Top 7 Catching Fire Scenes I Cannot Wait To See Again

Warning: Contains spoilers! 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was by far one of – if not the most – ambitious and exciting blockbuster of 2013. The foundations laid down by the first film (which was perfectly crafted by Gary Ross back in 2012) are used here to build on the world of Panem and flesh out the relevant characters. Unbelievably, Francis Lawrence may well have made a film that’s even better than the first.

With the upcoming, anticipated DVD/Blu-Ray release, I thought I’d pick out seven scenes I cannot wait to see again.

7. The Opening Scene

As soon as Catching Fire began, I was in. The aerial snaps of the forest are so effortlessly shot; you’re immediately drawn in to this eerie, corrupt world. You feel like you’re looking at a normal forest, yet there’s a chilling backdrop that you cannot help but shake off.

Undoubtedly, the most shocking moment in this scene for fans of the book was when we see Katniss hallucinate because of the terror she faced in the games. The sheer shock-factor I felt as we saw Katniss scramble backwards in horror was a fantastic surprise. Not only did it serve as a throwback to the first film for casual moviegoers, but it was also a little add-on that – as a fan of the book – I thought was unbelievably effective.

6. The “Spin It” Scene

This very small moment seems to have been forgotten by a lot of people. Whenever I mention it, others seem to shrug or at least vaguely remember. When we see Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) in the Control Room – the set of which is still phenomenal the second time round – we see him panic as the tributes surround the Cornucopia. The mere words “spin it” gave me such chills. You sit there anticipating any sign of movement and when it happens – it happens. The camerawork in this scene worked so brilliantly, and the effects are groundbreaking.

5. President Snow/Katniss Meeting

This was by far one of my favourite parts of the book. Translating this scene to film was always going to be tricky, as you really have to feel as if Katniss is in danger. Thankfully, Jennifer Lawrence and Donald Sutherland bounce off each other in this verbal acting master class. Chilling and mocking (no pun intended), this scene shows how – though giant action scenes are great – the smaller scenes can be just as effective.

4. The Final 10 Minutes

I’d be shocked if you found someone who had forgotten how this film ended. Even though I’d read the book numerous times before seeing this film, I was still on edge through the final ten minutes of this film. Jennifer Lawrence being taken up in the giant claw and her waking up and lashing out on the ship are phenomenal moments. The moment Liam Hemsworth says “there is no District 12,” you expect it to end. But no, oh no! Jennifer Lawrence’s face begins by showing utter devastation before turning, with this deep, roaring fieriness that makes you fling your feet around in excitement for the next part. Catching Fire marvelled the perfect cliff hanger ending.

3. Quarter Qwell Announcement

Woah! This was one of the scenes that I felt benefited most from being translated to screen. Seeing the multiple reactions from Katniss, her mother and Prim, to Peeta and Haymith are all heartbreaking. It all felt so frantic and it’s the turning point in the film where everything is flipped onto its head, and from that moment on, it just doesn’t stop.

2. The Victory Tour

There were so many memorable shots in this section of the film. From the non-Capitol friendly speeches to the shouting crowds, you can just feel the rebellion coming and brewing. The scene in which Katniss drops the rehearsed speech cards and talks directly to Rue’s family is flawless. Lawrence proves once again that she can play the fiery action hero as well as someone who can sympathise with a devastating loss (Rue). The moment we see Katniss being pulled away as a member of the crowd is pulled out and shot, your heart physically stops. The slamming of the doors isn’t the end of it either. As Katniss lashes out, you watch in absolute awe because you don’t for one second doubt that these feelings aren’t real.

1. The Cinna Scene
I don’t know what it is about this scene that struck such a chord. Out of all the moments, this was the one I was anticipating the most. If it wasn’t pulled off properly, I think it would’ve affected the overall message and theme of the film. It surprises me that so few mention this scene when discussing the film at a later date. The words Cinna ushers, “I’m still betting on you, Girl on Fire” are so incredibly epic. The sheer stakes by this point are colossal and this small moment before we enter the arena is perfect. The moment though is when Katniss steps into the pod. As the glass comes down – as I’ve read the book - I was waiting for any sign of movement. The moment you hear the doors click, you know that it’s happening. Lawrence’s face as Cinna is slammed against the glass is mind-blowing. Then, when you think the moment couldn’t become any more intense, Katniss rises up into the arena.

The shots of Katniss as she scrambles against the glass and plummets up into the arena are unbelievable. If you weren’t fully immersed by the film up to that point, you must’ve been then.

Catching Fire is out on Blu-Ray/DVD in March