Review of the Audio Drama ‘The Katniss Chronicles’

“The Katniss Chronicles” is an unauthorized 17-episode audio drama based on our favorite dystopian series. According to the website, they are producing Part 1 at this time, which leads me to assume they are going to dramatize “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay” as well.

I have listened to eight episodes and so far I’m really impressed by this series! For those who have never listened to a dramatized audiobook, this is about as close to the movie as we are going to get before March 23rd. This isn’t just someone reading straight from the book using different voices for different characters. These are actual actors and actresses playing the various parts in the book. You can hear the emotions in their voices, even some of their actions too! (SPOILER ALERT!) In one episode, you could actually hear the glass break when Katniss pushed Peeta into a vase after he announced his love for her during an interview. However, as this series is purely acoustic, some narration is required to explain the things we can’t see.

That’s another plus about this audio drama series! Not only do we get to hear Katniss speak, but we get to hear her thoughts as well, which was her main mode of expression in the books. Speaking of, one thing I love about these episodes is that Katniss has a southern accent. It really does set her, and the other Seam people of District 12, apart from the rest of Panem. Don’t judge it before you hear it, because I think it really fits her!

Another reason the “Katniss Chronicles” are worth a listen is the way they portray citizens of the Capitol. The actors and actresses of this audio drama were trained by a dialect coach to replicate the exact accent described in “The Hunger Games” series. Every time they speak, they sound bubbly and carefree and utterly shallow. These guys couldn’t get any more ridiculous! I find myself shaking my head when I hear them talk and laugh about the Games as if they’re no more cruel and arduous than a picnic on a sunny day. But the scary thing is, I have heard people today who sound EXACTLY like them! Maybe Panem is closer to us than we might think….spooky.

Every so often, two commentators from the Capitol (who greatly resemble our modern day news anchors), Linia and Bett, come on with their thoughts on the events transpiring before the Games begin, such as the Tributes’ training scores and the interviews. Occasionally, they’ll invite another Capitol citizen onto their “show” like a Gamemaker or Stylist to talk more about what’s happened or is going to happen. Linia and Bett also make comments during the Games, like the bloodbath at the Cornucopia, when they complimented the form and technique of particular killings, all with a hint of glee in their voices. It reminds me of football game commentators, who yell and wince and exclaim at different events during the game. But, at least they have the decency to be somber when a player gets injured. This really gives fans a different perspective, one that is distinctly absent from the Hunger Games book series. The “Katniss Chronicles” allows listeners to delve deeper into the way Capitol people live and think. You might find yourself comparing them to our world and seeing many similarities.

There’s no excuse not to try out this audio drama. You can listen to episodes from the “Katniss Chronicles” on their website or download the podcast on iTunes for FREE! If you like what you hear, tell us why in comments!

Category: The Katniss Chronicles