Themes In The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

Have you ever laughed at a fail compilation? Have you ever worried about your appearance and how you present yourself? Have you ever broken a rule or disagreed with a person in power? Chances are you have. In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Katniss and Peeta live in a dystopian society where teens are put into an arena to fight to the death. Throughout the novel we learn about Katniss’ district which is extremely poor, we learn about the lavish Capitol who enjoys watching the games for entertainment, and we learn about Katniss navigating her appearance and how she should present herself. In The Hunger Games,the main themes are rebellion, suffering for entertainment, and the challenges of appearance and presentation.

The first popular

That Rue was more than a piece in their Games. And so am I” (Collins, 224). This quote shows Katniss’ first outright act of rebellion towards the Capitol in the games. She openly shows the Capitol that the games will not change her or how much she cares for Rue. She wants the people of Panem to see what the Capitol has done to someone so small and youthful. This is her way of getting justice for Rue. One may believe that covering Rue in flowers is letting her have a proper death and show that she is not just another just another numbered tribute. She doesnt let the games change who she is as a person or turn her into a savage who just wants to win. “Funny, in the arena, when I poured out those berries, I was only thinking of outsmarting the Gamemakers, not how my actions would reflect on the Capitol. But the Hunger Games are their weapon and you are not supposed to be able to defeat it” (Collins, 342). This is another example of Katniss’ acts of rebellion, intentional or not. One may believe that this is the greatest act of rebellion in the novel. She has the idea for her and Peeta to eat the berries and commit a double suicide so there will be no victor. It

“ ‘Well you’re not entirely hopeless. Seem fit. And once the stylists get a hold of you, you’ll be attractive enough’ ” (Collins, 54). Throughout the games, including preparation for the games and after game interviews, we see how important appearance is. Katniss is constantly being dressed up to impress the Capitol. Her appearance is so important for the Capitols’ entertainment and for getting sponsors. Cinna is concerned about how Katniss looks but also how the Capitol perceives her. At the start of the book, before the games, Cinna dresses her in bold and fierce outfits. Katniss’ outfits and appearance are constantly being used to portray a message or a persona. She is dressed in memorable outfits that symbolize her fiery personality and unforgettable skill, the “girl on fire”. Then after the berry incident in the arena, she is dressed in a childlike yellow dress and soft makeup for the post game interview. She portrays an innocent and love sick teenager. They once again use her appearance to send a message, but not a message of a fiery strong girl but as a harmless girl deeply in love. They use this look to portray her innocence and that she did not defy the Capitol; she was just crazy in love. “ ‘...the Gamemakers wanted to alter you surgically…’ ” (Collins, 339). The Capitol is constantly pushing Katniss into the “perfect” girl mould. Her appearance is constantly