It’s official. Hunger Games fever has hit Casa Petersik.
I actually got it first. I thought I’d take a stab at reading the book before potentially seeing the movie. I had heard it was a quick read, and boy was that right – I knocked it out in 24 hours. Sherry resisted following in my footsteps, thinking she had too much on her plate to squeeze it in. But I convinced her to try one chapter and before she knew it she was closing that book and cracking open Catching Fire (which she finished a few days later, and I’m currently in the middle of). We’re supposed to get our copy of Mockingjay next week. No spoilers!
The reason for devouring Hunger Games? We had planned a movie date night as a belated birthday celebration for Sherry (after our first attempt at a date night was ruined by not getting into our favorite restaurant since it was all reservationed out). So we booked babysitters (my parents) and made our first visit ever to CinéBistro, one of those swanky eat-dinner-while-you-watch-a-movie places. Here’s Sherry making her swankiest face.
We’ve only been to three movies since Clara was born almost two years ago (I wish I was kidding) so we were excited to make an event of this one. Unlike a normal movie theater, this one’s 21 and up only, has seating assignments, and has full in-theater food service (i.e. servers take your order and bring you food right in your big, comfy seats. Here’s me trying to figure out what I’ll order before we get seated.
We decided to get an appetizer – the “Popcorn” calamari. Yes, it’s actually calamari mixed with popcorn. Yum.
We wanted to save room for dessert, but after ordering gut-busters like my chicken & biscuits and Sherry’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes and collard greens (the theme was sort of upscale comfort food) – we were stuffed before the previews were even over. By the way, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter looks pretty good. Maybe for our next movie night? Guess I should read the book first…
Oh, and as for the movie (I refrained from being the weirdo who took pictures of the movie) – we liked it! Was it the best book-to-movie adaptation ever? No. But we enjoyed it. Heck, we were just happy to be out of the house!
Anyone else Hunger Games-ing it up? Either books and/or movie-wise? Thoughts? Can you turn your last name into a Hunger Games reference like I did with this pun-tastic title or are we just extra lucky?
PS: In the comments, Kim recommended this site called Hunger Names that give you a name and method of death. Sherry was Oregano Amberpoe and had the honor of being a District 8 tribute in the 22nd Hunger Games. She was killed by asphyxiation. I was Huggle Santolina (awesome?) and was a District 7 tribute in the 20th Hunger Games. I was killed by trusting a 12-year-old boy. Never again!
Alicia says
Haha, I’m just like y’all, finished the first two and waiting on the third to come from Amazon! I tried to wait until the library had it available but I just want to know how it ends SO BADLY so I ordered it. I saw the movie Monday night and really liked it, but felt that it was somehow more disturbing seeing the story than reading it.
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says
I have heard about those kind of theatres. They sound really cool. Was the food pretty good… did it cost the usual arm and a leg? Or did you feel like it was reasonably priced? I’m so glad you found time for a date night… it’s nice to have some special time together every once in a while.
Young House Life says
I thought the food was pretty good, actually. Better than I expected, at least. I think our appetizer was like $8 and each of our meals was in the $15 range. So it wasn’t the cheapest meal (also considering tickets and the tip they add in), but it wasn’t that bad for a special occasion.
-John
Melissa says
I love the series so much! I also thought the movie was a pretty good adaptation and I also like a previous poster loved seeing things from a few other perspectives. Some things they left out I was a little disappointed about, but I felt a LOT better after I heard that the author, Collins, was also the screen play writer for the movie! I loved still getting her perspective from book to screen!
Mrs. Miller says
Ah, cinebistro! We have one here in Atlanta, too. There was actually a problem with the showing we went to, so they gave us free passes for another one. AND we got a gift certificate + free babysitting from the grandparents for food. (I had the burger during the problematic showing; it was DELICIOUS.)
Jill Stigs says
My daughter (13) is totally into it. I bought her all 3 books (wish they would have all been out in paperback) and she has seen the movie once and is going again either today or tomorrow on spring break.
I will probably read them later (much like I did with the Twilight series).
Michelle says
LOVE Hunger Games! My coworkers and I got hooked on the trilogy in between the 2nd and 3rd. Let me tell you, it was BRUTAL waiting for the final book to come out so I’m envious of everyone who is just now jumping on the bandwagon and can read them all in one stretch. I really enjoyed the movie, but I also think I might have enjoyed it even more because I decided NOT to reread the book before going to see it (which I had originally intended to do). Since it’s been about 2 years since I read the first book, I didn’t remember all the little details to drive myself crazy comparing.
