I have a confession ....

... Pause for Dramatic Effect ...

I have finished the book. Yup. Two days ago. I was so epically caught up in the world I couldn't put it down. In fact, I have already bought the second book and can't wait to start reading. And since everyone has pretty much covered everything I would have said for a first post anyways, I am going in another direction: my favorite thing about the book and the way I saw the world in my head and the movies I thought of.

(You guys already know I am weird so just roll with it.)

My favorite thing about the book didn't have anything to do with the storyline (which was awesomely original in a Vampire fiction world), the characters (which are likable but I have some issues with them) or the descriptions (GASP! I know, me say that? 'Cause I am a sucker for descriptions).

All those things where fine and dandy but what I enjoyed the most was the point of view the author chose to write in: First Person, Present Tense. Which in my opinion was a genius move by Collins because how else are we going to feel how tense the Hunger Games are if we are not experiencing "the game" as it is happening. I feel the book would have fallen short if any other tense was chosen. Kudos Collins, kudos.

Now the book is naturally dark. And as I read it a picture of a washed out, gritty world emerged in my head. I know everyone will see something different but in movie speak it was a combination of The Book of Eli and Zombieland. I know it is probably heresy to even think about combining or mixing those movies in any way, but they are both amazing and have to deal with survival and a world on the brink of disaster. But both of these movies popped into my head about two pages into the book. Coincidence? I think not ...

To further explore this avenue, I will be watching both of these movies this weekend because I am suddenly very interested in Post-apocalyptic worlds and the evolution of the "unlikely Hero" in teen fiction and popular culture. (I love when I sound smart.)

Anyways, I can't be the only one with unique visuals. How did y'all see the world?

NB: Here's the teaser trailer