How Is Self-Interest Shown In The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins explores themes of political oppression, sacrifice, and survival in "The Hunger Games," a dystopian young adult novel set in a post-apocalyptic Panem, where the annual Hunger Games competition forces children to compete. In her book, Collins depicts how under pressure, humans will fight to secure their survival, relationships, and government control. Though most, if not all, individuals crave self-interest, while 'The Hunger Games' initially seems to support the idea that self-interest is the primary motivator for individuals under pressure, Collins ultimately suggests that survival and protection of loved ones can be even more powerful motivators.

Self-interest initially appears to be the primary motivator for individuals

Collins juxtaposes that the government not only wishes to create fear from the districts but also fear rebellion from The Capitol and the districts causing the government to be a victim of self-interest. The Capitol uses the Games to assert their dominance over the districts as "It’s their way of reminding [the districts] how totally [they] are at their mercy" (pg21). Collins utilises symbolism in violence and fear being a tool for control with the Hunger Games representing the Capitol's ultimate power and authority. By creating an annual event where children are forced to fight to the death, the Capitol instils fear and control over the districts, preventing them from rebelling. The government uses the Games to appease the Capitol, the wealthy and influential city that controls the districts of Panem. As President Snow tells Seneca Crane, the Games' Head Gamemaker, "Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. Spark is fine, as long as it's contained" (pg18). By providing the Capitol with entertainment and a sense of control over the districts, the government ensures its continued power. This control is also evident in the voyeuristic nature of the Games, which are televised for the entire nation to watch. This spectacle

Collins portrays the power of relationships and community in motivating individuals when Rue becomes a close ally to Katniss, mentioning ‘Rue’s death has forced [her] to confront [her] own fury against the cruelty motivating Katniss to fight harder against the oppressive system of the Hunger Games’(pg286). When Rue got pierced, Katniss’ ‘arrow drives deeply into the centre of his neck’(pg282) initiating her first kill by her own hands to protect Rue. Katniss had not planned to kill anyone and ran away majority of the time however acted for Rue as she loved her. Collins conveys self-interest for the sake of friends and family in the relationship between Katniss and her younger sister Prim. Katniss volunteers to take Prim's place in the Hunger Games, showing a clear desire to protect her family. She even says, "I won't let them hurt you" (pg22) to Prim. This demonstrates Katniss's selflessness and willingness to sacrifice herself for her loved ones. Though this may seem like this does not benefit Katniss as ‘[She protects] Prim in every way [she] can' (pg18) even if she has to sacrifice her life. Collins implies that Prim is love and life through symbolism as Katniss’ whole motivation to survive was based on Prim. Collins accentuates self-interest, pressure and love when Peeta teams up with the