Board 8 > The Hunger Games: A triple read through topic! SPOILERS [crim] [inviso] [FD]

(+) Yeah! (+)

Thoughts:
I think I’ll take this opportunity to say how great of a job Donald Sutherland did with President Snow in the movie. He was just the right amount of calculating and sinister, yet with a seemingly sweet old man demeanor. A really nice performance in my opinion, and I can just see him at the end of this chapter, sitting in Katniss’ study waiting for her. Just makes me wanna go oooooh guuuuurrrl, you in troooubllllllle. In my opinion President Snow has been spying on Katniss (and possibly Peeta, to a lesser extent) since the end of the Games. Clearly, as shown by this chapter, Katniss and Peeta don’t really talk or hang out much, which is generally the opposite of how people who are madly in love are suppose to act. Snow obviously knows something is up, he’s a pretty smart and underhanded guy.

As for Gale, I guess the mines must pay a lot better than hunting/gathering and trading, but I feel like it’s a lot more dangerous. Gale’s family seemed to be getting by alright before. I wonder what the reason behind the switch is… Why wouldn’t they just continue to do what they were doing? Seems like Gale would be a lot happier, but I’m probably just looking too hard into it. Also lol, it must really stick in Gale’s craw that the media made he and Katniss cousins since their friendship wouldn’t have been appropriate.

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Chapter 2
[Pages 18-29]

”…Katniss Everdeen, the girl who was on fire, you have provided a spark that, left unattended, may grow to an inferno that destroys Panem,” he says.

Summary:
President Snow and Katniss begin their discussion and it’s a good thing Donald Sutherland’s image from the movie is so memorable ), otherwise I’d only be able to picture this guy and that just seems wrong somehow. Snow tells Katniss she better shoot straight with him and tell the truth, and Katniss is like “k.” This is good because Snow could have everyone in District 12 that actually has a name murdered in like two minutes if she refuses to cooperate.

Our heroine and Mr. Villiers have a frank discussion about how Katniss better not f*** up on the tour and why she won’t have sex with Peeta in front of everyone already, it’d sure make life a lot easier damn it. Katniss is like, “I’ll try really hard to make it believable, but I’m only so good of an actress.” Snow’s like “I better hear plenty of moaning young lady!” Katniss’ mom brings them tea and cookies and everyone is generally uncomfortable.

We also find out this chapter that Gale did in fact make his move after Katniss got back from competing in the Games, but in true Katniss fashion she doesn’t say anything to him about it. And it looks like Gale is just as emotionally constipated as she is because he never mentions it again, so they both just pretend it never happened. It’s alright Kat, Madge is just up the road, she’ll make everything feel better. Just as President Snow is about to take his leave we find out that he too knows about the Katniss/Gale smooch, and he’s not afraid to bring it up. Better use protection next time, Kat.

Thoughts:
Man, am I good or what? Totally called Snow spying on Katniss the whole time she was back in District 12. To be honest, I’d have thought Katniss would’ve realized that herself. She does mention that she should have known, and I tend to agree. This chick is the definition of paranoid, yet she doesn’t guard herself against this guy she knows is a monumental threat? Not the Katniss I know and love. You must be losing your edge girl.
I enjoy Katniss’ interactions with President Snow, they’re great because each of them have the other’s number completely. Katniss knows he’s ruthless and underhanded, and Snow knows Katniss is restless, unrefined, and defiant. Good stuff.
Katniss keeps comparing President Snow to a snake, especially his eyes. So if Snow is a Slytherin, what does that make Katniss? Gryffindor? Of course, what else could she be? Clearly Foxface was a Ravenclaw, and Peeta’s got Hufflepuff written all over him, even if he was willing to die for Kat. You can’t hide the Hufflepuff inside, Peeta.
Also, nice to see Seneca Crane is actually a real character, I thought he was just something the film makers added in to better be able to tell the story. Even though he’s only kind of mentioned off hand in the book, points for continuity!

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Ooh, I like this, let's do some more.

Primrose - obviously a Slytherin, she spent years setting up Katniss so she'd have someone volunteer in her place if she ever got picked for the reaping. Pretty sneaky. They made it even clearer in the movie when she gave Katniss the bad luck pin... definitely trying to make sure Katniss doesn't come home.

Gale - probably a Gryffindor, he's brave but kinda dumb.

Rue - definitely a Ravenclaw, she's smart and she plays to her strengths. She also managed to recruit the best ally she could have who's willing to go out and do the more dangerous stuff and won't stab her in the back. Sadly, her plan didn't quite pan out, but it was a good one.

