The Hunger Games Book Analysis

Game. A form of play played by the rules, usually competitive and decided by strength, skill, or luck. What happens when a game is fought to death? In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, participates in a death game. The country of Panem includes 12 districts under the rule of the Capitol. The Capitol lives in luxury, while the districts work hard for them. Every year, one boy and girl tribute are chosen to participate in the Hunger Games which is utilized as a source of entertainment for the people of the Capitol. The last one standing earns a lifetime of wealth and fame. In spite of that, is winning worth it? Throughout the novel, the plot structure emphasizes that if people don't fight for autonomy, oppression is bound to happen.

In the beginning of the novel, the protagonist doesn't resist power too much. She doesn't realize how controlling the Capitol really is; however, her nature is to fight. For instance, traveling into the woods is illegal as the woods are past the borders of District 12. Breaking the law is simply survival for Katniss, but the government views her way as a sign of rebellion. Venturing into the woods displays Katniss’ courageous self. The author writes, “In the fall, a few brave souls sneak into the woods to harvest apples. But always in sight of the Meadow. Always close enough to run back to the safety of District 12” (6). Even though a handful of people dare to travel into the woods, they are still afraid of the Capitol because of the fear that they’ve been installing. The Capitol greatly oppresses the districts to labor for them while they enjoy their days. To further prove, the author states, “A mockingjay. They’re funny birds and something of a slap in the face to the Capitol” (42). Before Katniss left her district, she was given a gold pin with a mockingjay by the mayor’s daughter, Madge. Ever since the last rebellion, no one dares to rebel against the government. The Capitol reminds them constantly how the districts are totally at their mercy. After the former rebellion against the Capitol, jabberjays and mockingbirds mated, creating mockingjays. Ever since, they have been seen as a mark of rebellion. She wears the pin proudly, not caring what the Capitol has to say. Overall, in the beginning of the book, the protagonist’s actions and symbols help to support that fighting for independence is crucial.

In the middle of the novel, Katniss becomes more rebellious and realizes how cruel the government actually is. When she first arrives at the Capitol, she can’t believe her eyes as the difference between her home and the Capitol is enormous. The glory of the Capitol makes her life seem unfair. When she goes to demonstrate to the Gamemakers, her impulsiveness is illustrated, “Without thinking, I pull an arrow from my quiver and send it straight at the Gamemakers’ table” (182). She didn’t like that the Gamemakers care more about their food than her, someone who was going to participate in a game of death. She wants to be recognized as an individual. Even though the people in the Capitol never starve of anything, they are still hungry for food and power. Clearly, the Capitol’s people have never faced struggle and receive whatever they need by stripping people of choice and making them work. Another example that stresses how dictatorial the Capitol is, “We knew the pair was in trouble as soon as we saw them. But we only watched” (82). No one helps the two people even though they were obviously in a peril. The control of the Capitol is so powerful that the people don’t always aid others even if they are in trouble. Even though there are people like Katniss who have that disobedient nature, few execute their plan of putting the government back in their line. The development of resisting unreasonable rule in the middle of the book is high and is portrayed by Katniss’ actions in both the past and present. 

At the end of the book, Katniss fights back against the Capitol without entirely comprehending and makes a fool of them. When the boy from District 1 kills Rue, Katniss decorates her body with flowers. After her death, Katniss’ urge to fight back increases as she realizes how cruel the Capitol is. Deep in her heart, she knows that the Capitol won’t display the body on camera. To illustrate, “They’ll have to show it. Or, even if they choose to turn the camera elsewhere at this moment, they’ll have to bring them back when they collect the bodies and everyone will see her then and know I did it” (237). The flowers highlight the strong bond that Katniss and Rue have, even though they knew each other for a short period of time. The Capitol doesn’t want the people to perceive how close they were because the death games are only for entertainment purposes. Additionally, when Peeta and Katniss think that they have won, the rules change to only one victor. Katniss is in disbelief and her detest for the Capitol increases. She realizes the truth behind the rule reverse and how horribly the Capitol deceives her. However, Katniss will not back down and resists power. Lowry writes, “I loosen the top of the pouch and pour a few spoonfuls of berries into his palm” (344). Katniss and Peeta commit an act that embarrasses the Capitol. Since the Hunger Games must have a victor, Katniss and Peeta decide that they both live or die. After they return back to the Capitol for a final interview, they exhibit the consequences of her action to survive. The Capitol dislikes the idea of Katniss because they believe that the act made them look like a complete fool in front of the districts, and they can’t afford to express weakness. At the end of the book, Katniss endures and opposes the government through her actions.

Under unreasonable rule, the only way out is by fighting for independence. Katniss was born as a rebellious person, but at a young age, she had to hide that side. After the obstacles and trying her best to survive, her defiant self was revealed. In the world, only you can decide what path you want to take. Sometimes government control is an issue, and standing up for what you believe is the right thing to do. Think to yourself, is your life worth living? Are you walking the path you want to?

Several individuals throughout the world face similar obstacles, where their choices are influenced by the people around them. 

Independence is something all humans have the right to. It serves as a symbol of freedom, and free choice. However, in the United States many people of color are oppressed by the government.