24/06/2020

My Favourite Film Costumes #2

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hello there, how's is hanging? I really loved writing about some of my favourite film costumes in a previous blog post, so I thought I'd do it again! I'll keep adding to the list, because I think it could go on forever! 

You can read the first one I did here: https://annasnothere.blogspot.com/2020/04/my-favourite-film-costumes-1.html

This blog post may contain spoilers, just as I describe the outfits and their location in the films/the reasons behind why they were chosen. Just so you know!


Mia, The Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries is one of those films that I adore, and it was something I loved growing up and still do! it's funny because we never had the video or DVD, so could only watch it if it was on the TV, so hardly ever really! But I always looked forward to the random days it was on so I could pretend to be a princess myself, living through Mia!

can this happen to me plz?

I think this film is iconic in MANY ways, but that transformation scene is NEXT LEVEL! Imagine being told you're a princess and then being given the most beautiful makeover like PLEASE! My first favourite costume HAS to be Mia's school uniform. It's simple, but I love the blue plaid and the bow! I know school uniform can feel so boring and uniform, but there's just something about the uniform in the film that's elegant and feels so regal and classic.  I actually enjoyed my school uniform. It was a dark grey skirt with a light blue shirt, and navy blue blazer, so maybe it's one of the reasons I like the 2, but as far as school uniforms go, I'd wear Mia's!


And secondly, of course it has to be her beautiful princess gown! Mia is left crying in her car, rain pouring down, when she is finally found and taken to the palace for the ball! She changes out of her sweats and into a glorious creamy gold dress, with a tiara of course! The dress is embroidered with green leaves and detailed floral pattern which is so sweet and simple, yet really elevates the whole look. Can I wear this? One of my favourite shows to watch for the drama is the reboot of 'Dynasty', and in it they wear some of the most beautiful dresses, and I can just imagine Fallon wearing Mia's dress at a ball at Carrington Manor, gloves and all!!




Queen and Slim, Queen & Slim (some information found on Refinery29 and The Wall Street Journal, from an interview with Shiona Turini)

Oh wow, so when I do this I normally look at one character from a film and just their costumes, possibly sometimes mentioning others, but I cannot mention Angela (Queen) without mentioning Earnest (Slim). I remember seeing this in the cinema and just being completely blown away. The story and acting is so insanely good, but on top of that, the production design was just glorious!


When the characters get into some trouble and have to mix up their look, they change in a hurry into a sleek pattern printed dress with snake printed boots, paired with a burgundy velour tracksuit. these don't seem like the best getaway outfits at first glance, but they sure are gorgeous. there can be something so beautiful in simple day to day things, especially if they are done right. these looks aren't great for being on the road, but they tell the stories of these characters. they've gone from one style to another in just a few minutes, and these colours and textures feel so luxurious yet so perfect for the life they're about to lead. they're kinda iconic.


This film debuted costume designer Shiona Turini to the world, and you can see how important culture and community is to her. The tracksuit is a nod to Black artists, their influence so strong in the world but often not given the appreciation they deserve. Velour and animal printed clothing is seen as a luxury, something only the rich and famous can pull off, but with Queen and Slim, 2 new infamous characters are introduced in a style that we can all wear, just not in the way they do. I wish I was as cool as them.


Ramona's Velour Tracksuit, Hustlers (some information found on Glamour, from an interview with Mitchell Travers)

Hustler's is a film based on the real story of strippers who put everything on the line to make big money from Wall Street men who came into the club. To be honest, I think we'd all try and do the same. The film shows us community and friendship, it's crazy to think this wild story is real, but props to the girls for going for it! Although I do not condemn illegal behaviour haha!


To match the over the top lives of these women, we see their wardrobes get bigger and bigger as the money starts pouring in. However, I have to say that my favourite costume from the entire film is one that seems simple compared to the others, but hits us in an amazing way. It's Jennifer Lopez's (who plays the character of Ramona) Juicy Couture tracksuit. A bit like Slim's from the previous film, it's so simple, and kinda dated, but at the same time it's iconic and luxurious, something we all wanna be. I had shivers down my spine when we saw the crown from the tracksuit walking towards an ATM, and then the police were then and 'Royals' by Lorde was playing mmmm yes it was a moment!!! 


I also love that this outfit was chosen based on J-Lo and her influence in the fashion world. It can be hard to set new trends, but I feel that if you're a strong enough individual, you can take the world by storm, and Jennifer has always done that for us in a big way, and she does it again with her character Ramona. Mitchell Travers was given one rule for designing the costumes, no green unless it's money. I think the most fantastic job was done.