Effie - Hufflepuff. She's all about following the rules, somehow she's loyal to both Katniss and the Capital. And she has a touch of that Ernie Macmillan pompousness.

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From: CrimsonOcean | #297
Bah, I hate how whenever there's a decent story with a strong female lead everyone immediately starts shouting about feminism.

Yep. Katniss is a good character because she's a good character, not because she's a female.

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From: ExThaNemesis | #304
Yep. Katniss is a good character because she's a good character, not because she's a female.

I actually disagree.

If Katniss was the same character, but female...she would be kind awful.

I mean, socially inept and completely oblivious to the affections of (if Katniss is a guy, then Peeta becomes a girl) a girl who is CLEARLY crazy about him.

Really awesome at hunting.

Really bad as emotional responses in general.

Katniss is awesome because she exists in opposition to established gender norms. A guy with Katniss' personality would just be a typical male protagonist.

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Lol Prim as a Slytherin. Agree so much.

Clove - Slytherin. She's psychotic and actually pretty evil. She wants to make Katniss suffer as much as possible, not just kill her.
Thresh - Probably a Gryffindor. Brave and honorable almost to a fault.
Glimmer - I'm gonna guess Hufflepuff, I don't think she'd have ever turned on Cato. She doesn't have the smarts for Ravenclaw. She could be Slytherin for obvious reasons, but I don't think she's sharp enough.

From: ExThaNemesis | #304
Yep. Katniss is a good character because she's a good character, not because she's a female.

Exactly. Is she perfect? No. Can get be annoying? Yes. Can she be awesome and bad ass and amazing? Yes. It has nothing to do with her being a girl lol. ^5 ExTha.

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ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

Or that >_>

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http://img.imgcake.com/crimjpgpe.jpg Mo' buildings mo' problems
ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

Well no, it's this idea that she's somehow strong because she can shoot bows and arrows.

Shes
Emotionally weak, constantly making bad decisions, resorts to the old female standby of being absolutely clueless as to how she feels so she just emotionally butchers everyone to sate her own insecurity, never thinking ahead...ever, always over reacting to everything.

With every page in the book Peeta and Haymitch crap on her as a character.


Anywho love these write-ups! Keep it up!

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Realo won gold at the Sex Olympics with a BROKEN FRIGGIN NECK.-Voltch

I should've said, IF Katniss is a good character it's coz she's a good character. I'm saying you look at characters based on their merits instead of their gender. I dunno if I got that across.

I don't really have a strong feeling toward Katniss anyway because I read Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy and liked Vin so much more.

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I don't want this becoming a major discussion but it is important to bring up for literary reasons:

This idea that Katniss breaks gender norms is false in so many ways. First being that she sticks to countless gender norms. Secondly the idea that this is 1920 and characters like Katniss ate unique in literature. Read Dorian Gray and you'll see a woman breaking gender roles.

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Realo won gold at the Sex Olympics with a BROKEN FRIGGIN NECK.-Voltch

I don't think it's that she's breaking gender norms. I just think that it's such a successful franchise feat. a girl breaking gender norms.

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I think the oddity is how popular a franchise it is while having a female lead and not being solely focused on romance. There is romance, but from what I've read so far Katniss really would rather not have anything to do with it.
And then there's the subject matter. For some reason teenagers killing each other on live tv piques the human psyche.

I dunno. Would The Hunger Games be as popular with a male lead?
Would Twilight be as popular with a male lead?
Would Harry Potter be as popular with a female lead?

I think it all comes down to this: THG has fans that aren't just screaming fangirls, so if the roles were reversed the story would still probably stand up. Like, 90% of Twilight's fan base is screaming fangirls that are putting themselves in Bella's place -- being fought over by two hot guys. If the gender roles were reversed, Twilight would lose pretty much 90% of its fanbase. But it also might gain a new fanbase. Harry Potter on the other hand would probably be fine if the gender roles were reversed. Sure the story/emotional stuff would change slightly, but it would be basically the same. The story/magic is the important aspect here, so I doubt it would lose any fans.
Not saying anything is better or worse, just that they're different.

Really, I think what is all comes down to is story. If it's cool and interesting and compelling, it doesn't matter whether the main character is a male or a female. But it does seem easier for men to enjoy male characters. Maybe that's how THG got so popular, Katniss acts like a guy most of the time lol.

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ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

We have an addiction to 3 things

1. Dystopian governments allowing us to bash our current government by making some sense of relevancy between them.

2. Forcing people to fight in an arena with each person having a specific skillset or powers. Them being teenagers adds to it because it allows the youth to relate and allows adults to pity.

