The epilogue to the Hunger Games trilogy reads pretty bleakly: set years in the future, it suggests that Katniss and Peeta have managed to find some level of peace, living together in the rebuilt District 12, and raising their son and daughter – “my children, who don’t know they play on a graveyard”. The text also reminds the reader of the nightmares “that won’t ever really go away”. In order to survive, and avoid being overwhelmed by horror and despair, Katniss says: “I make a list in my head of every act of goodness I’ve seen someone do, It’s like a game. Repetitive. Even a little tedious after more than 20 years. But there are much worse games to play”.
In the film, her words are barely changed. But, thanks to its soft gold lighting, cute baby Katpeeta, and idyllic rural setting, the final scene can’t help but emphasise the more positive side of the speech: the healing, rather than the scars. Despite its last line, by the time the film ends, the Hunger Games feel very far away. In the book, you’re left with the impression that, for Katniss, they’ll always be close.