I knew what was going to happen, but it didn't make it any less devastating for me. I

found myself getting attached to so many characters, despite trying not to because I knew what their fates would be. The way the characters are written in this book felt so real. And I was truly sad about all their deaths even though it was obvious they were coming. Some part of me just kept hoping that somehow, it wouldn't be their fates. Ambert, Maysilee, and Wyatt all hit me pretty hard.

This book also served to remind me that the careers were victims too. I remember as a teenager, thinking they were completely evil and the enemy. But there were some moments in this book that reminded me that they weren't the real enemy. Not really. One scene that sticks out is

the chocolate, and Haymitch letting it fall down to the career tribute who was crying at the bottom of the tree.

I felt so many things while reading this. I felt so angry, but also so heartbroken. It was made worse by realizing parallels to real life. And this fiction book suddenly feels a bit more impactful, and real. 

It was really interesting getting to watch where Haymitch's character came from. When I first read the Hunger Games, I found him so frustrating, but over time, I began to understand why he was the way he was. And this book really just solidified it. The trauma, loss and pain he endures in this book was unfathomable. 

I loved seeing the connections to the other books, and the world that has been built in these books feels so well thought out, though heartbreaking and maddening at times. 

Overall, a really thought-provoking and amazing read.