In Cinemas 22 March 2012
© ATOM 2012 A STUDY GUIDE by KATY MARRINER
http://www.metromagazine.com.au
ISBN: 978-1-74295-147-8 http://www.theeducationshop.com.au In the ruins of a country once known as North America lies the nation of Panem. Panem consists of a Capitol and twelve districts. As a punishment for the rebellion of the now defunct District 13, The Capitol maintains control by forcing each district to participate in the annual Hunger Games. The competition is a brutal and terrifying FIght to the death, televised for all of ABOVE: Katniss competing in The Hunger Games Panem to see. Each district The Hunger Games (2008), a novel by must send two tributes, one Suzanne Collins, girl and one boy between the Katniss has supported her family by hunting and is recommended gathering beyond the fences of District 12 with her reading for secondary ages of twelve and eighteen, friend Gale, whose father also died in the same students in Years 8, explosion. Her family will struggle in her absence 9 and 10. The novel to compete. The last tribute but Katniss knows that she stands a better chance is appropriate for use standing is declared the of winning than Prim. in English classrooms at these levels. Teachers may select victor. Their reward is a Katniss and Peeta travel to the Capitol, where their from the following mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, a resident of District prosperous existence. information and 12 and former Hunger Games victor, instructs activities to support them. They are introduced to the Capitol audi- students’ reading and Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives with ence and become crowd favourites thanks to the close analysis of The her mother and younger sister Primrose, volunteers efforts of their stylists and Peeta’s admission of his Hunger Games. to represent District 12 when her sister’s name is unrequited love for Katniss. A confused Katniss be- drawn during the Reaping. Peeta Mellark, the son lieves Peeta’s behaviour is a ploy to gain audience The Hunger Games of a local baker, is also chosen to represent District support. Sponsorship is crucial for survival and is the first book of SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 12. Katniss knows Peeta from school and feels as audience members are encouraged to send gifts to the Hunger Games trilogy. if she is in his debt because of a gift of a loaf of favored tributes during the Games. bread. The Games begin. The stark brutality of life in Katniss Everdeen knows how to survive. In the the arena is evident from Day One. Eleven of the stratified society of Panem, District 12 is the poor- twenty-four tributes do not make it to Day Two. est region and the Everdeens live in the Seam with Katniss is resolved to outwit the Gamemakers. It other families who struggle to make ends meet. will take all her strength and cunning but unlike Since her father’s tragic death in a mine explosion, others she can rely on her hunting and outdoor 2 winners than none. Their strategy works. Both Katniss and Peeta are declared winners.
It is during the victory celebrations that Katniss is warned by Haymitch that she has now become a po- litical target. She has defied the authorities and her rebellion will be punished. It is an uncertain Katniss that chooses to tell Peeta the truth about her behav- iour in the Arena. He is heartbroken that she does not really love him. Home again but far from safe, the star-crossed lovers take each other’s hand, step onto the District 12 station platform and smile.
Curriculum objectives
In English, the Literature strand aims to engage students in the study of literary texts gaining con- 1
2 3 4 skills to survive. Peeta chooses to form an alliance 1: Katniss Everdeen with the Career Tributes, a decision that Katniss and Peeta Mellark temporary attention. The popularity of The Hunger does not initially understand. It is only later that training in the Capitol Games with adolescent readers positions the novel 2: Katniss and Peeta Peeta’s motives become clear. preparing for the for use as a class text. Opening Ceremony 3: Katniss goes it alone, until she meets Rue. Rue, Peeta at his familiy The Hunger Games provides opportunities for a twelve year-old girl from District 11, reminds bakery 4: Katniss as students to: the ‘girl on fire’ Katniss of her sister Prim. When Rue is killed by another tribute, Katniss avenges her death and . learn to identify personal ideas, experiences then sings to the dying Rue. Katniss decision to and opinions about literary texts and discuss spread flowers all over Rue’s body signals her dis- Desperate for them with others; approval of the Capitol’s lack of humanity and that a dramatic . learn how to explain and analyse the ways in she is determined not to lose hers. which stories, characters, settings and experi- finale, the ences are reflected in particular literary genres, When a rule change is announced midway through and how to discuss the appeal of these genres; the games, Katniss calls Peeta’s name out loud. Gamemakers . learn how ideas and viewpoints about