3. The love triangle is the easiest way to bring in the modern female and Katniss loves the attention she gets from both of them. The feeling she gets when gale kisses her and grips her with his rough hands, when Peeta holds her, etc.

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Realo won gold at the Sex Olympics with a BROKEN FRIGGIN NECK.-Voltch

All I'll say is that I'm looking forward to seeing reactions to book 2 and 3 ITT. Should be interesting.

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Chapter 3
[Pages 30-44]

Hey, Peeta, remember how I told you I was kind of faking being in love with you? Well, I really need you to forget about that now and act extra in love with me or the president might kill Gale.

Summary:
This chapter begins with Katniss getting naked and wet… mmh… and then her team of stylists decent upon her to get her tour-ready. She decides not to tell anyone but Haymitch about the threats President Snow made, she doesn’t want them to worry and won’t risk getting Cinna in trouble. But there’s no time to think about that know because the camera crews, along with Effie Trinket, arrive to see what Katniss has been up to. Apparently now that she doesn’t have to work or go to school, Katniss is supposed to pick up a hobby to occupy her time. Peeta paints, and we all know Katniss hunts, but hunting is illegal so she and Cinna concoct a cover story.

The cover story is that Katniss is an aspiring fashion designer. Lol, good one Suzanne Collins. But it works out because Cinna does all the work and Katniss just has to read about clothes from cue cards. I was wondering what the level of technology was in the first book, and here we get a little bit better of an idea about it. Apparently cars do exist in some form, because that’s what Snow was traveling in, and phones are also around because Katniss says she’s got one in the house. Although she doesn’t have many people to call; when she wants to talk to Madge she just does it in person – her words, not mine! We all know what that means. Bow chika wow wow.

Now it’s time to see Peeta again, but not before that treacherous little mockingjay pin is clipped to Katniss’ scarf. Once outside Kat and Peeta put their best acting foot forward and give everyone a playful kiss in the snow. Peeta’s giving it all he’s got, which Katniss is grateful for, even if he doesn’t know what’s at stake, and the cameras are loving it. Katniss, Peeta, Effie, Haymitch, Cinna, and Portia all get on the train. They eat a huge meal, and you know Katniss has changed, because she doesn’t describe it in excruciating detail.

Finally Kat is able to talk to Haymitch about what Snow said. They go outside where they don’t think the Capitol will be able to spy on them. Katniss asks for Haymitch’s help during the tour, but he drops a knowledge bomb on her. It’s not just the tour, it’s going to be the rest of her life. She and Peeta will be mentors for other tributes now, so every year they’ll be in the public eye. The Capitol will constantly be rehashing their romance. So even if Katniss wanted to be with Gale, or alone for that matter, it’s never gonna happen.

I smell wedding bells!

Thoughts:
I’m really enjoying this so far. The pacing seems good and Haymitch brings up a good point. Peeta and Katniss are gonna be mentoring partners for a long, long time. District 12 doesn’t have too many winners so I doubt they’ll be replaced anytime soon. And yes, every time they’re in the Capitol their romance will have to be rehashed and updated. This is a pickle, wonder how it’ll play out?
This chapter also mentions the Quarter Quell, an event that happens every 25 years and generally has some kind of crazy effect on the Hunger Games. Apparently the last Quarter Quell was the time Haymitch won the games, but no one seems to like to talk about that. Should be interesting, I wonder what the twist this time will be?

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http://img.imgcake.com/crimjpgpe.jpg Mo' buildings mo' problems
ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

I don't remember if it was exactly this chapter, but I liked when Katniss realized Haymitch has to mentor a new pair of kids who die every year, no wonder he's an alcoholic! Good bit of characterization.

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I made a living on time trial blowing myself off to cross the finish line at ludicrous speed. -transience

Slow going at the moment...

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http://img.imgcake.com/crimjpgpe.jpg Mo' buildings mo' problems
ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

The other recappers are really falling down on the job!

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I made a living on time trial blowing myself off to cross the finish line at ludicrous speed. -transience

From: CrimsonOcean | #315
I was wondering what the level of technology was in the first book, and here we get a little bit better of an idea about it. Apparently cars do exist in some form, because that’s what Snow was traveling in, and phones are also around because Katniss says she’s got one in the house. Although she doesn’t have many people to call

I'm pretty sure that at this point you have already been introduced to the hovercrafts.

So it's just logical that cars and phones would exist in some form >_>

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I WILL catch up on this eventually. Busy this week.

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From: ShadowHalo17 | #319
I'm pretty sure that at this point you have already been introduced to the hovercrafts.

