When life got tough, I turned to books and movies. They offered me a calmness that reality lacked. I fearlessly dove into their worlds to escape, relate and find that special connection.
I found exactly that when I first experienced The Hunger Games trailer back in 2011. I had no idea who Katniss was before then, but I knew I needed to find out immediately. I read all three books in a week. I thought being the same age as Katniss was our only similarity, but as the story progressed and her character grew, I discovered parts of my own self within the girl on fire.
Without getting too personal, I found our life stories almost parallel. We both went through an painful life event that upset our worlds. I was probably more dramatic with my feelings at age 16, but I consistently felt defeated. I desperately needed a hero.
This is why I’m grateful for a fictitious character.
Katniss showed me how to be brave again. How it’s possible to learn how to live again, even after all of the destruction. And to realize that everyday will be a struggle, no matter your circumstances.
The sun persists in rising, so I make myself stand.
Living with depression was brutal. But I figured if Katniss had the courage to LITERALLY fight for her life and not give up, then I was strong enough to get out of bed each morning.
Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.
Katniss came into my life at the perfect moment; at the height of my own destruction. It’s weird how characters can save you. She gave me so much. She truly gave me hope to cling on to. That one day everything will be okay. And that I’ll survive this chapter in my life.
***Honorable mention to the birth of my BAD ASS LEATHER JACKET phase. Seriously. Once I put on that jacket I knew I could do anything. And that’s a feeling I strive for every day.
I saw The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 two weeks ago, and I was a bit sad to see it end. My initial love for Katniss and the series faded over the years, but I’ll never forget the one character who put the fire back into my soul.
Thank you, Katniss. ♥
Yes!! I love that you were able to find solace and strength through fiction. I, too, turned to books when I became depressed. They helped me and I am so glad that you were able to connect so well to her character! It never ceases to amaze me how someone can dig so deep into a book or character and someone else can read it and feel nothing. Thank you for sharing this! 🙂
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🙂 Thank you for the lovely comment! Books are amazing, aren’t they?!
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I had the same thing happen when I was 16 — I don’t remember the book, but I remember there was a character that made me feel like, if someone knows someone like this well enough to write about them, then I’m not alone. I read that book over and over, and my sister did, too.
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Happy to hear this 🙂 Thank you!
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I’ve definitely gotten through some dark periods of my life through books and movies- Harry Potter made my life loads better for awhile, and most recently Robin Hobb’s Liveship Trader series. I loved the Hunger Games books too, but didn’t like the movies as much! I guess that’s pretty typical though!
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I just looked up the Liveship Trader series and it sounds pretty interesting! Added it to my TBR bookshelf 🙂 Thanks so much for the sincere comment! Means a lot to me, honestly. Coming from someone with a brilliant blog as yourself! I really appreciate this.
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Yeah agreed it’s awesome way to find motivation in books and movies .
Your post is perfect example.
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