The backstory you didn't even know you were missing

I enjoyed this well enough but I didn't love it. It's focused on Snow so it lacks something major that the other books have - characters we love and root for. Yet, I did enjoy the backstory of the games and seeing how they began, knowing how they had evolved over time to Katniss' time.

It's also different because we get the perspective of a mentor versus that of the tribute. And it's Snow who we all hate. The book does nothing to endear him to readers. Instead we see how his desire to get ahead and keep up appearances ruled him, above all else. We are in his mind as he becomes increasingly accepting of the Capitol's views and becomes more ruthless, denying himself love, friendship and even family with the singular focus of one day having power.

I enjoyed this early days view of Panem but I couldn't help but miss the large scale danger of the Hunger Games we all know, the brave acts of rebellion and honestly the characters we all came to love so much throughout the series. The characters here were interesting, if somewhat tame in comparison to the rest of the series, but that fit because it was the early days of the rebellion.

Not my favorite book but I was glad I read it though it definitely could have been shorter. There were times where it felt long and drawn out which is something I never felt reading this series. It could also just be because I wasn't as invested in what happened to these characters. Katniss forever!