So it's just logical that cars and phones would exist in some form >_>

Well yeah but...
>__>
<__<
*flees*

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ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

Hey, get back here and keep reading. You have yet to come upon the greatest character.

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Sorry, I've been busy the past few days and I've got a pretty important interview tomorrow so not much time for Hunger Games lately.
Write ups should resume Wednesday =]

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Up

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http://img.imgcake.com/crimjpgpe.jpg Mo' buildings mo' problems
ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

I saw the movie yesterday with a friend who had never read the books (said she was planning on it after watching the movie)

I think the best part was when Clove threw the knife at Katniss and my friend turns to me and whispers "Thanks for the knife, b****" and then I turn back and whisper "That's exactly what Katniss thought in the book, minus the b**** part, but I'm sure she would have said it if it weren't a YA book."

I thought the movie was pretty good overall. For all the things they changed/left out, they added some interesting bits. I loved seeing Seneca Crane and the Gamemakers in action.

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What did they change/add? I don't mind being spoiled because I won't be seeing the movie for a while.

Although it's been a while since I read the first book so I might not even remember enough of it.

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Not a whole lot, but there were some nice scenes that showed the gamemakers controlling the arena and the reaction to Rue's death in D11. Also a little bit of Haymitch hustling for sponsors for Katniss. And they kinda muddled with the ending a little, not as in depth as in the book.

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Bump.

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Hmm, Gary Ross isn't going to be directing Catching Fire. And I don't think the same people are doing the screen play as before either. Hope the next movie doesn't turn into a huge mess.

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http://img.imgcake.com/crimjpgpe.jpg Mo' buildings mo' problems
ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

Huh, I hope they don't screw it up. Why are they changing people?

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"Congratulations Thomas and Sylvia! But their happiness does not continue long..."

From: CrimsonOcean | #329
Hmm, Gary Ross isn't going to be directing Catching Fire. And I don't think the same people are doing the screen play as before either. Hope the next movie doesn't turn into a huge mess.

It can't be as much of a mess as the book was!

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'Every day that I get better, I watch as you get worse.'

To be completely honest, there's not much they could screw up.

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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.

Aw yeah, Ngirl steppin up

From: ExThaNemesis | #331
It can't be as much of a mess as the book was!

From: HeroDelTiempo17 | #332
To be completely honest, there's not much they could screw up.

What are you guys talking about?? Catching Fire was awesome. Mockingjay's the one that's a mess.

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I made a living on time trial blowing myself off to cross the finish line at ludicrous speed. -transience

Catching Fire maxes Katniss a dumb human being. There are at least 10 times where you think

DUH

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Realo won gold at the Sex Olympics with a BROKEN FRIGGIN NECK.-Voltch

That's true, but she was kinda dumb in the first one as well.

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I made a living on time trial blowing myself off to cross the finish line at ludicrous speed. -transience

Katniss is kinda dumb all the time.
But I still love her >__>

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http://img.imgcake.com/crimjpgpe.jpg Mo' buildings mo' problems
ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

Finished Catching Fire yesterday. It was great. Haven't read The Hunger Games though. Started Mockingjay, and it's kinda decent where I'm at.

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Oh, I am one yet many.

This is the slowest readthrough topic ever.

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"Congratulations Thomas and Sylvia! But their happiness does not continue long..."

Yeeeaaaahhhhh... >_>

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http://img.imgcake.com/crimjpgpe.jpg Mo' buildings mo' problems
ocean kinda grew on me like a flesh eating ...fungus. -BIGPUN9999

Have you not read any in over a week? Gotta get back to it!

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I made a living on time trial blowing myself off to cross the finish line at ludicrous speed. -transience

Don't worry, this is exactly what happened to me with Catching Fire. First few chapters are slooooooow, but it picks up considerably near the end of Part 1 or sometime in Part 2 if I remember right.

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Bumpo

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I made a living on time trial blowing myself off to cross the finish line at ludicrous speed. -transience

Yeah, I thought reading through Catching Fire was a bit of a chore at times. Just finished it Monday, so it took me two or three weeks! But c'mon, you guys can speed it up, even if you don't do discussions by chapter you could always do a post for each two-three chapters or even each part (7 chapters).

Mockingjay's first chapter was fine, just kinda introductory, but the last two chapters of Catching Fire are pretty great.

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Up

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I made a living on time trial blowing myself off to cross the finish line at ludicrous speed. -transience

I'm a little over a third of the way through Catching Fire. Don't think there will be anymore chapter updates from me, but tomorrow I'll type up a little something on my thoughts so far.

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Up

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*Idol*