Django's "Blue Boy" Suit, Django Unchained (some information found on Vanity Fair, from an interview with Sharen Davies)

I ended my last post about my favourite costumes with a Tarantino number, so here's another as a special treat. Whenever I think about period costumes, I fall in love with beautiful ballgowns, and even simple yet gorgeous summer dresses, but to be honest, if I owned an old fashioned suit, I don't think I'd ever wear anything else. So if you ever find one that looks like Django's blue suit, let me know! Cheers!


The story follows Django, a freed slave who joins a bounty hunter to help save his wife from a plantation owner. There is something so important about getting things historically accurate when creating something based on history, but I always admire how Tarantino and his team are merely inspired by that, and take influence from other places. My favourite piece is Django's suit (seen in the pictures) which is inspired by an oil painting of a boy in a boy suit that was completed in 1770. When Django is taken to a clothes shop and is able to choose his own outfit, maybe even for the first time in his life, he picks out this wild blue number, normally only worn by rich people going to parties. It makes me think that he wants to stand out, to be known to people as someone who is over the top and not a slave as you wouldn't see a black man in a fancy suit like this in the setting of the film. But at the same time, it makes me wonder if he chooses it because he doesn't know about fashion and what he possibly "should" be wearing.


The costume designer Sharen Davies said that the costumes were inspired by spaghetti westerns and other forms of art. Django is a little more rock n roll than the others in the film, especially when this blue suit is chosen, but I personally think it was a fab choice. We don't know the true reason, like I mentioned with the possibly meaning before, but I think that adds to the charm and mystery.


So there are some more of my favourite costumes! I love colour and texture and how important these things are to a film even if most people don't appreciate it. I hope all the designers out there know at least I do! Now to find myself a princess dress, a blue suit, and a tracksuit that is as cool as Slim's and Ramona's but maybe not with that material, the feel of it is just not nice to me hahah!

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19/06/2020

Film Review: Kyle Laursen's 'JOSIAH'

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This review contains spoilers for Josiah!

Brandon, a talented actor auditions for what seems to be another stereotypical role in a period television series. When something unexpected is bought up during the casting session, Brandon realises this role could actually change his life, but at a cost. Kyle Laursen’s short film Josiah looks at the process of the casting room and how race, class and gender can change power dynamics and ideas behind stereotypes.

I often think a film is either good at telling its story through the words spoken, or by what we see. No offence to one or the other, I just feel that films sometimes do better at one. However, I love how this short film takes into account both of these by giving us a real, yet odd and futuristic style feel with the film made up of just 2 cuts, and a dialogue that fills the room the characters are in with tension and confusion. Having this film made up of one-takes made me feel as uncomfortable as the people in it and added fantastic emotion and feeling behind the pauses. To then pair this with dialogue that feels realistic, even adlibbed, puts us each on the casting couch watching this awkward audition, and stood on the X feeling alone and uncomfortable with eyes gawking. 


We begin with a happy song that we think is setting the scene for a funny film and then jump into the action, feeling awkward for the characters and how big their personalities are. It sets itself up to be something that could look at stereotypes in an over the top and comedic way, but then we are taken from a warm, light place, into a cold, open room where it seems there are no boundaries or feelings taken into consideration. Writer, director and producer of Josiah, Kyle Laursen, really shows us how even with action and protests, things can still feel unmoving and stuck in the dark ages. We all have opinions and feelings, but it can often feel like we’re not being listened to, or even have a say. Especially in what is meant to be a professional setting, people may not be sure if they’re loved or hated, feel bullied, or just have to laugh the whole thing off without trying to overthink everything that has just happened. Most things on our screens are filled with stereotypes which get to us, even ruining our experience of what we’re seeing, and even with more understanding from people, it still happens and will continue happening. I think it is a conversation that will forever take place until people listen to the people it may directly affect. Anger, power, truth, it can all feel aggressive, or may seem too sensitive, but in these times, as relevant as ever, this film shows us how we shouldn’t just accept what we hear on TV, or what teams may ask actors to do.

The performances in this short were fantastic. Everything felt so real, the script fantastically captured the different personalities in Hollywood, which can range from outspoken to shy. I felt that the actors chosen to play the parts, perfectly reflected certain stereotypes in the film business, and in a way, reflected the viewer and the opinions they can have on how castings can take place.

