Fans of Suzanne Collins’ series are gathering in preparation for the Hunger Games: Mockingjay p. 2 release on Friday, Nov. 20th. Tributes are lining up, preordering their tickets and anticipating that first showing. However, for many fans, they can’t help but feel somewhat sad for what’s to come. The book series has granted so much for the fans: film adaptations, lines of merchandise (shirts, jewelry, costumes, etc.), international events, conventions, even a museum exhibit in NYC. But now, as the final film installment is released, it’s an end to an era. Rather than sadly crying into your book collection, I suggest you gather some friends, hold a celebratory Hunger Games movie marathon, and look back at some of the best moments.
1. The Salute to Rue – You may have been crying into your popcorn while watching this moment brought to life on the screen, but Rue’s mourning was still beautiful when everyone joined together to give one final salute.
2. The Dress – Watching Katniss’ dress catch fire was breathtaking, and you can’t help but wish you had your own Cinna to help make your outfits do that!
3. And Again – People claim first times a charm, but watching the flames come out once gain for the burning transformation of Katniss’ wedding dress was just as amazing.
4. The Elevator ft. Johanna – Don’t tell me you didn’t brust out laughing at Johanna’s entrance in Catching Fire. Even the character’s reactions were priceless.
5. I Volunteer as Tribute – Probably one of the famous scenes from the series, listening to Katniss scream “I volunteer!” for her sister was both inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time.
6. Any Badass Moment of Katniss – It’s no secret that Katniss is one of the most badass characters ever. Between her crazy bow and arrow skills, constantly defying the Capitol, and her crazy stunts to protect herself and those she cares about, you can’t help but love her more and more.
7. When Katniss Showed the Capitol who’s Boss – One of her most badass moments happened when she shot an arrow up at the Gamemakers when they totally ignored her. Who can blame her, though? They should’ve been paying attention!
8. Action, Action, Action! – The series sure knows how to keep thing interesting, especially through the constant action scenes! With all of the bloodbaths and war battles going on, you can’t help but keep your eyes glued to the screen.
9. This Heartbreaking Moment – Seeing the words “the odds are NEVER in our favor” written in the tunnel set the tone for District 11, and it sure wasn’t a happy one.
10. District 11 – After seeing the graffiti in the tunnel, the rebellion in District 11 as everyone came together with the salute was awesome. But watching the guards attack broke the audience’s hearts.
11. If We Burn, You Burn With Us – A new favorite quote in the series, hearing the inspiring words makes you want to lead your own revolution against the Capitol.
12. Katniss: The Sass Master – Not only is Katniss a badass, but she can be quite sassy at times. She always makes the fans laugh at her side comments, no matter what might be happening at the time.
13. When Katniss Needed Help – Sure, we may love Katniss for how tough of a character she is, but watching her fail in one category and ask for advice made us love her more. We all have those days where our people skills are lacking, but it’s one of Katniss’ weaknesses.
14. Peeniss Everlark – Peeta and Katniss, Katniss and Peeta, Peeniss Everlark. Every book or movie we had the chance to watch them fall more and more in love as they constantly fought through the obstacles and came closer together. Of course we, too, fell in love with their relationship!
15. The Hunk: Gale Hawthorne – Trustworthy, loving, strong, passionate, a natural leader; Gale has the whole package. Not to mention, he’s the kind of guy you would drool over.
16. Haymitch’s Advice – We all chuckled at the advice, but it was effective and real at the same time. Being given the advice to simply “stay alive” doesn’t exactly help, but when it comes to the Hunger Games it’s the only words that really matter!
17. Haymitch in General – Sure, he may have been a crazy drunk and pretty harsh at times, but any time you can’t help but love the man. He’s sarcastic and realistic, and when you read his name in the books or saw him in the movies, you knew you’d love the scene.
18. The Crazy that is Effie – With her ridiculous outfits and proper attitude, Effie was able to capture the hearts of the fans. After all, who else would constantly remind Katniss and Haymitch about their bad manners?
19. That is Mahogany! – Who didn’t laugh at this in the book or movie? I mean, who cares that Haymitch almost got stabbed, it’s the table that matters!
20. Everything About Cinna – Cinna deserved so much better than his fate in Catching Fire. He was the perfect stylist, not only guiding Katniss throughout the Games, but also being her biggest supporter. Everyone needs someone like him in their lives.
21. Finnick Odair: The Lovable – A tragic life, true love, and pretty face come together to make the prince that is Finnick Odair. Not only is he gorgeous to look at, but he loves to flirt and knows how to use a trident. How cool is that?
22. The Sweetie Primrose Everdeen – It’s impossible to dislike sweet little Prim. This girl went from an innocent child to someone who only wanted to help others. She’s so loving and caring that you simply want to squeeze her, not to mention there’s some serious sisterly love with her and Katniss.
23. Caesar Flickerman – Sure, he may have worked for the Capitol and spent his time as a talk show host for the Hunger Games, but that man had a lot of positivity to throw around and made always made people laugh. Not to mention, he had quite some hair!
24. How to Spend your Free Time – The Hunger Games kept it real during the third movie while showing the characters attempting to cure their bored minds with Buttercup the cat. Who hasn’t laughed while watching a cat try and chase a light around?
25. Jennifer Lawrence in General – Not only do we have one of the top actresses playing Katniss Everdeen, but she’s also a huge goofball! Take some time and watch some of the behind the scenes footage or some of her interviews, you won’t regret it!