events, Two tributes from the same district can now win issues and characters that are expressed by the Hunger Games. Katniss searches for Peeta. reverse the authors in texts are drawn from and shaped by When she finds him, he is safe but wounded. To different historical, social and cultural contexts; save Peeta’s life and gain favour with the audience, rule change. . learn about aspects of human experience and Katniss plays the part of a young girl falling in love. Katniss and expand the scope of their experience; Gifts from her sponsors prove timely and soon . learn how to appraise the ways authors use SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 Peeta takes his place by Katniss’ side. Peeta must language and literary techniques and devices to influence readers; Days pass, tributes lose their lives and Katniss and kill or be . learn to examine, evaluate and discuss texts in Peeta wait for the announcement that they have increasingly sophisticated and informed ‘liter- won the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games. Desperate killed. ary’ ways; for a dramatic finale, the Gamemakers reverse . develop their ideas in written and oral, multi- the rule change. Katniss and Peeta must kill or be modal ways individually and in groups; killed. Instead, they both threaten suicide, know- . present an argument about a literary text based ing that the Gamemakers would rather have two on analysis of the whole text. 3 Character guide
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer forgiven her for abandoning the exciting rather than grim event throwing knives and comes close Lawrence): Sixteen-year-old family after Mr Everdeen was and does not even consider that to killing Katniss. Katniss lives in an area of District killed in the mine explosion. Mrs the teenagers in her care are in 12 known as the Seam. Her father Everdeen overwhelmed by grief danger of losing their lives. Effie Cinna (Lenny Kravitz): Cinna died in a mine explosion when found life intolerable after her would prefer to act as an escort for is a Hunger Games stylist. While she was eleven. Since the tragic husband’s death. tributes from another district until Katniss thinks that Cinna has acident, Katniss has supported Katniss and Peeta show that they been assigned District 12 because her mother and younger sister Mr Everdeen (Philip Troy have the potential to win. he is inexperienced, Cinna in fact Primrose by hunting and Linger): Katniss’ father died requested District 12. His talents gathering food in the woods when she was eleven. He taught Rue (Amandla Stenberg): Rue transform Katniss into the ‘girl beyond the District 12 fence. She Katniss how to hunt and to sing is the twelve-year-old girl tribute on fire’. Katniss trusts Cinna. His is resourceful and resilient. Katniss as beautifully as the birds. Her from District 11. She reminds efforts ensure that Katniss gains loathes the Capitol but is well prowess with a bow and arrow is Katniss of her sister Prim. Rue is the audience’s favour. aware that to be openly defiant is her father’s doing. slight and nimble. She can outrun to risk not only her life but also her competition in the games Portia (Latarsha Rose): Portia the lives of those she loves. Mr Mellark: Peeta’s father is a arena. Rue becomes Katniss’ ally is Peeta’s stylist. She works with baker. When he was a younger and friend. Rue makes Katniss Cinna to ensure that the District Peeta Mellark (Josh man he fell in love with Katniss’ promise that she will do all that 12 tributes steal the audience’s Hutcherson): Sixteen-year-old mother. He promises Katniss that she can to win. When Rue is killed attention. Peeta is the son of a District 12 he will make sure that Prim and by the male tribute from District baker. Handsome and strong, Peeta her mother will not go hungry 1, Katniss mourns the loss of her President Snow (Donald is chosen to represent District 12 during her absence from District friend. The residents of District Sutherland): President Snow in the Seventy-fourth Hunger 12. 11 appreciate the way that Katniss may crown Katniss and Peeta as Games. He declares his love for cares for Rue in life and in death. the winners of the Seventy-fourth Katniss just before they enter the Mrs Mellark (Raiko Bowman): Hunger Games but he is far from arena. Peeta does not think he Unlike her husband, Mrs Mellark Thresh (Dayo Okeniyi):Thresh, pleased with their victory. He stands a chance of winning but lacks compassion. She does not the boy tribute from District 11, blames Katniss for the suicide he has faith in Katniss’ ability to care for the poorer residents of lets Katniss go when he could have stunt. survive and does all that he can District 12. Mrs Mellark believes easily killed her. He knows that to keep her from harm. He is that Katniss has a better chance Katniss did all that she could to Caesar Flickerman (Stanley adamant that whatever happens in of surviving the Seventy-fourth protect Rue and his mercy is a sign Tucci): Caesar Flickerman hosts the arena, he will remain true to Hunger Games. of his gratitude. Thresh