Haymitch Character Analysis

There are different tactics that work well for each individual. For some it is encouragement and love, while others respond best to harsh reminders that they need to do better. The connection between Katniss and her mentor Haymitch can be difficult at times. He is extremely critical, painfully honest and exceptionally hard on her. He sees a good deal of himself in Katniss, which is why he tries to assist her as much as he can by instilling the utmost confidence in her. He does this is a not so traditional method by being blunt, offensive and rather hostile. This is seen in the difference in relationship between Haymitch and Peeta versus him and Katniss. However, as a result of his hostility Katniss gains the strength, motivation and confidence

She often puts others happiness above that of her own, especially when it comes to those who are close to her. For instance, as her sister’s name is announced as tribute Katniss panics and gasps, “I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!”(Collins, 2008) offering to take her sister’s place. Katniss would rather risk her own life in a situation where she is sure to fail, than have her sister Prim be endangered, displaying that she values her life more than her own. Later, as she visits with her family for the last time Prim suggests, “maybe you can win” but Katniss doubts herself, “I can’t win… The competition will be far beyond my abilities” (Collins, 2008). She truly believes that there is no chance of her surviving which shows how poorly she thinks of herself. Though she thinks little of herself, she thinks even less of her mentor Haymitch, even going as far as to call him “disgusting”. After having to endure him and his drunken antics on the train ride to the Capital, Katniss declares to herself, “I realize I detest Haymitch” (Collins, 2008). He is a drunk, who no one is overly thrilled to be around and unfortunately or maybe even fortunately, he is all she has to help her with the

Having come out of the games a winner has done wonders for her self-esteem. She stares in the mirror trying to decide who she is and is not. The trial of the games has answered that question for her, as now she is sure of herself and her abilities and has gained self-worth. As she sees her friends for the first time since the games, she bolts towards them and “surprises herself when [she] launches into Haymitch’s arms first” (Collins, 2008). Their relationship has grown and matured to where she has developed a true respect for him. He whispers, “Nice job, sweetheart,” and Katniss notes that, “it doesn’t sound sarcastic,” (Collins, 2008) demonstrating that Haymitch has let his guard down and feels safe enough to truly show her how he feels. She reflects on her time spent fighting to the death and smiles thinking about Haymitch. His tactics of helping her to gain confidence on her own have paid off and she thinks, “Haymitch and I don’t get along well in person, but maybe Peeta is right about us being alike” (Collins, 2008). Now that Katniss is seeing the similarities between her and Haymitch she is fonder of him as she learned that his methods throughout their relationship were done so she could ultimately succeed. The relationship between Katniss and Haymitch has been rocky from the start. They do not have what one might consider a “close relationship”. However, with