If I had had lead time, I would have done something similar. In fact, I pretty much plan to do just that when the third book arrives in my impatient little hands.

make you think the latter plot of the book feels like a retread, then pull off one of the best last sentences I can remember.

Well, it DOES feel like a retread; I don't think where she went with the storyline changed that. But the last line is epic.

I've gotta say, I also love the development of the secondary cast (Prim, Madge, Cinna, etc). I've always loved ensemble stories, so that's ALWAYS a plus from me.

Same here. I adored Katniss's prep team, and Cinna forcing them to get their shit together.