1.)  What "tween" or pop-culture influences do you think played on the author as they wrote this novel? Explain how you see the influences.  (example -Survivor, there is only 1 winner, American Idol - people watch the behind the scenes, etc.)

2.  What text connections have you made so far? Explain your (2) connections and how they fit with the Hunger Games.

3.  When does Katniss first realize that Peeta does care for her and is trying to keep her alive? When does she realize her own feelings for him? Did Haymitch think all along that he could keep them both alive by stressing the love story? Are they actually in love?

Some of you think that Katniss isn't much of a hero at all.  Have the events of these two chapters changed your minds about that? 

What has Katniss done to show her "true colors"? 

Do you believe the "star-crossed lovers" gimmick, or is it really true love that these two players share?  Explain.

1.) Why does Peeta join with the Career Tributes in the beginning of the Games? What does he hope to gain? Why do they accept him when they start hunting as a group? Why do groups form in the beginning when they know only one of them will be able to survive?

2.  What makes Katniss and Rue trust each other to become partners? What does Katniss gain from this friendship besides companionship? Is Katniss and Rue's partnership formed for different reasons than the other group's?

3.  Discuss the ways in which the Gamemakers control the environment and "entertainment" value of the Games. How does it affect the tributes to know they are being manipulated to make the Games more exciting for the gamblers and viewers? Does knowing that she is on live TV make Katniss behave differently than she would otherwise?

Throughout the Hunger Games novel, we've heard / read every one of Katniss Everdeen's innermost thoughts.  Her fellow tribute from District 12, Peeta Melarch, hasn't spoken much, thus the reader isn't privy to his thoughts / ideas / motivation.

I'd like you to compose an entry that would be a "private" journal of Peeta's.  In it you should describe his thoughts about Reaping Day, his last visit with family, interactions with Haymitch and Effie Trinket, and most importantly, Katniss.  Describe from HIS PERSPECTIVE, how he feels about things, and what he is thinking, but hasn't said aloud thus far in the novel.

After experiencing half a year in 5th grade, how does the song / video "Someday" by Flipsyde make you feel?  What do the images make you think of?  How is the struggle of the people in the video similar AND different to that which you face in school?

X-Mas break

     Space, the final frontier.  These were the words that started each and every episode of the original "Star Trek."  I thought of these as I was perched at the precipice of the Kingdom Come run, at Shanty Creek.  The height and view were breath taking.  I thought of stopping to take a picture, but decided not to, as I had no flash on my phone camera.  I could see for miles around in each direction.  I found it fascinating to see the ski runs, like white bowling alleys nestled among the copses of evergreen trees.  The wind was blustery scratching my protected face, which made me thankful that I wore two layers of protection.  My heart was racing, the excitement building, and I was thankful that Tina decided to take a break. 

    My friend Todd and his family had taken us up on our offer to come up skiing, and luckily, with my boots and skis his wife was able to borrow and do some skiing.  I'd been snowboarding all day and was eagerly anticipating the chance to ski.  I would never have dreamed of going down such a steep hill on my snowboard, because I'm still a noob on it.  I'd probably break my neck just trying to get down the first pitch.  On skis however, I was excited about the shushing of going side hurtling down the mountain at breakneck speed while still under "control".  The rush of pushing off and that "Oh $&!#" of what did I get myself into was an instant adrenaline rush.  I careened down the hill, going side to side grinding my skis and ankles against the crunchy frozen snow.  I wished for a lite powder to blow through on my journey downward, but at least I was thankful that it wasn't frozen ice instead.  I'd felt the pain of that face wipe weeks earlier, and didn't look forward to it again anytime soon. 

    As I was about halfway down, I stopped going side to side, which slows your momentum, and simply held the course.  My knees felt like jelly and I bounded down the hill, going over bumps and humps of snow.  My quadriceps were screaming at me like a mother who discovered her son was busy playing video games instead of doing chores, they felt like they were on fire!  The rush of speed as I zoomed onwards made it all worth it as I was that Speeding Bullet racing Superman.  I love the feeling of speed, but that little voice in the back of my head always squeaks, "Hey this is fun but what if you wipe out?"  I try to blot it out as I approach the lift.  A hard bank of my skis, a shower of powdery snow, and my journey is complete, another safe sojourn in this majestic winter wonderland.

• What I am most proud of is...


• Things I think I do well are...


• Goals I have for myself second quarter are...


• One thing I WILL DO differently this term is...   because....


• I am most looking forward to...


• One way I think I can help make our class better is by...

As the Hunger Games come to their conclusion, a few things come to mind.

1.)  Was Katniss playing the game all along or did she really have / develop feelings for Peeta?  What is your proof?

2.)  What do you think the future holds for winners of the Hunger Games, especially given the disobedience they showed to the Capital.  Refresh my memory, how did Katniss & Peeta force the hand of the Capital during the Hunger Games?  Given that Katniss and Peeta will be making the rounds of all of Panam, what do you predict will happen?  What new conflicts may they face?

Overall, give your honest feedback on the Hunger Games.  Did it live up to the "hype" that I gave it?  What was your favorite part?  Are you going to read book 2?