This short film is a great one to watch if you still don’t think race, class and gender play pivotal parts in how Hollywood puts things together. Like in the script Brandon has been given for his part, you can stand up for what you think is right, even if the oppressor is still trying to put you down.

15/06/2020

Mobile Mind #9: Creating a Short Film in Lockdown

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hey future anna, today is Monday 15th June, and from today in England, all non essential shops can finally open after being closed since the end of March.

The roads seem busier, people are getting back to work, and sometimes it feels like this time didn't exist at all. I'm happy for people to be getting back to normal, but I have to be honest here and say that I'm a little sad it's ending. Obviously I'm SO SO SO excited to see friends and family and visit places and do stuff, but at the same time, being like this for such a long time has filled me with some worry. I feel safe at home and I know no harm can come to me or my family. I think shops and the economy and jobs are important, but it does give me some stress. Maybe as well because I haven't needed to go to a shop or buy anything for the last few months, that the idea of those things opening that aren't essential to me, seems crazy.

Anyway, to keep my brain busy and feel like this time hasn't been a complete waste, I decided to make a short film! The rest of this post looks at the making of my short film Cereal. You can watch it here if you wanna know what I'm talking about: https://vimeo.com/425483169

Most people around me are at uni and with all this happening, I feel their lives have been disrupted so much! I've signed petitions, I've listened to what they've said, and felt so angry for them. it inspired me to use it as the basis for a story. We all know I love a good twist, so of course the story couldn't be someone at uni, but I also had to follow UK lockdown guidelines, so it's all filmed at home! luckily we have a big garden and my parents aren't annoyed at me yet for using the house to make films haha!

I knew the story I wanted to tell, but instead of creating a script like normal, I just jotted down my scenes with a small explanation so I knew what I needed to film and in what order it went. It was weird just working on my own, but it was actually quite refreshing and nice to not have anyone say something or be confused by my vision or the need to make great detailed production notes, because it was just me myself and I! I did however write down what I would say if I was going to be speaking. Even if I didn't learn the lines exactly, it was nice to have a bit of a guide to know what to say, especially if I wanted to include a certain line.

here's a screenshot of my notes on my computer! yep, that's literally it haha!

It was fun to create a cool, artsy uni gal to star in the film. She wore her hair in cool ways, put on makeup, and didn't care. She's someone I'd like to dress more like, but really not kill someone like she has hahah! It's funny, because everything I wear is mine, I didn't buy anything specially for the film (I even had the fake blood in my drawer from another short film idea I had haha), so why don't I wear my clothes or my hair like she does? I think she's pretty cool! hahah!

Ready to go and film!

It was tough filming on my own. My camera has an automatic focus, but I have to do it by holding down the shutter button, so I guess it's not truly automatic hahah! I'd have to put something where I'd want to stand and be in focus and just hope for the best really. Sometimes my sister would help me by focusing it, but she wasn't always available. My parents were in it, playing the girl's parents, and I truly do love how they're always up for helping out! Even with my sister's tik toks, if you need an extra hand, they're the best! It's funny because I told them what would happen, what I'd say, and that I would cut as soon as my line had been spoken. They didn't need to react or anything. So I say my line, and my mum nearly shouted out of her chair in shock HAHAHAH! none of us expected it, and I think she was just getting into character! You can see her jump begin at the end of the film, and we all burst out laughing! They're the best sports!

I like to include my current pair of slippers in the film somewhere, I've done it with my past 2 so why stop? I always pick the craziest slippers, and I feel they connect to my life at the time, and show who I am. It's just a bit of an Easter egg really, but one that I love. Although this is the only short that my current slippers have been involved in, and they're not gonna be able to last much longer, so this may be the only film they feature in. I really need to pull my finger out and make films so my slippers can have the love they deserve hahah!

I'm really proud of the film. I think it's really cool, and something I'd love to watch! Thank you for reading this and watching my film! let's hope I don't leave it another few years before I do another!

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12/06/2020

A Birthday in Lockdown!

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Well hello there. This gal is now living her Taylor Swift 22 inspired life. That's right, I've now been around the sun 22 times (is that how it works?) and even though that feels old, I still feel like a baby. I know it's not old old, but when I was 18, or even 19, people who were 22 seemed so old with their lives together. And now I'm that age, and well, nah, that ain't true hahah!

I'm never really one to do crazy things for my birthday, I like simple things, so being in lockdown wouldn't really change my normal day, but it had change a plan I had had for last week.