is killed the interviews with the tributes. what he believes is right. by Cato. A vain man, he relies on surgery Mayor Undersee: The mayor and makeup to maintain his Gale Hawthorne (Liam of District 12 is considerate but Cato (Alexander Ludwig): Cato appearance and to keep his job. Hemsworth): Eighteen-year-old does not challenge the status quo is the boy tribute from District 2. He does his best to entertain the Gale is Katniss’ best friend and beyond buying strawberries from His whole life has been devoted audience and as such is supportive hunting partner. Like Katniss, Gale and Katniss. to achieving glory in the Hunger of the tributes. Gale is the head of his family. His Games arena. Aggressive and father died in the explosion that Madge Undersee: Mayor violent, Katniss perceives him Claudius Templesmith (Toby killed Katniss’ father and now Undersee’s daughter may live a as the most dangerous of all the Jones): Claudius Templesmith is like Katniss, he must provide privileged existence but like all the tributes. Cato not only wants the Hunger Games announcer. for his mother and siblings. He other teenage residents of District Katniss dead, he wants to be the Greasy Sae): is vehemently opposed to the 12 Madge could be chosen as a one who kills her. His slow and Greasy Sae is an old Capitol’s rule. On the day of the tribute. Madge gives Katniss her agonising death highlights the woman who sells soup at the Hob. Reaping, Gale suggests that they mockinjay pin for luck. cruelty of the Gamemakers. Katniss and Gale know that it is run away together, but both know best to stay on her good side, as Haymitch Abernathy (Woody this is impossible. Foxface (Jacqueline Emerson): she is the only trader who will buy Harrelson): Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss calls the girl tribute from dog. Primrose Everdeen (Willow the wealthiest resident of District District 5 Foxface because of her The Avox Girl (Amber Chaney): Shields): Katniss loves her sister 12, won the Fiftieth Hunger appearance. As sly as she is clever, Prim so much that she is willing Games. Since then he has been Foxface is able to outwit the Katniss recognises the servant that to sacrifice her life for her. Prim is required to act as a mentor for the Career tributes. Katniss does not she is assigned during her stay only twelve years old and she lacks tributes from District 12. Rarely see her as an ally. Foxface is killed in the Capitol. Katniss and Gale the skills to survive the Hunger sober, Haymitch is ill equipped when she steals and eats poisonous failed to help the girl when she Games. Prim is an innocent child. and unwilling to train his charges. berries. was hiding in the woods. The girl She loves animals, particularly her It is only when Katniss and Peeta cannot speak because her tongue goat Lady. Like her mother she has prove their strength that he sobers Glimmer (Leven Rambin): has been cut off as punishment for SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 healing skills. up, assumes responsibility and Glimmer is the girl tribute from her traitorous ways. becomes the mentor they need. District 1. After her death, Katniss Mrs Everdeen (Paula claims Glimmer’s bow and arrows. Venia, Flavius & Octavia (Kimiko Gelman, Nelson Malcomson): Katniss’ mother has Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks): Ascencio, Brooke Bundy): a knowledge of medicinal plants. EffieT rinket is assigned by the Clove (Isabelle Fuhrman): Clove Venia, The residents of District 12 rely Capitol to oversee the Reaping is the girl tribute from District 2. Flavius and Octavia help prepare on her apothecary expertise when ceremony in District 12 and Her dislike of Katniss is confirmed Katniss for her public appearances. they are ill and injured. Katniss escort the tributes to the Capitol. when Katniss receives a training Atala (Karan Kendrick): The loves her mother but has never Effie finds the Hunger Games an score of eleven. Clove is expert at head trainer of the Hunger Games. 4 Starting points
A writer’s texts express his or her personal and particular views of the world. A writer’s texts reflect the context that shaped his or her world view.
Suzanne Collins has acknowledged the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur as one of her inspira- tions for The Hunger Games. The myth tells how Glossary in punishment for past deeds, King Minos of Crete Avox demanded that seven Athenian boys and seven Athenian girls be sacrificed in the labyrinth of the Capitol Minotaur until the hero Theseus volunteered to go in Career tribute the place of one of the youths and was able to slay ABOVE: Katniss about to head into the arena the monster. Collins has also claimed that an after- Cornucopia noon channel surfing from reality television programs Dark Days to coverage of the Iraq War also influenced the narrative of the novel, as did her father’s recollected District remaining tributes and the Gamemakers to become experiences of serving in the Vietnam War. Escort the victors of the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games.
