The aftermath of war is lack of closure, consequences, war tribunals, and finally-- recovery. There's a ton happening all at once at this point in the story: Katniss grieving and trying hold on to sanity, finding out the rebels were probably the guilty party, slipping further into insanity, prepping for Snow's execution, and all of a sudden having to make a what will be an earth-shattering decision. A final Hunger Games.

Five years ago, we started on tumblr (we were fuckyeahdistrict12 haha) and The Hunger Games community was pretty small. All we really had to go on was fan art and book discussion. The topic we talked about the most by far was The Mockingjay Deal. It's quite a shocker to see that Katniss voted yes... for Prim, and although most everyone has a similar theory, many young readers often asked why she said yes. Katniss knows for sure at that moment who was behind the parachutes, what kind of leader Coin is, and that “nothing has changed.” It's the last thing Katniss needs to hear to make her final decision. Besides, Katniss isn't planning on being around much longer anyway. Gotta admit, this whole section is what I'm most anxious to see. Will we get to see a trial? How will the Mockingjay Deal scene happen? We're almost a week away from finding out!

"The Hunger Games: The Phenomenon" Special on NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal channels (NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy and USA) will be air The Hunger Games: The Phenomenon. A 13-minute (commercial-free!) special that gives us an in-depth look at the franchise and a some sneak peeks on Mockingjay Part 2.

Don't miss (or forget to DVR)The Voice on NBC Tuesday, November 10 where Carson Daly and Jen, Liam and Josh will announce the special and give us a special first look! The special will air on November 12 at 8PM EST on Bravo, E! or Oxygen (during The Royals, Pretty.Strong and Vanderpump Rules)OR at 11PM EST the same day on Syfy and USA (during The Colony and Childhood's End

You can read the full press release after the cut

Mockingjay Part 2 Fan Appreciation Event & VR Experience

If you follow us on Twitter/Instagram, you remember that last Saturday, we went to the Fan appreciation Event at the Samsung Studios in LA, where they showed us the new "Real" clip after a short Q&A with Jen, Josh and Liam hosted by Josh Horowitz. Now you can watch video of it!



In addition to the Q&A and other cool stuff, we also got to check out the Samsung Hunger Games Virtual Reality Experience, which was AMAZING. Even more amazing, it's now on youtube!



Some info:

This VR video is a brand new kind of video that gives you a sense of depth in every direction so you feel like you’re actually there. You are able to immerse yourself in a 360° narrative that explores key moments from throughout Katniss’ journey, across all four films in the series. Soar through iconic environments and scenes from throughout Panem, encountering your favorite characters and witnessing the global phenomenon from within.

When watching on desktop, be sure to 'click and drag' on the video, or use your keyboards arrow keys to explore in 360° space. The exciting new feature also allows users to view 360 degree 3D content using the Google Cardboard viewing device. The VR app is available for download via iOS and Android.

Chapter 25: A Creature as Unquenchable as the Sun

“A creature as unquenchable as the sun.

A fire mutt knows only a single sensation: agony. No sight, no sound, no feeling except the unrelenting burning of flesh. Perhaps there are periods of unconsciousness, but what can it matter if I can't find refuge in them? I am Cinna's bird, ignited, flying frantically to escape something inescapable. The feathers of flame that grow from my body. Beating my wings only fans the blaze. I consume myself, but to no end.”

We continue our Mockingjay Part 2 Countdown with Chapter 25 in which Katniss has a dream in her unconscious and damaged state after the parachutes go off in the City Circle.

I can't even begin to make a decision on whether or not Francis chose to adapt Katniss' dream post parachutes, but I have always gravitated towards the imagery Suzanne created during this dream sequence. It's not exactly a necessary scene, but it is good representation of Katniss letting go of Prim using all the symbolism we've come to be familiar with this far in to the story. As for this showing up in the film, I wouldn't hold my breath but at the same time I would never doubt Francis to make it happen.

Although I chose to spotlight Katniss' dream, this is by no means the most important event in this chapter. Hoooo not by a long shot! When Katniss awakes, she becomes aware of the situation and the precious thing she has lost. She doesn't talk, and relapses back to her old habits of climbing in small spaces, mentally reminding herself of who she is. Then Katniss walks into Snow's rose garden and they proceed to have THAT conversation.

I for one am extremely interested to see how the film will handle this scene and the overall perception of Coin's character given the almost friendly characterization of her in Mockingjay Part 1. There is so much aftermath after the parachutes, the whole event surrounding Coin and her actions is just one of a few important events I hope are dealt with very accurately. I'm not too worried though, Francis Lawrence always has a great handle on what makes these books important and adapting them appropriately.

Twitter Viewing Parties!

These next Fridays before Mockingjay Part 2 comes out, catch up on the first 3 movies to make sure you don't miss anything come November 20! Join the @The HungerGames Twitter viewing party and live-tweet while you watch the movie for the chance to win 1 of 451 prices including EXCLUSIVE Mockingjay Pins and Mockingjay Tickets from Fandango! Tweet with the movie hashtag while you watch with the rest of the world (times and #s on the picture above!)