One of my best friends has her birthday a few weeks before mine, so to celebrate us both turning the same age, again we were gonna be inspired by the queen Taylor swift, and head to NEW YORK CITY BABYYY!

We'd had amazing plans, outfit ideas, photo inspirations, sickkkk places we wanted to visit, but obviously all of that was off the cards. It's sad, but we will get there. WE WILL!

So, what did I do to celebrate? Since Boris has said we can have people in our gardens (still distanced of course), I had a lovely lunch with my grandparents and boyfriend who I haven't seen since the lockdown was announced. It was so weird because we've allkeot in contact the whole time so I know what they've been up to and how they've been spending their time, but it was just so so lush to be together in person. I had worried so much that it was going to rain, but luckily we were fine!

In the afternoon, some friends came over and we all sat apart and drank prosecco and ate some delicious vegan cake and just chatted for a few hours!

It's funny because normally for my birthday, I probably wouldn't have done anything like this, so it's so lovely to think that even though lockdown has separated us all location-wise, it's really bought us together relationship/friendship-wise!

I hope that it doesn't last much longer, but it's nice to know that whatever happens, I'm surrounded by so many lovely people. I just wanna see my friends who don't live so close now! And visit the MET!!!

Happy (late) 22nd birthday anna! I hope you feel like an adult soon!

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07/06/2020

My Thoughts: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

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so a few nights ago, I finished the Hunger Games prequel book: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and I wanted to share my thoughts. I love the Hunger Games universe, it's my favourite dystopian/fantasy book/film franchise.

I can remember reading the first book in high school when I was asked to be part of a book quiz group that would compete against other schools. THG films weren't out at the time, so I only had my own imagination to rely on, but this book came alive in my mind and I fell in complete love with it. it's funny because when the trailer came out for the first film, I was outraged. what I saw on my screen was in no way what I'd imagined when I'd read. it's funny how I just felt so against the films, but now I adore the adaptations. The series as a whole is just brilliant, and my family recently rewatched them all with me so I could share the story with them.

I'm not a major part of the fandom, so I was kinda on my own when I saw a prequel was going to be released. I couldn't wait, and ordered it when I saw it had been published! over 500 pages of reading later, and I've finished it and am ready to give my thoughts...

THE REST OF THIS POST WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR 'THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES' AND 'THE HUNGER GAMES' TRILOGY BY SUZANNE COLLINS

I was really excited to hear we'd be getting a prequel for President Snow. He's an interesting guy. I would one day like a prequel for Johanna, Haymitch, Mags, omg for everyone! But I think if we're getting prequels, the president himself, and the big reason as to why all the other characters joined together was a good place to start.

I have thoughts along the story, so I'll split my thoughts into 3, like the book does!

Part I: The Mentor

I think it's so interesting to see someone who we know will become the villain of Panem, as someone caring, and loving and unsure of the building world around him. Eating cabbage soup compared to the lavish meals seen in his future, it's crazy to see how even someone from the Capitol, can feel not Capitol at all! And then TIGRIS! omg what a shocker! 16 lines in and bam! we're hit with a shocker of a twist that I don't think anyone expected. It really took me back for a second, googling to make sure I wasn't imagining things. But it's true, the cousin of the future president is the stylist Tigris, who is a character in the Mockingjay book and second Mockingjay film! It's funny because we see the pair as bffs really, who need each other to survive in this cruel world. But it's crazy to know where they'll end up, and it really changes the meanings of what is said in the hunger games books in regards to Tigris' thoughts on Snow!

I was really intrigued to see how this story would play out. We know where he ends up, so how does he get there?

From the start to the end of the book, there is song after song. Some new, some old, nice to see where things originated really! I liked how it really inspired how the story was told.

It was crazy reading it, because in the other books and films, we see the hunger games as a no expense spared, lavish, beautiful but evil event. In this book, we just see it as evil. It isn't fully formed, and it feels like experiments or something, but it was really cool to see it as that. Obviously it's not nice to think about killing children, but it had to start somewhere, and especially after the war, the capitol didn't have money for it's citizens, let alone to house the tributes in a luxury hotel and feed them. It was a shock really, and one I'm glad we had. I did expect them to be as we knew them, but to be honest, they wouldn't be. They were still in their beta stage. Wild to think of the hunger games as a silly idea once thought up by students is now in it's 10th year and is still not what it wants to be. I really liked it, but one thing I didn't get was the food. Surely the tributes were collected after the reaping, waited a few days and then were sent straight into the arena. I'm not surprised so many died, but I'm more surprised they hadn't changed this situation following people starving in the previous ones. surely that would've happened. Even if each tribute got just one slice of bread each day, something you know. I guess it might've shown weakness in the Capitol, but if I'd had no food for days, I would've not been in a fab state to get up, let alone win the hunger games haha!