Teachers may like to begin a unit of work by dis- Flesh-eaters . Why do you think Suzanne Collins divided the cussing these inspirations and ask students to find Gamemakers narrative into three parts? evidence from the novel where Collins’ real world . Working as a group present an informative and influences are apparent. Hob entertaining account of a part of The Hunger Hunger Games Games. Your presentation must explain the . Use the internet to learn about Suzanne Collins what, where, when, who and why of the three Mentor and the personal, cultural, social and political parts of the novel. contexts that may have influenced the con- Mockinjay What: You will need to describe what happens. struction of The Hunger Games. Share your Where: You will need to name the settings and Muttations findings with the class. comment on the significance of the settings. Alternatively, students could be asked to Panem When: You will need to identify when the action consider the appraisals of The Hunger Games Peacekeepers occurs. printed on the cover and opening pages of the Who: You will need to identify the characters novel and nominate which claim best fits their Reaping that are featured and what readers learn about opinion of the novel. Remake Centre the characters. . Write a brief review of The Hunger Games for Why: You will need to identify the themes that publication on a website promoting adoles- Score are featured and what readers learn about the cent fiction such as Inside a Dog
The Hunger Games is divided into three parts. The Hunger Games Glossary ‘Part I: The Tributes’ introduces readers to District 12 tributes Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. These terms (left) are used by Suzanne Collins to In ‘Part II: The Games’ the Hunger Games begin. create the fictional world of Panem. Working with a Alliances form, tributes die and the rules change partner, write a definition of each term. Accompany to keep the audience entertained. In ‘Part III: The each definition with a relevant quotation from the Victor’ a reunited Katniss and Peeta outwit the novel. What other terms should be added to the list? 5 CHAPTER guide
Chapter 1 Chapter 6 Katniss and Peeta meet that evening on the roof but rather than reconcile, they argue. ‘This is the day of the reaping.’ (p. 3) ‘Rebellion? I have to think about that one a moment. But when I remember the other It may be the day of the reaping but Katniss couples, standing stiffly apart, never touching Chapter 11 Everdeen must put food on her family’s table. She or acknowledging each other, as if their fellow spends the morning hunting in the woods with tribute did not exist, as if the games had already ‘At the edge of the woods I turn for one instant to her best friend and confidante Gale Hawthorne. begun, I know what Haymitch means.’ (p. 96) survey the field. About a dozen or so tributes are When the town clock strikes two, Katniss joins hacking away at one another at the horn. Several every other resident of District 12 in the square Katniss and Peeta return to the Training lie dead already on the ground.’ (p. 183) for the Reaping. Primrose Everdeen, Katniss’ Centre. After dinner, Katniss and Peeta spend younger sister’s name is chosen. time together on the roof. They talk about their The Seventy-fourth Hunger Games begin. life in District 12. Katniss survives Day One but twelve tributes are already dead. Night falls. Katniss is tired Chapter 2 and alone. Just as she is about to fall asleep, she Chapter 7 hears a noise. A pack of Career tributes are on ‘“I volunteer!” I gasp. “I volunteer as tribute!”’ the prowl. Katniss is shocked when she realises (p. 26) ‘“So, let’s get down to business. Training. First that Peeta is a member of the alliance. off, if you like, I’ll coach separately. Decide Katniss volunteers to be the girl tribute from now.”’ (p. 108) District 12. Peeta Mellark is chosen as the boy Chapter 12 tribute. Katniss recalls the time that Peeta gave Katniss and Peeta spend the next three days her a loaf of bread and wonders how she can training with the other tributes. During her ‘The audience will have been beside themselves, fight someone who restored her hope. private session with the Gamemakers, Katniss, knowing I was in the tree, that I overheard the furious that they are more interested in the Careers talking, that I discovered Peeta was feast than her skills with a bow and arrow, with them.’ (p. 198) Chapter 3 shoots an arrow straight at the banquet table. Katniss remains focused on her survival. Aware ‘And then the Peacekeeper is at the door, that she will need the help of sponsors, Katniss signaling our time is up, and we’re all hugging Chapter 8 makes sure that the cameras are capturing her each other so hard it hurts, and all I’m saying every move as she sets snares and cooks the is, “I love you. I love you both.”’ (p. 44) ‘Now I’ve done it. Now I’ve ruined everything! rabbit that she has trapped. Finding water If I stood even a ghost of a chance, it is not so easy. The following evening, when Katniss and Peeta must say goodbye to their vanished when I sent that arrow flying at the Katniss finally stumbles upon a pond, her relief family and friends. Madge Undersee, the Gamemakers.’ (p. 125) is short lived. A wall of fire descends upon her daughter of the mayor of District 12, gives and like a wild animal she must take flight. Katniss her gold mockinjay pin for good luck. Katniss fears that she has ruined her chances of Katniss and Peeta board the train with their receiving a high score from the Gamemakers. She escort EffieT rinket and mentor Haymitch is shocked to discover that she has scored eleven Chapter 13 Abernathy. out of a possible twelve points. Peeta scores eight. For once the tributes from District 12 stand a ‘This could be it, I think. What chance do I have chance in the Hunger Games arena. Katniss feels against them?’ (p. 219) Chapter 4 betrayed when Peeta accepts Haymitch’s earlier Katniss outruns the fire but the alliance is closing ‘If I’m going to cry, now is the time to do it. offer of private coaching sessions. in. From her treetop hideout, Katniss taunts the By morning, I’ll be able to wash the damage Career tributes. In the last dim rays of daylight, done by the tears from my face. But no tears Chapter 9 Katniss spots Rue, the girl tribute from District come. I’m too tired or too numb to cry. The 11. only thing I feel is a desire to be somewhere ‘And then they’re calling Katniss Everdeen, else. So I let the train rock me into oblivion.’ and I feel myself as if in a dream, standing and (pp. 65–6) making my way centre stage.’ (p. 153) Chapter 14
