Spoiler Alert:

This story had a different feel to the others in the series. While it wasn't a bad thing, it was a change that took some getting used to. In this book, finally something is being done about the state of Panem and it excited me to find out how it would all end.

The story built up quite nicely, and there were many elements that peaked my interest throughout the book. However, I did not like how the author promised me [through the way the plot unfolded] that Peeta was going to die. While that was not the outcome I wanted for him, there was such a build up around it about how Katniss would need to kill him or that he would die somehow, that I was disappointed with the way it was resolved. Also, the romance did interfere slightly with the story it could have been, making me think that it should be a romance with dystopian elements, and not a dystopian story with an underlying romance. I felt this way because it seemed as though the story hinged on Katniss choosing a lover and being with them instead of saving people, and that was the goal that I should look forward to being fulfilled instead of the alternative. While I did expect romance, the entire plot felt as if changing the world was just a backdrop to the two lovers. Despite the anticlimactic end to the romance, I still enjoyed how the story was told when it involved plotting the Capitol's demise.

I also didn't like the inclusion of the "The Hanging Tree" - at least, I didn't like the explication of it, which ruined the song and also the discovery and thought process on the reader's behalf. It was a moment that felt as if I was being babied, and also lectured in such a way that was reminiscent of English teachers reading too much into something and trying to crowbar their thoughts into my head about what they think the true meaning is. I didn't feel that it's inclusion in general was necessary, because what ruined it for me was that explanation that did nothing for me besides taking away what could have been left as something I could've reflected on.

The cast of characters from the previous book, as well as new ones introduced here, at least kept me interested - especially with Finnick, and with Castor and Pollux. I was made to hope and care for new characters, and maybe if it weren't for that I would have gotten more bored of Katniss and Peeta's struggles. The ending involving Prim's death and President Coin's assassination was surprising and interesting as well, prompting some reflection on the themes in the series, too.

All in all this wasn't a horrible book. There were some scenes that left bad impressions, but it was an interesting read all the same and a good end to the series. The ending of the last chapter (not the epilogue) left a sour taste, but the conclusion of the series was a decent one.