The Significant Presence Of Cinna In The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

Cinna: Significant Presence

“‘I want the audience to recognize you when you’re in the arena,’ says Cinna dreamily. ‘Katniss, the girl who was on fire.’” (67). Cinna is Katniss’s stylist, friend, and biggest supporter. The 74th Hunger Games is his debut as a Hunger Games stylist, and so, due to his newcomer status, he is assigned to District 12 and Katniss. However, Cinna reveals that he asked for District 12, most likely because it appeals to his underdog nature. This is not the only surprise Cinna presents: he is not eccentric, outlandishly dressed, nor surgically altered like the rest of the Capitol’s population, contrary to Katniss’s expectations. Instead, “[his] close-cropped hair appears to be its natural shade of brown. He’s in a simple

Cinna is possibly the biggest influence on Katniss’s survival in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Not only does he assist her physically, he helps Katniss mentally and emotionally.

Cinna captures the Capitol’s attention for Katniss from the start. For her first appearance, the Tribute’s Parade, rather than dressing Katniss in District 12’s usual coal-miner’s costume, “[they’re] going to focus on the coal” (66). This outfit is the premiere of Katniss’s “Girl on Fire” theme for the Games, which captivates Panem’s audience and “make[s] the District Twelve tributes unforgettable”

“The best-looking tributes always seem to pull more sponsors”, who have the ability to send necessities to their tribute in the arena (58). Cinna helps Katniss become appealing to the audience by making her the Girl on Fire. His dress for Katniss’s interview with Caesar Flickerman “is entirely covered in reflective precious gems, red and yellow and white with bits of blue that accent the tips of the flame design. The slightest movement gives the impression that [Katniss is] engulfed in tongues of fire”, which intrigues the Capitol’s audience and attracts them to Katniss (128). In addition, Cinna makes Katniss lovable by encouraging her to be herself and pretend she is only talking to him for the interview. He also encourages Katniss and Peeta, District 12’s male tribute, to hold hands during the parade, which strengthens the impression of unity between the two, and later blossoms into the “star-crossed lovers from District Twelve”, which the Capitol absolutely eats up (135). Later, before she enters the arena, he heartens Katniss by giving her the mockingjay pin and telling her that, “[he’s] not allowed to bet, but if [he] could, [his] money would be on [her]”