As the train speeds towards the Capitol, Katniss Katniss survives her interview with Caesar ‘I’m wounded and trapped. Darkness has given wonders if she can trust Peeta Mellark. When Flickerman, the host of the Hunger Games. me a brief reprieve, but by the time the sun Peeta challenges Haymitch to sober up and She is relieved when it is Peeta’s turn to face the rises, the Careers will have formulated a plan to start behaving like a mentor, Katniss decides cameras. Peeta’s declaration of his unrequited kill me.’ (p. 225) that for the moment she should trust him. love for her is unexpected. Katniss creates mayhem when she causes a tracker jacker nest to plummet to the ground, Chapter 5 Chapter 10 releasing an angry swarm of killer wasps. Katniss retrieves a bow and arrows from SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 ‘Cinna has given me a great advantage. No one ‘The roar of the crowd is deafening. Peeta has Glimmer as she twitches to death. Coming face will forget me. Not my look, not my name. absolutely wiped the rest of us off the map with to face with Peeta for the first time since the Katniss. The girl who was on fire.’ (p. 85) his declaration of love for me.’ (p. 162) games began, Katniss expects him to wield a blow strong enough to kill her. Instead, Peeta Katniss and Peeta meet their stylists Cinna After Katniss recovers from Peeta’s shock orders her to run to save her life. and Portia. Their costumes for the opening announcement, she is angry. Katniss questions ceremony are breathtaking. The District 12 Peeta’s sincerity, believing his declaration is tributes steal the crowd’s attention. a ploy to make her look weak. Haymitch Chapter 15 disputes her judgement, claiming that Peeta has given her an advantage over the other tributes. ‘And suddenly, I’m not thinking of Gale but of 6 CHAPTER guide
Peeta and … Peeta! He saved my life! I think.’ Chapter 20 Chapter 24 (p. 238) ‘Something between a sigh and a huff of ‘Twenty-one tributes are dead, but I still have Katniss is confused by Peeta’s behaviour. Is he exasperation leaves my mouth. A happy story? yet to kill Cato. And really, wasn’t he always the still working the Lover Boy angle or is he trying This will require a lot more effort than the soup. I one to kill?’ (p. 397) to protect her? Uncertain of the truth, she rack my brains for good memories.’ (p. 325) Katniss and Peeta are one step closer to home. decides to focus on the bow and arrows – the Claudius Templesmith’s booming voice Wanting a victor, the Gamemakers drain the one really good thing that has happened to her interrupts Katniss’ story telling. A feast awaits streams and ponds of water. The tributes are since she entered the arena. As night falls, she is the remaining tributes at the Cornucopia. forced to the lake, where they must not only reunited with Rue and an alliance is formed. While Katniss initially dismisses the invitation, face each other but must find a way to survive the announcement that backpacks containing the menacing muttations. Chapter 16 what each tribute need the most will be theirs for the taking means that Katniss must accept ‘Rue has decided to trust me wholeheartedly.’ the challenge. Chapter 25 (p. 251) ‘“Greetings to the final contestants of the As Katniss and Rue gather food, they plan their Chapter 21 Seventy-fourth Hunger Games. The earlier attack on the Careers’ base. They also share revision has been revoked. Closer examination stories of their lives at home and in doing so ‘Here are some things I’m fairly certain of. of the rule book has disclosed that only one their relationship shifts from an alliance to a That at least Cato, Clove and Thresh will be on winner may be allowed.”’ (p. 416) friendship. hand when the feast starts. I’m not sure about Foxface, since direct confrontation isn’t her To her horror, Katniss realises that the muttations style or her forte.’ (p. 339) are in fact the tributes that have perished in the Chapter 17 Hunger Games arena. Katniss uses her remaining Having fed Peeta sleep syrup, Katniss prepares for arrows to take out as many of the muttations ‘“Rue! I’m coming!”’ (p. 280) her trip to the Cornucopia. Feasts always result in as she can but when Cato grabs Peeta, shooting fatalities but without the medicine that Katniss him is not an option. The District 12 tributes The attack is a success. Katniss destroys the knows will be in the backpack, Peeta will not outsmart Cato and wait for the announcement Careers’ food supply but is injured in the survive. Foxface proves the most cunning of all that the Hunger Games are over. Instead there is explosion. Dizzy and unable to hear, Katniss when she emerges from her hiding place inside another rule change. Only one tribute can win hides. When morning falls, Katniss goes in the Cornucopia. When Katniss sprints towards after all. Katniss and Peeta threaten suicide and a search of Rue. Katniss hears Rue scream for the table, Clove proves a formidable opponent. very hasty announcement acknowledges that they help. She runs but is too late to save her. Thresh kills Clove and spares Katniss. are the victors.
