#MockingjayPart2 Superfan Viewing Party Recap!

After being symbolized as the "Mockingjay", Katniss Everdeen and District 13 engage in an all-out revolution against the autocratic Capitol.

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Director: Francis Lawrence
Based on: THE HUNGER GAMES series by Suzanne Collins
Writers: Peter Craig (screenplay), Danny Strong (screenplay), Suzanne Collins (adaptation), Suzanne Collins (novel)
Cast: Natalie Dormer, Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore
Official Site: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | OFFICIAL SITE

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This past Wednesday, we were able to attend the first ever iHeart Radio Super Fan Event for Mockingjay Part 2! The event took place in a Burbank Studio and it was small but an awesome experience! I contacted Bertie when we got to the place and he welcomed us right away. We were given white wristbands with the Mockingjay sign, which looked great, and they walked us right inside. As soon as we got in the event, there was this great red carpet for the fans. There was also a photo spot for the app “Phhto”, which features moving pictures. We had some fun with the app and send ourselves a picture. We continued walking and Bertie escorted us towards the refreshments (which were great!), there were tons of candy and refreshments. Also Mockingjay cupcakes! Loved them!

Ryan Seacrast’s crew had excellent music and Hayes Grier was greeting fans next to the stage. Then he headed back to the red carpet, and gracefully took pictures on the app with many fans. After that, we took our seats in the VIP section, which had an excellent view for the movie. But we got up once again as they let us know that Wes Chatham (Castor in Mockingjay) and Meta Golding (Enobaria) were on the red carpet. They were taking pictures, answering questions and were really kind to us when we asked for a picture.

By this time, the movie was about to start and we headed back to our seats. Bertie and staff asked us if we needed anything and if we took pictures with Wes and Meta (which we did) but I was grateful they doubled check we had an opportunity to meet with them. Hayes Grier then proceeded to take the stage and several posters and Mockingjay pins were given to the fans that were the loudest. There was a quick Q&A, right after, with the fans and Wes and Meta. It was fun and they told everybody how grateful they are with the Hunger Games fandom.

Then it was time for the movie!

We were really excited to see the movie and it left me with a satisfied feeling as a fan and reader of these books. But I can see why some people could be not so satisfied. The film is as true to the books as a film adaptation allows but its ending is far from the regular hero saves the day at the end of the day, as Katniss is just a tool of the games. Whereas franchises, such as Harry Potter or Twilight, had a big defining battle towards the end, the Hunger Games remains the political story that it has always been: and this might leave people with the feeling that it never reached its peak. But Mockingjay indeed reaches its peak, internally, as Katniss comes to the understanding that she has been played all this time along with Snow. I define it a political film, as it has always been this dystopian world full of political interests and a society that has dehumanized itself.

Katniss is not your regular hero, thus, it was satisfying to see that in the film they did not transform her or changed her role.  There are games and outside forces bigger than Katniss at all times but she remains true to herself, even if she often does not know what exactly is what defines her. Losing Prim, seeing the fire of vengeance that runs through Gale, and finally, listening to the man that she loves, Peeta, be the voice of reason and telling her what is at stake, takes her through the end of this journey. As an audience, it is satisfying to see Katniss find her peace and happiness along with Peeta. The adaptation manages to show not only the audience, but Katniss overall (as the books did) that she needs to take justice but also take her own steps towards her happiness as the games (political actions that threatened society) will continue but not as long as they remember this experience and learn the best from it.

I enjoyed the film and want to thank the staff and organizers of iHeart radio and Ryan Seacrast for this amazing event.