Selflessness In The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games are a systematic way of reminding the citizens of Panem that the Capitol is not to be defied. It is also widely seen as a form of entertainment by the wealthy in the Capitol; the people who are not required to enter the games. Every year, a male and female between the ages of 12 and 18 are ‘reaped’ and chosen to represent their district at the games. The rules of the games are simple, you must be the last survivor; it is a fight to the death. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are the two tributes chosen to represent district 12 at the 74th annual Hunger Games. Katniss did not have her name drawn, rather she volunteered to take the place of the female who had originally been selected; her sister Prim. This act highlights one of the quality personality traits Katniss possesses; selflessness.

During the opening ceremonies and events of the games Katniss begins to be known as ‘The Girl on Fire’, courtesy of her costume designer.

When the games begin Katniss leads Peeta and is one of the biggest factors in his survival. The two tributes from district 12 eventually find themselves as the last two contestants. Katniss cannot find it in herself to kill Peeta, she decides to commit suicide by eating poisonous berries. However, Peeta refuses to let Katniss take this step, he decides to join Katniss and send a message to the Capitol by accepting death with open arms. Ultimately, neither of them get the opportunity to swallow the berries as the head game maker stops the games in panic. In the aftermath, Katniss and Peeta are looked up to and seen as examples of true love in the eyes of the public in the Capitol, and as icons for hope in the eyes of the people who fall victim to the

games.
The Hunger Games features a variety of characters ranging from a strong, prominent lead to a thoughtful and loving supporting character. Katniss Everdeen is a young, selfless, individual who will do whatever it takes to preserve the lives of the people she loves. Her selflessness is evident when she volunteers herself to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games, knowing full well that it means certain death. Throughout the past few years, Katniss has become an icon for woman all around the world, proving that any man or woman can make a difference in the world if they set their mind to it. Peeta Mellark is a character that we also see often throughout the novel. He is the tribute sent alongside Katniss to the Hunger Games on behalf of district 12. Unlike Katniss, Peeta is not skilled in the art of survival and hunting. Peeta is an average kid who loves to bake, he has a much more artistic and thoughtful side to him. Many people including myself acknowledge that Peeta would have never survived the games had he not had Katniss by his side. While that is true, Peeta provided a sense of peace and emotional support to Katniss when she needed it most. Peeta may not be the strongest individual physically, but his thoughtful and selfless heart is what makes him a truly amazing and inspirational character. Every character in The Hunger Games was unique but Katniss and Peeta were the individuals who shone brightest throughout the book.
Fighting against the authorities is never easy, but if you truly want change, the hardship is an obstacle you must endure. The Hunger Games is a novel about fighting for society when it falls into the hands of someone who’s leading it to its downfall. Nobody wants to be the person to speak up against the higher power and take a stand, but one can’t simply expect change while doing nothing to cause it. Often people stay quiet in fear of the consequences they will face if they aren’t, but doing absolutely nothing may have worse long term consequences than taking a stand. Another prominent theme seen in The Hunger Games is equality and the lack of it. While children from districts one through twelve are fighting to the death, the citizens of the Capitol are enjoying what in their eyes is a form of entertainment. The difference between the wealthy and the poor is prevalent, although not as extreme in today’s society. While there are people on the streets spending their days in search of food and shelter, others complain about how fast their phone battery runs out. The Hunger Games includes many meaningful themes that are relevant to today’s society, whether it be the lifestyle differences between rich and poor, inequality, or the need to stand up against people who are misusing authority.
The Hunger Games is an engaging, fast paced novel that not only hooks the reader, but also gets them looking deeper into the characters and themes of the story. One thing that I really enjoyed while reading the novel was the portrayal of the protagonist Katniss Everdeen. It is rare to find a novel that contains a female lead who is not only emotionally strong, but can also stand her ground physically and in leadership roles. Katniss is shown to be a mature young woman who is not afraid of putting up a fight and standing up for what she believes in. Another element of this novel that stood out to me was the ability of the author to fit in meaningful messages in the midst of a violent, action packed novel. The Hunger Games makes it evident that taking risks and standing up for what you believe in doesn’t always lead to trouble. Everyone fears what the consequences of their actions will be without taking time to think about what they will be should they not take action. The novel also relays another message that is very important for today’s society; don’t let authority fall into the hands of people who will use it for their own self gain. Authority is an important part in keeping society out of mayhem, but when it is misused it can be the very thing that causes it. Ultimately, The Hunger Games is a novel filled with all the elements of a great read; strong characters, fast paced action, and more than one meaningful overall message that will stay with readers for years to come.