I totally recommend reading Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Killer. I got SO excited during the previews when it started. I kept whispering to my boyfriend, “Oh my god. I think this is that book I loved. I really think it is. It really looks like it. If it isn’t, they ripped it off. Oh, it is! Yes!” Dont’ worry, I stopped my commentary once the movie started. :-)
Young House Life says
Glad to hear the AL:VK is good too. Maybe I’ll add that to my list!
-John
Jaime says
Those luxury cinemas have been a total game changer for me! I had probably only seen 3 movies in the theater in the last 3 years, just like you guys, except I dont have a kiddo to blame. I just DESPISED going to a movie theater…until we got some of those swanky theaters in our town. Can we say HEAVEN!?!? I HAPPILY hand over the extra $6 to go to those theaters over the regular ones (thats the price difference where we live) and we dont buy any food so it keeps the cost down. Honestly, I will never go back to a regualr theater unless I am taking my nieces and nephews or its FREE. Even then, I would hesitate I despise it that much. Hahaha.
Emily says
I totally got sucked into the trilogy! I started listening to the fist audiobook “just to see what the hype was about” and ended up finishing all three books within a week. I’m interested to see what you think of the 3rd — lots of mixed reviews out there. Love the swanky face! hahaha
Jessica G says
ahhhhhh! i can’t believe i didn’t think of making a pun out of our name! it’s Gourley (girly, yes, my husband has been teased…endlessly…including now by my students).
we could be the Gourl-eys on Fire! woo! HG nicknames!
glad you loved the books! my husband also got hooked on them first and i stole it while he was part of the way through, finished the series, and gave them back to him! we saw the movie at midnight (life with no kids) and also enjoyed it again with best friends at delish Maggiano’s in Short Pump! gotta love grown up movie night! :)
Ann L. says
I feel ya on the power-reading! I started Hunger Games on a Friday night and was done the series by Sunday afternoon. It was a much better weekend sick than the usual sick-on-the-couch routine of watching non-stop ANTM, RHONJ and Kardashians.
Overall, I liked the movie. I think I would be better suited to watching movies and then reading the books though. I can’t help but compare what I’ve read to what I’ve seen and I think in most cases (like with Harry Potter) I’d be better seeing the movies and adding in more detail with the books than reading something incredibly detailed and taking things out for the movie…if that makes sense.
I think a road-trip to VA is in store for me and the Hubbs. That movie theather looks aweeeeeesome!
Kristi says
I didn’t read any comments because, Dude I just started reading the first book last week. If I didn’t have an almost 1 year old and a ton of art history papers to write I’d probably be done with all of them. Until then, no spoilers please.
Kati says
We are a total Hunger Games house too!! I haven’t been able to see them movie, although I am reading the books a second time through right now. AMAZING! My twin boys both have read the first book and the middle school they attend arranged a private showing of the movie for any kid who read the first book and passed the comprehension test on it! They loved it! I am just hoping to be able to see it on the big screen!
Beth says
Hunger Games does induce feverish behavior! I started them as we were leaving Greece and thanks to an international flight and a day-off after (I swear I had a sore throat,) I plowed through all 3 in about 4 days. Thank you, Kindle, for providing my Hunger Games fix so quickly with your easy downloading.
We saw the movie after Easter mass on Saturday night after my husband bought the tickets on his phone in the church lobby. That has to be wrong on several levels.
Rhonda says
I’m in the middle of the second book, and I can’t put it down! I’m almost scared to go to the movie. I don’t want it to “ruin” how I imagine the characters in my head.
tjack says
I resisted for as long as possible but got sucked in by the Hunger games fever.
You guys are old school with the books, for some reason I thought you two (or John) would be all techy with the Kindle or Nook.
Young House Life says
This is kind of embarrassing, but neither of us read enough to warrant owning a technology dedicated to books. Sad, I know. But I also like the act of holding a book (and Sherry likes having them to decorate with too) so I think we’ll probably be on the old-school book train for a while.
-John
Christine says
I can’t believe nobody yet has asked a key “Hunger Games” question – are you Team Peeta or Team Gale??? You need to finish all three books before making a decision on this, of course. I loved the books and thought the movie was a fairly good adaptation. I am definitely Team Peeta – whose with me?