Chapter 18 Chapter 22 Chapter 26 ‘“I’m going to. Going to win for both of us ‘I don’t want Cato to kill Thresh at all. I don’t ‘When I left the arena, when the trumpets now, I promise.”’ (p. 283) want anyone else to die. But this is absolutely not played, I was supposed to be safe. From the kind of thing that victors go around saying in then on. For the rest of my life. But if what Gale’s words of hatred for the Capitol make the arena. Despite my best efforts, I can feel tears Haymitch says is true, and he’s got no reason to sense to Katniss, as she mourns the loss of her starting to pool in my eyes.’ (p. 357) lie, I’ve never been in such a dangerous place in friend. Rue’s death forces Katniss to confront my life.’ (p. 434) the cruelty and injustice that the Capitol Peeta is better. The contents of the hypodermic inflicts on the districts that it governs. Katniss’ needle have proved lifesaving. Katniss is injured Katniss and Peeta travel by hovercraft to the decision to decorate Rue’s body in flowers is and exhausted. She recounts all that happened Capitol. They cannot face the crowd and revel her way of shaming those who use the Hunger at the Cornucopia and expresses a plaintive in their victory until all evidence of their trials Games to assert unreasonable control over desire to go home. Desperate for something and tribulations in the arena have been erased. others. The following day, a rule change is to happen, the Gamemakers make it rain. Just before they take the stage, Haymitch warns announced. Under the new rule, both tributes Desperate for the deluge to end, Katniss knows Katniss that her rebellious actions have angered from the same district will be declared winners she must ramp up the romance. Peeta’s story of the Gamemakers. They have been openly if they are the last two alive. falling in love with Katniss hits the mark. ridiculed. Katniss must convince everybody that she and Peeta really are star-crossed lovers.
Chapter 19 Chapter 23 Chapter 27 ‘The star-crossed lovers … Peeta must have ‘Under the hood, I silently say goodbye to been playing that angle all along. Why else Thresh and thank him for my life. I promise to ‘I want to tell him that he’s not being fair. That would the Gamemakers have made this remember him and, if I can, do something to we were strangers. That I did what it took to unprecedented change in the rules?’ (p. 300) help his family and Rue’s, if I win.’ (p. 376) stay alive, to keep us both alive in the arena. SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 That I can’t explain how things are with Gale Katniss calls Peeta’s name. He was never her Thresh’s death means that Cato and Foxface because I don’t know myself.’ (p. 453) enemy and the truth makes Katniss smile. are the only tributes who stand in the way of Katniss goes in search of her fellow District 12 Katniss and Peeta winning the Seventy-fourth With the celebrations over, Katniss and Peeta tribute. She finds him camouflaged by mud and Hunger Games. For the first time, Katniss lets find themselves travelling home to District 12. leaves. Peeta is hurt but Katniss is determined herself think that she might make it home. Peeta is jubilant but Katniss is confused. When to nurse him back to health. Desperate for In need of supplies, Katniss and Peeta emerge Peeta learns that Katniss has been pretending supplies, she gives the audience of the Hunger from their hiding place to hunt and gather. A to be in love, he is upset and is unwilling to let Games what they want – romance. hungry Foxface steals and eats the poisonous Katniss explain. berries that Peeta has gathered. 7 1
District Twelve!”’ (402–419) -- ‘The rumbling of … about to begin.’ (pp. 432–6) -- ‘The train begins … to let go.’ (pp. 449–454) Use the following three questions to guide the class discussion: What is the passage about? Why is the passage important? How does Suzanne Collins use language to create meaning? 2 3 Discussing characters
1: Effie Trinket, Discussing plot . Which character did you like the most? Which Haymitch and Katniss character did you like the least? Use specific 2: Katniss and Gale . Ask students to nominate and share their fa- evidence from the novel to explain your ap- Hawthorne hunting 3: Effie and Katniss vourite moments of the narrative. proval and disapproval. . Spend time as a class, reading and discussing . Did you find the characters realistic? the following key passages: . Working first as an individual, then with a -- ‘Just as the … It’s Primrose Everdeen.’ (pp. partner and then as a class, compile a Wordle 21–4)
Katniss
Peeta
Gale
Mayor Undersee
Haymitch
Effie
Rue
Career Tributes
Cinna
President Snow
Caesar Flickerman
The residents of the Capitol SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012
The residents of District 12
The residents of District 11
9 1
2 Discussing themes and issues
. What can The Hunger Games teach you about your life? . Choose a theme and prepare a multimedia analysis of the novel’s exploration of the theme. Make sure that your analysis considers how the theme is made evident through plot, characters, setting and language. Use evidence from the novel to support your analysis.
