JULY 3: REBEL REPORTER TIFFANY ATTENDS "THE HUNGER GAMES EXHIBITION"

Earlier this month, Life in District 13 announced that we were looking for writers on our site. These writers, Rebel Reporters, are here to tell us about their Hunger Games experiences in recent months! We are currently looking for Rebel Reports from The Hunger Games Exhibition, so if you've gone, email us at reporter@lifeindistrict13.com with your name, some pictures and your experience. We're also looking for Rebel Reporters that will be attending Comic Con. Apply HERE... Who knows? You might just end up on our site! 

"The Hunger Games Exhibition"
Tiffany, @CatchingMockingjay on Instagram

I have been anticipating the opening of 'The Hunger Games: The Exhibition' for months and it was a relief to finally attend! 

After the horrendous amount of confusion having to do with cast attendees and missing pieces of information, we got to enjoy 'Discovery Times Square' stress free. 

The first thing I noticed was that the staff was extremely kind and as excited as we were. When I arrived, an hour before my time slot to meet with some friends, there was a line of people going all the way to the corner of the street. There were camera crews taking pictures and interviewing a bunch of groups. 

When we walked in, you could hear the score from the movies playing. It really set the mood and made you feel as if you were really living Katniss' journey. I got an audio guide iPod touch for $7 that would allow me to hear someone narrate the journey as well as read it for myself while looking at stills and collecting electronic stamps. The iPod even allowed you to take pictures and email them to yourself afterwards. I definitely recommend getting one if you can, I'm glad I did! 

It opened in a dark room that had a projection of Effie at the Justice Hall on the back wall. It was actually pretty cool. The video featured was very emotional for a couple of us in the room. At the end of the video, it opened up two doors and we walked into a room that started at the beginning of Katniss' journey, District 12. There were multiple boards set up with information that was very helpful and fun to read about. The lighting in the exhibition was dim but just enough to set the mood and so that you could perfectly see everything. Pictures on the other hand, were slightly difficult. If you do not have a higher resolution camera or a Cannon, Nikon, etc., your pictures might turn out poor. Each exhibit had a backdrop and other props that made it more interesting than it would have been if it was just a costume in a glass box. Its much appreciated as it shows that they really put a lot of effort into all the exhibits(make sure to pay attention to Effie's shoes in everyone of her costumes)! 

The barricades were close enough so that you could see every stitch of the costumes, which I found surprising. But of course, I was there opening day when there would be tons of people. On a normal day, there would be not as many and more free space. They let in a smaller group in at a time so that it's not too crowded. What a lot of us appreciated was the interactive boards, a floating Ceaser Flickerman head, the game makers hologram and a camera positioning system where you learned 3 different self defensive moves in the arena. There was also a set up where you could make your own propo; it was really unique. 

After the end of the journey, you come across a fan gallery. This was special to me because I knew of about 3 or 4 of the artist that were featured! Once you get through that, they had this giant room where you could film and take pictures in a catching fire chariot on a green screen. I REALLY recommend this, it was extremely funny and lots of fun. Concluding that, you're able to purchase your photo and video! The end of the journey opens up to a gift shop. Much larger than in previous pictures, it had a lot of new merch only exclusive to the exhibition. The prices weren't too extreme, pretty reasonable. There was a lot of different items including buttercup dolls, rugs, wine glasses, scarfs and spandex leggings. Overall, there were no difficulties with my experience in the exhibition. It was a very enjoyable and special opportunity that i recommend for any Hunger Games fan, mega or casual. My only recommendations for improving would be to add more to the fan gallery, improve lighting in some spots and informing customers more on VIP packages. I didn't have VIP because I wasn't even aware it existed when I purchased my tickets. With VIP, you can go whenever, get a deal on parking and 10% off everything in the gift shop. I was very impressed with how well it was pulled off and would come back if I ever caught the chance again!