Young House Life says
Sherry’s team Peeta all the way. He won her over with carbs, just Katniss. If I had to choose a team, I’d say Team Effie Trinket.
-John
mary says
I thought it was a pretty good adaptation. The book author helped write the screenplay.
I quit the series in the middle of the third book. I’m not much of a sequel person. They always seem to be drawing out a story for book sales, when the story was better off just being one book.
Cassandra says
We need one of those movie theaters! When we went there were a ton of little (and I mean 5-10) kids and someone even brought their baby. We really enjoyed the movie, but not the additional sound track
Jeremy says
1.) Is it wrong that I went to this movie by myself and left my wife home with our 2 month old son? In my defense, she had not read the book nor did she want to go. Maybe someday we can go to the movies together again. You guys give me hope
2.) I finished the books within a week while working full time and having a 1 month old at home. You have to do something in the middle of the night while burping the kid right? New parents aren’t sleeping much anyway this just added to the craziness.
3.) If the “Peeta-siks” were actually in the hunger games my money is on John (sorry Sherry, I think he would just run away from everyone). Maybe I should rethink this, Sherry is from Jersey-My money is now on Sherry. Glad I had time to think this through.
Young House Life says
1) Nope, not wrong. Sherry isn’t much of a movie person (at least compared to me). Two nights before our wedding I saw Transformers with my cousin while she went shopping with a friend (and ended up buying a replacement wedding dress – learned my lesson there).
2) Smart use of time!
3) That’s kind of you to think either of us would fare well. Sherry just said over my shoulder “You’re too nice to kill anyone. You’re totally Peeta.” So yeah, maybe Sherry would fare better.
-John
candace says
I soared through the first two books – even though the writing/character development is cringe worthy! What an fascinating storyline! I convinced my Hubs to do the same and we saw the movie last week. We liked it, but thought the character for Katniss was too “womanly” – if you know what I mean?
Young House Life says
Haha, it took us a while to get past the names too! Gale and Peeta sounded like girl names to us too- and Katniss sounded like a character in Sheera Princess Of Power or something. Haha.
xo,
s
Tori says
My last name (Ruh) is pronounced exactly the same as Rue’s from the book. I’ve also always been small and liked climbing trees. It’s a pretty safe bet to guess who my favorite character is :)
Young House Life says
Haha, I love Rue!
xo,
s
Carrie says
I devored the first two books and went and bought Mockingjay as soon as it came out. I guess that was in… 2010. Haven’t seen the movie yet and wont re-read until I do. Because I’m wierd like that. :)
I haven’t been to the movies in a year and a half. Have plans next weekend to see Hunger Games and have sushi with a friend! I’m pumped! I think this may mean I’m getting old. I remember when going to the movies was the answer to nothing better to do. Now it’s an event! :)
Young House Life says
That sounds amazing! Sushi and Hunger Games = awesometown.
xo,
s
Sarah says
I read all three books! It took only a week for me to read them all (I could have finished them faster but this girl has to work… that is not to say that I didn’t bring the books to work just in case a client did not come). I read the books as soon as I saw the first preview for the movie. I loved them! No spoilers I know but the second book (by far) was my favorite.
I have everyone in my family reading as well.
So exciting!
Lauren says
LOVE the Cinebistro at Stony Point! So many pros to that theater than your standard Bowie or regal- especially with movies like Twilight or Hunger Games when you know they have huge followings and are going to be loud and packed! The steak Philly sub at Cinebistro is really good by the way ( although a little messy!).
Young House Life says
Mmmmm, that sounds amazing!
xo,
s
Kim Wethe Rily says
I read the first book last week before heading out to Virginia for a visit. I actually listened to the book on CD/download to iPod on headphones while I was packing. I was about an hour from the end when I shouted, “OH MY GOD! WHAT?” (No spoilers, but if you’ve read the book you may know what I’m referring to.)
My husband, who has read them all just started cracking up. And I’m really looking forward to getting the Katniss Barbie for my daughter, who is a super girly girl and loves everything princessy and pink. I want to show her how cool and tough and smart girls can be too!
Young House Life says
Haha- I love that!
xo,
s
Kellie says
My husband and I just saw Hunger Games last weekend, the first movie we’ve been to sine our daughter was born 10 months ago. So yes, I feel your pain/excitement.
Also, when I saw the preview for Abraham Lincoln, I gasped. That book was great!
And my name is Whim Nibbleton. I was a District 8 tribute in the 28th Hunger Games, killed by a swarm of monkey creatures. Yep.
