So where did we leave Katniss at the end of THG? She and Peeta both won the Games, they're coming home triumphant and District 12 will have more food than ever before given to them. But they had to be sly and we think the President is angry at her, possibly even wanting them killed.
Personally I don't see how that can be. They need to be shown off year after year in the games as mentors and former winners and all that sort of BS. Peeta apparently didn't realise the whole relationship was a sham and is hurt by the revelation while Katniss doesn't know what she really feels. But there's some feeling there obviously, the last line makes it really clear - she doesn't want to let him go.
As of the Gale/Peeta thing. There really wasn't much in the way of a triangle in Book 1 and Peeta is the character we know and who is in the spotlight. Therefore from a logical point of view, Katniss IS going to end up with Peeta. It just makes sense. As for where the characters started off - Katniss had more in common with Gale, she felt comfortable around him and they suited each other. However, Peeta understands what the Games were like and they have that shared experience that Gale will never understand. I guess unless he ends up in the Games in the future. Gale is always likely to bring back memories of the Games while Gale reinforces memories of an easier time. If she IS going to end up with Peeta, something has to change or she's going to make the wrong decision.
Well - let's see what happens.
Chapter 1
The first thing we're told is that life as a Victor is not all sugar and rainbows. We're going to tour the districts - which is great, we'll get to see what they're like, but something Katniss definitely doesn't want to do. Gale is working in the mines 12 hours a day and won't accept any charity from Katniss. Notch that down as a source of tension.
Katniss does her best to spread her newfound wealth with her friends and neighbours. She's uncomfortable with her new position in the world and she feels she is obligated to help others - particularly since they apparently spent money on her for gifts in the arena.
Haymitch sleeps holding a knife. Yet another sign of emotional damage - anyone would think that the reader is meant to believe the Games are evil. In the 6 months since the Games, Katniss and Peeta despite now being neighbours are still definitely not friends. Katniss feels conflicted and uncomfortable around him, one more obstacle to deal with when the cameras start rolling. As the chapter ends, Katniss' mother tips her to the fact something odd is occurring and we open the study door to the central antagonist of the trilogy President Snow.
I will have to travel from district to district, to stand before the cheering crowds who secretly loathe me, to look down into the faces of the failies whose children I have killed...
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What news is he bringing?
I doubt it's good.