I liked our introduction to Lucy Gray in her fabulous rainbow dress and song! I did feel sorry for her, as from the other books, we know district 12 had had no other winners of the games, so I knew she'd die. but damn I just didn't realise it wouldn't be like that!

it was cool to hear familiar names and hear of places we knew about!

the arena was a cool idea. now I'd learnt not to expect a shiny exciting place where the fighting would take place, it was cool to hear of the arena that would be used and then obviously the bombs that change it. A bit like when I read the original trilogy, I didn't imagine the arenas to be as big as they were, so this literal bomb site felt small and very open to me. obviously that's not how the writer sees them, but I did find it a little difficult to imagine, especially after the bombings. maybe my imagination wasn't on my side, but I did feel slightly let down by the arena.

PART II: THE PRIZE

adding to that, how were Coriolanus and Sejanus able to enter the arena and the tributes not able to get out? like what the heck? it made me a little disappointed. the story felt great, seeing this mentor where he wasn't meant to be like wow that imagery! but I was also a little let down by the fact it was so easy to get into. I understand that the capitol isn't as updated like what we're used to, but you'd at least think that they'd put the tributes somewhere that wasn't easy to get in and out of lolllll!

I was intrigued to see how these tributes would act, especially after we were going into the games with a lot less people than normal. These weren't killers, not people who were used to the reaping every year. It was like they'd been kidnapped and forced to a be a show to say that the capitol had power and the districts didn't. I do feel that in that sense, it's stronger than the Hunger Games trilogy with the games. But I'm glad that they did separate, they formed allies but were happy to kill. I like how Suzanne Collins writes about human nature and our fight or flight complex. It's a bit like Lord of the Flies, and how power will always overtake good, even if the powerful think they're doing the right thing. I enjoyed (I don't think enjoyed is the right word but ya know what I mean) reading the book during the time in the arena, it's always interesting to see how people will react, especially in this one compared to the Games where everything is perfect and clean.

I think like most people, I didn't expect Lucy Gray to win. at all! We know from the original trilogy that there hasn't been a female victor from district 12 before, so I was waiting for her to die. and waiting. and waiting. and omg she's won?? this story was full of twists and turns and I think most of them owed themselves to what we thought we knew about Panem and the games, rather than the truth. I liked it, but also felt that surely people would remember her, or at least bring up the fact that district 12 once won the games. I liked it but didn't. but mainly liked it.

PART III: THE PEACEKEEPER

Now, I didn't expect this, I don't think anyone did. it was such a cool and interesting twist. When I was younger, I always thought that the stormtroopers in Star Wars were dumb robots, when actually they're dumb people in armour. From the look of the films, peacekeepers are kinda robot looking things, but they are just people in armour. Until we get to Mockingjay, we don't really see one without their mask, so I was always intrigued by how they got their jobs and their loyalties. I loved learning more about them. A bit like Avoxes, they seem a big part of the story, but also not front and centre, but still interesting enough to inspire a need for knowledge about them! it's nice to know they get 3 meals a day and weekends off hahah!

I didn't know what to expect from the rest of this story. I was really hoping we'd see Snow change more into the person he becomes, but he doesn't. he seems to go about his new life and everything looks fine and dandy. I WANTED MORE! Truth be told, I did feel a little disappointed and bored by this final section, as it was just collecting birds, seeing Lucy Gray at the hob, and trying to stop Sejanus from doing dumb things. omg Sejanus was so dumb (although I do completely understand why he is how he is).

BUT THEN THE OTHER TWIST! Like I said, I wasn't over the moon by this new boring life, but to twist the final chapter and make love, not Coriolanus' goal anymore, but his career and future and the capitol was interesting. Like him, I was left wondering what he'd choose and how he would. We know that Snow has a granddaughter in the future, but obviously a girl from the districts, or not as she'd say, is not what Snow wants to bet his life on. I liked seeing this pair grow together for good, but then realise the truths and pain and eventually harm each other.