The Mockingjay App Relaunch/Update

Lionsgate has relaunched The Mockingjay App (Powered by Samsung). Download the app if you don't have it (Apple or Google Play) or update your existing app to get new features!

CAPITOL CAMOUFLAGE - Use face recognition technology to snap a selfie with the red Mockingjay face paint. There are also dozens of pre-set makeup effects inspired by Effie Trinket and her Capitol looks, so fans can mimic the extravagant fashions from the films. There are more than 100 billion(!) possible makeup combinations.

 Check out some examples from our team:

GRAFFITI MARKS - Post AR graffiti anywhere in the real world, featuring new designs and taglines like the 3-finger salute, Katniss on the throne, the Revolution.pn logo and more. Graffiti can be easily shared and geo-tagged on a world map so other fans can find your mark.

Of course many of the original app's features are still available too like the augmented reality 3D hovercraft (as featured in our post here).

Let us know what you think of the app!

2 New Mockingjay Part 2 TV Spots!

We have a month to go until the movie comes out, so these TV spots are probably the start of a whole bunch of Mockingjay things! Are you ready?

FINAL BATTLE

HER STORY

Mockingjay Part 2 Countdown: The Girl in the Lemon Coat (Chapter 24)

Click for Full Size

Chapter 24

*Spoilers! Well, I don't say it outright but just to be safe...

If there is any chapter that defines what this series is truly about, it is Chapter 24 of Mockingjay. In it you will find some of the most gruesome and horrifying scenes ever to grace the pages of a young adult series. When I started getting into The Hunger Games, I read somewhere that Suzanne Collins doesn't write kids books, she writes about war for kids. War and PTSD was something she dealt with as a child, and wanted to give kids an idea of what war is truly like especially for those in need of understanding it. Not just the horrible unimaginable stuff, but aftermath, closure, PTSD, grief, guilt, and frankly, reality. This is what these books are about, and it is this chapter that fully encompasses what a battlefield is truly like.

Before shots are fired, Katniss and Gale are disguised and walking with displaced refugees towards Snow's mansion. Funny how five years after Mockingjay was published the current relevancy of this scene. Katniss then slows down because she catches the eye of a little girl in a lemon coat. This little girl repeatedly sticks in Katniss' mind, which is something I too always remember most about this scene. I've always thought the girl in the lemon coat was a nod to the little red coat girl in Schindler's List. Seemed oddly appropriate given the themes of war and oppression in The Hunger Games. It's this reference (which I'm not even sure was done on purpose) that inspired my above graphite drawing. The lemon coat girl is an omen for Katniss. She is scared that this little girl knows who she is and their cover will be blown. Actually, it is this precise moment that the rebels break through and cause the gun fire and panic. They're not shooting people on purpose, they are aiming for the peacekeepers. But the casualties are tremendous. The battlefield has begun and the innocent civilians are caught in the middle. The lemon coat girl bends over her companion who has been shot. As Katniss sees this, the girl is gunned down and the image of her little lemon coat covered in her own blood is a horrifying image that Katniss has trouble shaking repeatedly. The constant implication that the rebels are not the good guys, that this little girl probably reminds her of Prim, and the societal truth that Panem is covered in the blood of its children are all things that run through Katniss' mind in this moment. Unfortunately, it's just the beginning.

After the gunfire, three pods go off in succession as Katniss and Gale are traversing through the streets as fast as possible. The first is a boiling hot substance that basically liquefies everyone in its path, and the second occurs right when Katniss and Gale turn a corner, which they narrowly miss. It's a purple light that causes people's blood to explode out of their orifices. Actually, it's not too far off from chemical warfare. Lastly, right before Katniss reaches the City Circle the ground gives way. Katniss describes the smell as many corpses on a hot summer day, and anyone not smart and/or strong enough to hold onto doorknobs fall helplessly into the abyss. As Katniss finds refuge on a light post, that's when she sees the shield made of Capitol children. The hovercraft, the parachutes, the “undersized body parts”, the medics, HER, and then the snare trap. And it's over.

How will Francis Lawrence deal with all this gruesome violence and war? As accurately as a PG-13 film in 2015 will allow is my guess. Francis is a big believer in honoring the text Suzanne wrote and he understands the importance of the story of war being told. This chapter is understandably upsetting, but it is sadly the reality of war and these kinds of things have happened. The scores of rotting corpses, chemical warfare, refugees, civilian casualties, these are all real. Francis will honor the books without being too gratuitous, but I think the horror and violence portrayed will be enough to serve its purpose.

Next week..... The aftermath....

New HQ Mockingjay Part 2 stills

Thanks to QuarterQuell.org, we've got new HQ stills of the Star Squad, Katniss and Johanna, Cressida and her crew, and Finnick! Click to enlarge.