Authority 3 4 The Capitol exercises its control in an oppressive way. It exploits the resources and the people of the 1: Peeta 2: Katniss . Is rebellion appropriate? twelve districts of Panem. The Hunger Games al- awaiting the . By the end of the Seventy-fourth Hunger low those in power to assert their power and quash announcement of the Games, Katniss has been branded a rebel. tributes 3: Katniss any form of resistance. Knowing what happened using her bow and Is Katniss a rebel before she enters the Hunger to District 13, the people of Panem choose self- arrow 4: Gale Games arena? preservation over protest. When does Katniss defy the Gamemakers? Why? . Why is the Capitol so powerful? When does Katniss choose to comply? Why? . Who challenges the rule of the Capitol? Working as a class, make a list of those mo- The Hunger Games is also about personal ments when individuals challenge the status authority. quo. Endorse each example with a quotation from the novel. . Spend time as a class discussing what charac- . Panem is a country where the poor are tremen- ters take charge of their own existence for their dously poor and the rich are enormously rich. own good and in turn the good of others. How does the Capitol use privilege and poverty . Who controls your behaviour? to control the populace of Panem? . Can you think of a time in your life when you . The government of Panem is a totalitarian one. have asserted your independence? Share your It has absolute power over its people. Examine anecdote with your peers. the way the government of Panem exercises its . ‘I feel like I owe him something, and I hate ow- authority. Is it beyond belief? Consider exam- ing people.’ (p. 39) ples of the way authority has been wielded in What is an obligation? SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 historical and contemporary nations in framing What does Katniss learn about obligation? your response to this question. . What injustices are part of life in District 12? Humanity Shouldn’t the authorities of District 12 create a more just society for all of District 12 residents? The Hunger Games narrates the violence of the world of Panem. The central concept of the story The Hunger Games are a punishment for a previ- the Hunger Games involves adolescents fighting ous rebellion against the Capitol. one another to death. Adults condone the games, allow their children to participate and watch the 10 event for entertainment. Collins also portrays the violence that is a part of everyday life for the resi- dents of the Capitol and the Districts.
. What types of violence does Suzanne Collins use to shape the narrative of The Hunger Games? Working with two other students, make a list of the different types of violence. Share your findings with class. Does the writing focus too heavily on violence?
The Hunger Games force individuals to choose between humane and inhumane behaviour.
. What does it mean to be humane? Use an online dictionary to check the meaning of the word. What comment does The Hunger Games make about humanity? . What actions in The Hunger Games are inhu- mane? Who acts without humanity? . ‘“Here’s some advice. Stay alive.”’ (p. 68) 1 To what extent are Katniss and the other trib- utes prepared to commit inhumane or immoral acts to increase their chances of survival? How does it affect the tributes to know they are . Read a daily newspaper, watch the evening being manipulated to make the Games more news or visit an online news service. What sto- exciting for the gamblers and viewers? Does ries reflect man’s capacity to be both humane knowing that she is on live TV make Katniss and inhumane? behave differently than she would otherwise? . The tributes must risk the loss of their human- . How do you think the Hunger Games filmmak- ity. Who are the most ruthless tributes? Which ers will represent voyeurism in the film? tributes show they are capable of compassion? Reality television is a genre of television program- Voyeurism ming that supposedly presents unscripted situa- tions, documents actual events and often features 2 The Hunger Games is an annual televised event ordinary people instead of actors. Reality television watched by the entire nation of Panem. The portrays a modified form of reality, and at times 1: Katniss and Gale tributes’ every move is captured on camera. The relies on sensationalism to attract audience viewers in the woods hunting wealthy place bets on those tributes that have the and increase advertising revenue. 2: Rue chance to win. Sponsors send gifts to their favour- ite tributes. If the tributes do not provide action- The genre became a phenomenon with the suc- packed entertainment, then the Gamemakers cess of television series such as Big Brother and create chaos and conflict. Survivor.
