On Saturday night, Josh and I went to see the new Catching Fire movie with our friends K and S. I will admit, going into the film I had some reservations. When K had called the day before to ask if we wanted to go see the film, I had drug my feet for two reasons, 1. because I didn't want to cut into Josh and I's last weekend before the wedding, and 2. because I really wasn't sure it would be any good.
In my humble opinion, the first movie could be accurately described as, "eh."(confirmed by Josh) I can't really point to any one thing about it that I disliked, but on a whole it left me wanting. I think it may have had something to do with significantly less money being put into the first show. Catching Fire however, clearly had a larger budget. For example, the costuming in the new installment was done by Marchesa.
From the opening sequence, this film was fun. The content was much more intense, the distopian society was much more developed, and you got to see more of what went on behind the scenes of the games(epic plotting!). The games themselves left you nervous wreck with the continual startling appearances that make me jump a mile out of my seat, which Josh loves. Unfortunately for Josh, the movie ends with Katniss being looked after by the wrong guy.
After the movie, I calmly bid farewell to our friends and loaded into the car with utmost decorum. Once the doors closed however, I leaned in to Josh and informed him that I. Hate. Gale. Having read the books, I can completely justify this feeling and am confident that he is a horrible person. Josh, having also read the books countered that Peeta (the other member of the love triangle) just had his eyes opened to how terrible Katniss was and that she and Gale deserved each other. I continued to rage over how horrible Gale was and how he needed to just GO, but Josh had me thinking. Does Katniss, a terrible person in all regards who is out to survive and protect her own interests deserve Peeta, the kind selfless guy who is willing to care for the guy he knows he is competing against (Gale) and continues to love Katniss without any guarantee he'll ever be with her? No, clearly she doesn't.
With this in mind, I have to take a good hard look at myself. I'll be the first to tell you that in my time I have been more than willing to manipulate people, that I have looked after my own interests, and that I have led people on, uncertain of what I want. Am I as bad as Katniss? I hope not, but Josh is a real live, honest to goodness, Peeta. My fiance has never questioned that he would sacrifice for me. He has never blinked an eye at the thought of putting me through medical school, both financially and emotionally. He has never complained about spending time with my family or when my cat knocks everything on to the floor. Josh has never once shied away from taking responsibility, caring for others, or encouraging everyone around him. He is conscious and worried about everyone's walk with Christ and worries over ways to encourage them. Do I deserve him? Absolutely not.
The reason I get so frustrated about the Gale/Katniss situation is that I know Gale will never in a million years help Katniss become anything more than what she is. If she were to end up with Gale, they would go on down a path of selfishness, but with Peeta she has a chance. That's why I love him. As someone who (without pride) recognizes her Katniss tendencies (willingness to throw down, arrogance with the Capitol, and general unfriendliness) I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I need a (selfless, emotional painter, calm, knows what to say) Peeta. Otherwise I'd just be throwing people into an arena to fight to the death. Katnisses everywhere needs Peetas or else the Capitol wins.
