The story picks up after the events of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has been rescued from the Quarter Quell arena and is taken to District 13, a hidden rebel stronghold believed to have been destroyed. President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) leads the rebellion, and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is their chief strategist.
Katniss reluctantly becomes the symbol of the rebellion, the Mockingjay, through a series of propaganda videos. Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), who was left behind in the Capitol, is used by President Snow (Donald Sutherland) to counteract Katniss’s influence. Peeta delivers messages warning the rebels against further uprising.
In the climax, Katniss decides to go to the Capitol to rescue Peeta and the other captured victors. However, District 13 has its own agenda, and Katniss learns that Peeta has been brainwashed and conditioned to despise her.
The film ends with Peeta, Johanna Mason (Jena Malone), and Annie Cresta (Stef Dawson) still in the hands of the Capitol. Katniss, devastated by Peeta’s state, becomes more determined to overthrow President Snow and bring an end to the Hunger Games.
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” received mixed reviews, with praise for Jennifer Lawrence’s performance and criticism for the split-narrative decision. It serves as the setup for the final installment, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.”