There is a lot to love about Mockingjay, Part 1, but book-to-film changes mean some scenes just didn’t make the cut. Warning: Mockingjay, Part 1 spoilers ahead.
The daily schedules in District 13
The strict scheduling of District 13 is entirely missing from Mockingjay, Part 1. Although there are occasional references to interupting the citizen’s schedule (with announcements), we missed the imprinting of the schedules on each resident’s arm, and the distinct comparison this draws to how the Capitol and other districts operated.
Dialogue we missed:
Gale: “You know, you better put Buttercup on your list of demands, too. I don’t think the concept of useless pets is well known here.”
Katniss: “Oh, they’ll find him a job. Tattoo it on his paw every morning.”
Katniss’ demand to kill Snow
The scene in Mockingjay, Part 1 when Katniss demands Peeta’s pardoning is incredible, but what was missing was Katniss’ additional demand to kill President Snow. In the book, this scene offers the first moment when Katniss and Coin actually connect, and conveys the extent of her anger towards Snow.
Dialogue we missed:
Katniss: “Just one more thing. I kill Snow.”
Coin: “When the time comes, I’ll flip you for it.”
The treatment of Katniss’ prep team
Effie is effectively used as a replacement for Katniss’ prep team in Mockingjay, Part 1. For the most part this is a clever choice, but it means we lose the scene when Katniss discovers the mistreatment of her team by her hosts in District 13. This scene reminds Katniss that for all District 13’s outward differences, it may not be all that dissimilar to the Capitol after all.
Dialogue we missed:
Katniss: “Punishing my prep team’s a warning. Not just to me. But to you, too. About who’s really in control and what happens if she’s not obeyed. If you had any delusions about having power, I’d let them go mow.”
Katniss and Haymitch’s reconciliation
Katniss and Haymitch are a team, if at times a somewhat reluctant one. Their volatile relationship ended in tears and yells in Catching Fire, but unfortunately their reconciliation was cut from Mockingkay, Part 1. This scene was so critical to the development of their relationship, because it showed that they both blamed themselves and the other for letting Peeta down.
Dialogue we missed:
Katniss: “I can’t believe you didn’t rescue Peeta.”
Haymitch: “I know.”
Katniss: “Now you say it.”
Haymitch: “I can’t believe you let him out of your sight that night.”
Prim’s insight in the bunker
Prim does share some wisdom with Katniss earlier in the movie, but this second sisterly heart–to–heart was unfortunately cut. Prim’s chilling dialogue here really underlines the impact Peeta’s imprisionment has on Katniss, and leads into her later realisation that Snow has broken her, and that she can’t function while Peeta remains in captivity.
Dialogue we missed:
Prim: “Katniss, I don’t think President Snow will kill Peeta. If he does, he won’t have anyone left you want. He won’t have any way left to hurt you.”
Katniss: “So, what do you think theyll do to him?”
Prim: “Whatever it takes to break you.”
Katniss’ memories of Peeta
A slight rearrangement of this scene for the movie meant we saw only Finnick’s (disturbing) interview used to distract the Capitol during District 13’s mission to break the victors out. The moments when Katniss is truly honest about her feelings (whatever they might be) for Peeta are few and far between, so it was a shame to lose these reminisces.
Dialogue we missed:
Cressida: “How are you doing with the separation?”
Katniss: “Not well. I know at any moment Snow could kill him. Especially since he warned Thirteen about the bombing. It’s a terrible thing to live with. But because of what they’e putting him through, I don’t have any reservations anymore. About doing whatever it takes to destroy the Capitol. I’m finally free.”