Fans of “The Hunger Games” novels and films can now revisit the stories on the big screen. Through Dec. 2, the Buskirk-Chumley Theater is screening the franchise that first came to theaters over a decade ago. The theater has already screened “The Hunger Games,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1.”
Indiana University alumna Suzanne Collins wrote the first novel, “The Hunger Games,” in 2008. She was inspired by her father’s experience serving as a lieutenant in the Vietnam War and the conflict and control associated with it.
“The Hunger Games” depicts a fictional dystopian society in which the Capitol, the rulers of dystopian Panem, forces two teenagers from each district to compete in a fight for survival. This competition has contestants, known as tributes, battle each other in a controlled environment created by the Capitol. With limited supplies, tributes must fight to become the last person alive.
The story comments on class, oppression and power struggles through the actions of the wealthy Capitol as it attempts to maintain control through the games.
The first film, which shares the same name as the book, was released March 23, 2012, and became a global success within its opening week making $152 million at the box office against its $78 million budget.
IU senior Madison Green went to the first showing and plans to go to the rest. Green, who has been a fan of the franchise since its release, said she thinks that the movies are well made.
“I basically watched every movie as they came out, and every book as they came,” Green said.
Sophomores Emilia Fezatt and Ava Ridolfo said they first started watching the franchise in middle school after reading the books. The franchise, while being a source of entertainment, also sparked Fezatt's interest in reading, she said.
“I feel like the adaptation from book to screen was really good,” Fezatt said. “Reading ‘The Hunger Games’ got me into reading a lot.”
Fezatt and Ridolfo especially showed interest in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” the second installment in the franchise.
IU graduate student Abby Sondreal read all the books in middle school and watched the movies when they first premiered. She said she felt the main character Katniss’ personality was integral to the impact the film has had on her.
“I liked the strong female character because a lot of the series that came out in that time period had a lot of stronger male leads, so it was nice to see that difference,” Sondreal said.
Sondreal said the optimistic ending of “The Hunger Games” films comforted her at a time where the social climate of the world looked uncertain.
“Now, going back to the story, there are a lot of parallels with what’s going on in our world, so it’s nice to watch a movie that has a relatively happy ending and see that maybe it can work out,” Sondreal said.
Elementary teacher at Redeemer Community Church Katie Orick uses the social control present in “The Hunger Games” narrative in her Sunday literature classes held by Redeemer Kids. She said the film’s themes of oppression and control can apply to today.
“We talk a lot about rebellion and how being willing to sacrifice yourself can be a way to rebel,” Oric said.
The Buskirk-Chumley's “Hunger Games” screenings come amid marketing for the next film, “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” which will release Nov. 20, 2026. This film will be an on-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novel “Sunrise of the Reaping,” which was released March 18, 2025. The film will focus on the character Haymitch, who acted as a mentor to Katniss and Peta, and his own journey through the Hunger Games.
The upcoming screenings at the Buskirk-Chumley include “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2” on Nov. 25 and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” on Dec. 2. All events are scheduled for 7 p.m. General admission entry is $11.56 on the Buskirk Chumley Theater’s website, while student admission costs $9.51.