I love how Snow had this vision of his future, but when he was handed an offer he couldn't refuse, well, we see who he truly is. Someone who will always put himself and winning first. I didn't consider putting the book down, but I was thinking to myself that I wasn't sure where the book was going, but that final chapter ooooh yes mm hmmm that's the one!

oh my word I feel I've written so much but also nothing at the same time. It's so hard to capture the essence of a book in a few lines, let alone chat about the whole thing in one blogpost so I won't try hahah! if I think of any other thoughts, I may come back and add them, but for now, I'm happy, even though I feel I haven't even scratched the surface of the book.

I love when there's questions at the back of books, and there are some in the back of TBOSAS. I thought it'd be cool to ask myself a few!

What meaning do you find in the title The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (particularly with the plurals of songbirds and snakes)?

Literally, this story is filled with birds that sing as well as a group of people who live to sing their stories. Again, snakes are seen in the story from the reaping, to the arena, to the possible death of Lucy Gray. As well as being physical things that we see and the characters hear in the story, they're used as metaphors to show us the current state of the world and the people in it. There are people who fill the world with joy and song, but sometimes their words don't reflect the joyful melody and harsh truths are released. People are often referred to as snakes if they go behind other's backs and are filled with lies. I like how this title is very on the nose. The story is filled with songbirds and snakes, both literally, and in how people act and respond and fight. But I also feel it links back to the original Hunger Games books, how the birds lingered to sing their tales and also spread caution, and that snakes are never far behind. With good will always be bad, but with bad, there will always be good.

If you are familiar with the original Hunger Games trilogy, how is the world as presented here different from the one you know there?

It's funny because like I said previously, I did expect everything to be up and running to the standard of the other stories, but due to the war, it's not yet. It's crazy to see the districts, dirty and poor and cold, no different to how we know they'll be in the future. It's upsetting really to know that the rich will continue to be rich and build and grow, yet the poor will stay poor and worried and helpless. It really is a comparison to the real world really.

How does the story of the Lucy Gray in the ballad reflect the life of Lucy Grey Baird?

Ok, before I get into my English literate GCSE state, this is a REAL poem by Wordsworth. Like what? I still can't believe it. And they also mention it in the book. It really frames the idea that the hunger games is our worlds future as a real thing. I always imagined it was just a fantasy place that was made up, but with this included, it cements the idea that our world may one day come down to this which is mental!

A bit like Coriolanus, I was a bit confused by the poem at first, just seeing the basic story and being unsure about some points. Ignoring those basics and looking into it further, we see a young girl presented to us, alone and possibly scared by being sent out into the storm with just a lantern as a guide. It's a ghost story that gives us chills, but also the nice idea that Lucy Gray isn't lost, just still wondering through nature to find home.

For me, the life of Lucy Gray matches the ballad like this: She's sent out into danger with a light. Lucy Gray is chosen for the hunger games and her light is her song. Her parents who are meant to care for her are the ones who sent her. The capitol, which is meant to care for the districts, does the complete opposite really. We see her footprints in the snow, worrying if she'll be found. We see Lucy Gray take part in the games, unsure if she'll make it home safely. In the final verses, we learn that Lucy Gray is part of the wild, singing her song. She has made it home, to be alone with her song. The idea of the poem and Lucy Gray will weigh on Panem like the wind, a light breeze that will pass people and be left forgotten but that doesn't mean she's not there. Just because she's been killed, doesn't mean she never existed, and her song still lives on.

Does that make sense? hahah!

Why do you think Gaul chose to send Coriolanus into the arena? What does this experience reveal about Coriolanus' nature?

First of all, did anyone else imagine Dr Gaul to look like the scientist who invents the parallel universe thing in Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse? just me? hahah!

here's a pic for reference!

I think Dr Gaul knew what Coriolanus would become. How his mind would be shaped over the games and he would become someone strong. But he also can be kind and gentle, just what they needed when Sejanus entered and just needed some guidance. If peacekeepers had gone in, or even his mother, it would've been messy. Gaul knew she could trust Coriolanus to keep his head down and act fast, and act with intent if needed.

Like I've said, I think this shows us that Coriolanus is level headed and can deal with things quickly, but he will kill, to save himself and the people he wants to protect. To be honest, I didn't know how the story would help us see how this kind, normal boy would become a crazy president, but this moment really does flick a switch for all of us. we realise that Snow is calm, but can also be crazy.


I really enjoyed discovering more about the Hunger Games and Panem and their histories. I love the universe and series, and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Apparently a film of the book is in the works, and who knows if we'll get any other prequels, or even sequels. Whatever happens, it's nice to know that there is more than just the original trilogy, and that other people think it deserves to be written about.

if you reread it someday, I wonder if you'll still have the same thoughts future anna?

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