The Hunger Games Study Guide

Government Control

Extreme government power over people's lives and choices.

Propaganda

Information or images designed to influence what people think or believe.

Surveillance

Constant watching or monitoring of people.

Social Inequality

Unequal distribution of wealth, power, and resources between groups.

Loss of Individual Freedom

People are prevented from making important choices for themselves.

Rebellion/Resistance

Actions taken against an unfair or controlling authority.

Utopia vs. Dystopia

Utopia protects freedom; dystopia sacrifices freedom for power.

The Reaping

District 12 children are randomly selected as tributes.

Political purpose of the Games

To punish, intimidate, and control the districts.

District 12 vs. The Capitol

District 12 is poor and industrial; the Capitol is wealthy and extravagant.

Katniss volunteering for Prim

An act of love and protection that demonstrates personal choice.

Katniss and Rue's alliance

Challenges the Capitol by uniting districts instead of fighting.

Covering Rue with flowers

Honors Rue's humanity and exposes the Capitol's cruelty.

Three-finger salute

Symbolizes respect, unity, remembrance, and resistance.

Nightlock berries climax

Forces the Capitol's hand by threatening to leave no victor.

Why Snow fears Katniss

She proves the Capitol's rules can be challenged and inspires resistance.

Purpose of televising the Games

Allows the Capitol to control the narrative and broadcast power.

Caesar Flickerman's interviews

Turn tributes into celebrities and make the Games a media spectacle.

"Girl on Fire" styling

Transforms Katniss into a memorable symbol and icon.

Color palette contrast in the film

Visually communicates poverty versus wealth without dialogue.

Critique of audience reaction

Criticizes society for consuming real violence as entertainment.

Games leading to Capitol power

Games cause fear, preventing resistance and maintaining government control.