Young House Life says
Haha, that’s a bad way to go!
xo,
s
Briel K. says
I read the books back in the summer of 2010 and then proceeded to get my mom, dad, sister, nanna, and uncle to read them! haha My aunt read the first one but couldn’t get over the fact that it was about kids killing kids.
I also saw the movie. I liked it but I had to try to view it as a seperate thing from the books since some of the casting choices weren’t my favorite. Jennifer Lawrence did a great job but she just isn’t Katniss to me. She doesn’t look like her physically at all. I thought the movie was worth seeing though and I’ll definitely check out the next two!
I’m glad you guys are enjoying the books! :)
Pam the Goatherd says
I resisted until a friend loaned my husband the books. I got sucked in and finished all three within 48 hours. I’m kinda glad I waited until all three books had come out to discover them. I don’t think I could’ve survived waiting between book releases! Giving the books back to their rightful owner was hard to do. I plan on buying hardcover copies and the movies on DVD so we can have a Hunger Games marathon whenever we feel like it.
Another Hunger Games Fan friend of mine suggested that they could have made the first book into two movies, the first ending just before the Game began, which would have given more leeway for including all the details that we miss from the book.
My Hunger Name is Caraway Boot and I was killed while trying to escape.
Kate says
I love those books! My husband and I went to see the movie with friends of ours who had also read them..it was fun! We went to a place similar to where you went so we could have a cocktail and popcorn while watching.
I just got my mom to start reading the trilogy..I gave her all three books last Tuesday and she reports that she is 100 pages from the end of the third book already! I guess she likes them too!
My husband read Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer and said it was good. He can’t wait for the movie. I guess i have time to read the book before then!
jessica says
I am Myrtle Nibbleton, a District 8 tribute in the 50th Hunger Games! I was killed by a fishing hook to the eye.
Ally says
I was Anise Bucketwood from District 11 and was killed by poisonous berries in the 1st ever Hunger Games! Thanks for sharing the Hunger Names website. Fun!
I enjoyed the Hunger Games movie, but thought it could’ve been even better if Katniss had narrated. I just think it would’ve added more depth and helped to explain things that were sorta skimmed over.
Cinebistro sounds really fun! Glad you all finally got a date night! :)
Chloe says
I devoured all three books in two days a few months back and saw an advanced preview of the movie. I really enjoyed it! My mum isn’t a big reader but I convinced her to give them a try and she’s just finished the first. She couldn’t put the book down! She’s taking my dad to see the movie later this week.
Jodi says
Can you say Hunger Games at the IMAX theatre?! It was incredible!! I read all 3 books in a week. My teenage kids read them all as well, so it was a fun family event!
Young House Life says
Sounds good!
xo,
s
Tiffany says
I have an almost 15month old, and saw the Hunger Games last weekend. 1st movie I’ve been to since he was born! I agree, books better, but movie enjoyable.
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
YES. Both of us loooooove the Hunger Games! Mockingjay is so intense, prepare yourselves! And yeah, you need to read Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter next. It’s ridiculously good.
Are you guys Team Peeta or Team Gale? (Team Peeta for me!)
Young House Life says
Peeta had me at carbs.
xo,
s
Kristel says
LOVE the Hunger Games. My husband went on a very rare date night to go see it on opening night. You’re right, not the best book to movie adaptation but still enjoyable. I’m excited to see the other movies.
And I love CineBistro! We used to go to the one in Miami (when we lived there and didn’t have a baby) all the time! We don’t have one here in Denver but I’m predicting many future date nights at CineBistro when we move back to Miami later this year.
Amanda says
I haven’t read or seen the Hunger Games yet. I know – I’m odd. But we just found out I’m pregnant, so I’ve been pretty distracted! But I wanted to throw out there (for any fellow readers) that we have a movie/dinner place like that near Philly. It’s called Movie Tavern, and it’s in Collegeville, PA. We love it there! Comfy seats, lots of leg room, awesome wait staff. Bonus – the movie tickets cost $9! That’s a good $3 – $5 savings on each ticket compared to a normal theater around here. :)
Young House Life says
Congrats on the bin Amanda!
xo,
s
Emily says
I read all three books in about five days about a month ago. I still haven’t seen the movie, and I am DYING to. I am tempted to visit Richmond just to go to the movie theatre you guys went to because it looks awweeessommeee! We have one decent theatre in town where you can get a beer and a cheese plate before the movie, but that’s about it. Although beer and cheese is pretty much my favorite thing ever, so I’m not complainin’ too much.
