The politics are hazy in my opinion, but the storyline moves along at a good pace and keeps you engaged.

Bryant

but I didn't "get" Jennifer Lawrence's character.

It is definitely required to really enjoy the second (and the third that will actually be split into two - like Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2).

My daughter found the first one for me to watch on Netflix beforing seeing the new one in the theater. I would have been lost had I not watched the first before going.

I just thought JLaw was a little too stoic in the role.

IMHO, she treated Peeta like she didn't actually like him, and my recollection from the books is that she liked him as a person, she just didn't love him. If I had to pretend that I was madly in love with someone to prevent everyone I loved from being killed, I would do a more convincing job of it.

die in the Coliseum for entertainment.

"In writing The Hunger Games, Collins drew upon Greek mythology, Roman gladiatorial games, and contemporary reality television for thematic content."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games

The name of the capitol is also a dead giveaway:

The name Panem derives from the Latin phrase panem et circenses, which literally translates into 'bread and circuses'. The phrase itself is used to describe entertainment used to distract public attention from more important matters. Furthermore, by the government providing ample food and entertainment, the citizens would give up their political rights.

http://thehungergames.wikia.com/wiki/Panem

The first one or read the books.... otherwise you would not understand her. I like her in the role. At the end of this one, just like in the books, we were ready for the next one.