It has been such a long time since a book has brought me to my knees. While I haven't been spoiled for this book, it's difficult to avoid its reputation as a brutal book that makes people cry. I did not shed a single tear until the last 90% of this book, even though I knew it was going to happen. Just, be prepared to be angry, upset, and tear-stained.

Haymitch's story did not disappoint. Even though his games were sort of spoiled in Catching Fire, it didn't stop any of the emotional turmoil from happening. If anything, Collins used that against us. She knew that we knew and she took that challenge literally.

<b> Do you need to read The Hunger Games / Ballad first? </b> I would. There are so many easter eggs and nods to the series, as well as for Ballad specifically. You won't understand some of the impact unless you've read Ballad and you won't understand the depth of Haymitch's character unless you've read the original trilogy.

Overall, I loved this book (even though it did destroy me). Definitely a five star read, although I will admit that it is a bit repetitive. If you binged the original trilogy and Ballad, I would wait a second before diving into this one. The games themselves are brutal, the arena is creative (props to Collins, not the Gamemakers), the commentary is deep as shit, and I truly loved getting to know Haymitch better and seeing his "villain origin story." I really can't blame him anymore.