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

needed for her to survive the games and emerge victorious.
Due to her hardships in life, Katniss struggles with accepting that she is a strong and capable woman.

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

games.
As the train pulls into the Capitol the process of the games are finally under way. During dinner Peeta and Katniss become irritated with their mentor’s alcoholism. Katniss furiously drives her knife into the table, almost striking his hand, he revels, “Well, what’s this? Did I actually get a pair of fighters this year?” (Collins, 2008). Haymitch’s slight assurance in the pair is enough to boost Katniss’s confidence as later she reflects thinking, “For the first time, I feel a flicker of hope rising up in me. With a little extra help, some food, the right weapon, why should I count myself out of the Games?” (Collins, 2008). This is a defining moment for her as it marks the first time she believes she is capable of surviving, perhaps even winning the games. When it comes time for her private session with the Gamemakers Katniss is prepared to show them her archery skills. She begins shooting arrows yet is annoyed to look over and see she is unnoticed. After impulsively shooting the arrow at the Gamemakers table Katniss mutters, “I was so angry at being ignored. I wasn’t trying to kill one of them. If I were, they’d be dead!” (Collins, 2008). The confidence in her archery skills is reflected in her aim as she knows that if she really wanted them dead, she wouldn’t miss. As the games finally open, Katniss becomes injured quite severely and is irritated by Haymitch for not sending her any gifts. Though, waking up the next morning she sees a pot, she unscrews the lid and, “knows by the scent that it’s medicine” (Collins, 2008). After receiving such a gift it restores all of the faith she had in Haymitch, increasing their relationship. She feels safe and has trust in him that he is rooting for her and will support her throughout.
Finally, once the games have ended Katniss sits in disbelief and tries to make sense of the fact that she won.

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

that being said the relationship that the two share is what gave Katniss what she needed to emerge victorious from the games. Had Haymitch not been so hard on her and instead sugar coated everything Katniss would not have gained the self-worth, power and inspiration she needed in order to push through the torture of The Hunger Games and ultimately succeed in her trials.