The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

The Social Class Conflicts Through The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games takes place in a futuristic society composed of twelve districts run by the Capitol. Every year one male and female tribute from each district will be put in an arena to fight to the death until one person remains. The Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins depicts the struggles and countless endeavours of the proletariat as they fight to the death not only in the arena but navigating life post-games. This is shown through the false consciousness of the privileged, the manipulation and upperhand of the bourgeoisie, and the systems in place guaranteeing the cycle of poverty for the proletariats. The hunger games is a glorified gladiatorial game where only those lucky and

“It's hard not to resent those who don't have to sign up for the tesserae” (Collins, 13). This would be on top of the mandatory times one's name must go into the reaping, once a year from the ages of twelve to eighteen for a minimum of seven times. The tesserae would only be needed in poorer districts where access to food is insufficient and unreliable, which further jeopardizes those already in poverty. Since there is no limit to the number of times one can take the tesserae many eldest siblings must also use this opportunity to supply food for their siblings and family. Which results in the probability of their name being drawn much more likely, and if they are reaped their family is left to fend for themselves without a sole provider. Katniss’s thoughts show how the Capitol manages to pit everyone against each other despite being from the same district. Many believe comparison kills happiness but when the Capitol have an overabundance of food and Katniss is saved by a burnt piece of bread it raises questions as to why society has never been and will never be

“Wrinkles aren’t desirable. A round belly isn’t a sign of success” (Collins, 124). The life expectancy of those in district twelve is extremely low because it is expected that one either dies in the mines or of starvation. The people in District twelve do not have access to mediocre healthcare or even decent-quality food so to have a round belly means food is not scarce. It means one does not have to decide between lunch or dinner but can even have breakfast. To have wrinkles means one has lived through the reaping, the mines, and the periods of starvation. It is like a medal that one wears proudly to show they have overcome everything the Capitol has thrown at them. Whereas, in the Capitol it is expected they live long lives. To have wrinkles and a big belly it means there is not enough emphasis on beauty or money to pay for cosmetic procedures. The beauty standard in the Capitol is similar to the one in North America, specifically with women. Who are sold anti aging products before they turn twenty, and who are educated on the different types fillers being pumped into their face. The juxtaposition of the quote is implicit as nowhere does it mention that these traits are desirable in district 12, it is only implied. This shows the Capitols privilege and where each districts prioritizes lie based off the economical state of their