Young House Life says
That sounds fun!
xo,
s
Kasey M. says
HB and I just saw the movie after reading the entire series out loud to each other (oh yes, we’re THAT couple). We loved the movies (even though I couldn’t watch the last scene with Rue) and can’t wait for the next one.
We’re also trying to figure out which series we should read out loud next. Any suggestions anyone?
Alison says
Devoured the first two books and was so sad my husband didn’t have time to read them that I read them out loud to him a chapter or two a night. I was that insistent that he be familiar with the story. I might be a touch psycho :-)
He tried to read Mockingjay outloud to me while I was in labor to return the favor, but I had to make him stop because I couldn’t concentrate on the story during contractions! Luckily we finished it post-baby!!
Young House Life says
Haha, so funny. I love the idea of some in-labor out-loud reading.
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I LOVED the Hunger Games books. While the movie was not a perfect adaptation, I really like it and even preferred some of the differences. Can’t wait for the second movie to come out!
Krys72599 says
I was so anti-HG but my daughter lent me her copy to read and so far it’s not as bad as I expected. Really? 24 teenagers forced to kill each other? There’s enough bullying and violence in the world…
But the story is okay so far. I’ll probably read the other two just ’cause I spent a few hours on this one…
Allison says
I held out on these books for a long time too. I even previewed the first chapter for free and thought that I hated it. I’m glad that I gave it a try. That site is too funny. My name is Teena Hornblast and I got killed by swimming after eating. Who is running this site, an 85 year old grandma? Will I also die if I swallow my chewing gum? :)
Young House Life says
Bwahahahahahahahahahaha. Hilarious. I think they put a bunch of crazy ones in there like that for their own amusement.
Althea says
I just finished The Hunger Games and can’t wait to read Catching Fire!!
ashley says
haven’t read the books/seen the movie…but I thought I’d see what my hunger name would be….
Aimee Littleton
Congratulations! You had the honor of being a District 7 tribute in the 47th Hunger Games!
You were killed by loving too deeply
I was killed by LOVING TOO DEEPLY?! Say what?!
Young House Life says
Hahahahah, hilarious. More reason to read the books!
xo,
s
Elisabeth says
PPS. You should specifically remember not to trust twelve year old boys when Clara becomes a twelve year old girl. But maybe you should extend that any boy. Two weeks ago, I caught my 18 mo old son trying to plant a big sloppy kiss on a 4 year old girl in the waiting room of our pediatrician. She ran like he was carrying the bubonic plague. He likes the older girls. Apparently they do not like him. Yet.
Young House Life says
Haha, so funny!
xo,
s
Mary says
My last name is Petiprin, so I actually CAN make it into a Hunger Games reference that is similar to yours. Peeta-prin! I’m a huge Hunger Games fan, but I never realized this before. So, John, I thank you. :)
Young House Life says
High five for Peeta-riffic last names!
xo,
s
Ashley @ 7th House says
I read the first book last week and couldn’t put it down. I’m in the middle of Catching Fire right now and I think I may be literally addicted. Bentley (our dog) is seriously in danger of having his name changed to Peeta ;)
My Hunger Name was Cate Dondlebree (which confused me bc there’s a Cato in the book), 72nd Games Tribute and killed…. by falling in a pit. How boring and non-tribute-like is that? haha
Young House Life says
Haha, bam. She’s down. Cannon fires.
xo,
s
Holli says
I read all three books just a few weeks before the movie came out and LOVED IT! I had mixed feelings about the movie because it completely lacked Katniss’s (Katniss’? I dunno) perspective, which was super important to the plot. But then I had a friend who said she thought it was a good complement to the book, and I couldn’t agree more. It told the same story with the same events but from a different perspective, which was pretty cool and actually really smart. I can’t think of a way to really match the book in emotional depth, so why not complement it with a different perspective? We learned a lot more about the games though, which was also pretty cool. Anyway, sorry for blabbering on, just thought I’d share that tidbit! Oh, and I’ve heard good things about Cinebistro, I’ll have to see if they have one in NoVa!
Lisa says
okay- this is too funny that you posted about a movie theater like this. We fell in love with a movie tavern in Dallas and FINALLY discovered one 35 minutes from us last week. We were going to go see Hunger Games but I am still on the library waiting list. :( Glad you guys took a little break from the home and kiddies. :)