. What is voyeurism? Use an online dictionary to . Do you watch reality TV? What do you think the check the meaning of the word. appeal of reality TV is? Who is the audience of . What do you think is the cruelest part of the reality TV? Make a list of reality shows. Share Hunger Games? What kind of people would your list with a partner and then with the class. devise this spectacle for the entertainment of What observations can you make? their populace? Can you think of any historical . Reality TV is a genre in itself but within the parallels? genre are sub-genres. Can you name some of . Why are all citizens of Panem required to watch the sub-genres of reality TV? Return to your list The Hunger Games on television? Do the and label the programs that you have listed. television audience compromise their humanity . Why do you think people want to be part of a SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 by watching the Hunger Games for entertain- reality TV show? ment? In framing an answer to this question, consider that watching the Hunger Games is Love compulsory. Also take into account the differ- ences between those viewers in the Capitol and The Hunger Games explores different ideas of those viewers located in the twelve districts of love. The story is about Katniss’ love of family and Panem. friends. It also examines an individual’s love of . Discuss the ways in which the Gamemakers country and the consequences of forcing individu- control the action in the Hunger Games arena. als to be loyal. 11 -- For the first time, I allow myself to truly think about the possibility that I might make it home … But then … what? What would my life be like on a daily basis? Most of it has been consumed with the acquisition of food. Take that away and I’m not really sure who I am, what my identity is.’ (p. 378) -- ‘As I slowly, thoroughly wash the makeup from my face and put my hair in its braid, I begin transforming back into myself. Katniss Everdeen. A girl who lives in the Seam. Hunts in the woods. Trades in the Hob. I stare in the mirror as I try to remem- ber who I am and who I am not. By the time I join the others, the pressure of Peeta’s arm around my shoulders feels alien.’ (p. 450) 1 Does Katniss know who she is? How does her participation in the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games shape her sense of self? 1: Cinna, Haymitch and . What is unconditional love? Who does Katniss . How do you think Katniss’ image will be rep- Peeta love in this way? resented in the film? Do you think she will be a . Why does Katniss volunteer to be a tribute? Is it likeable character? the right decision? What does her decision tell . ‘“I don’t know how to say it exactly. Only … us about love? I want to die as myself. Does that make any . Why does Katniss find it so difficult to express sense? … I don’t want them to change me in her emotions? Is it a survival mechanism? there. Turn me into some kind of monster that . What evidence confirms that Peeta’s love for I’m not.”’ (p. 171) Katniss is true? What does this claim reveal about Peeta’s . Is Katniss sure of her feelings for Peeta? What understanding of identity? Is Peeta able to stay does she feel for Gale? Team Peeta or Team true to himself during the Hunger Games? Gale? Who should Katniss choose? . Patriotism is a love of country. How does Trust Katniss regard Panem? Who or what inspires Katniss’ loyalty? A population that are distrustful of each other are also less likely to work cooperatively to overthrow Identity a tyrannical ruling power. The Capitol breeds contempt between districts through the Hunger Thrown into a world where image is everything, Games. Katniss realises that she does not know who she is and how to be herself. . What part does trust play in Katniss and Gale’s relationship? . The residents of Panem are defined by their . Why is Katniss’ relationship with her mother not district and its productivity. An individual’s what it could be? status is regulated by their place within their . Why is Katniss so unwilling to trust others? district. Class distinctions exist both between . Who does Katniss regard as an enemy? Who and within districts. does she see as an ally? Is your identity shaped by place? . ‘I realize for the first time, how very lonely I’ve . - ‘“I don’t know anything about you. I’ve been in the arena. How comforting the pres- asked you fifty questions and still have no ence of another human being can be.’ (p. 252) sense of your life, your family, what you Why does Katniss trust Rue? How does Rue’s care about. They want to know about you, friendship change everything for Katniss? Katniss.”’ (p. 142) . Can Haymitch be trusted? -- ‘By the end of the session, I am no one at . Why does Peeta join with the Career Tributes SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 all.’ (p. 143) in the beginning of the Games? What does he -- ‘My spirit. This is a new thought. I’m not hope to gain? Why do they accept him when sure exactly what it means, but it suggests they start hunting as a group? Why do alliances I’m a fighter. In a sort of brave way. It’s not form when the individuals in these alliances as if I’m never friendly. OK, maybe I don’t know only one of them will be able to survive go around loving everybody I meet, maybe the Hunger Games? How does Katniss and my smiles are hard to come by, but I do Rue’s alliance differ? care for some people.’ (p. 147) 12 Discussing setting
Suzanne Collins has built another reality in The Hunger Games. Panem is a post-apocalyptic world built from the ruins of North America. The time is an unidentified year in the future. Panem was origi- nally divided into The Capitol and thirteen districts but only twelve districts remain.
. What is a dystopia? Working as a class, com- pile a list of reason why Panem is a dystopia. . What’s in a name? Use an online dictionary to determine the origin of the word ‘panem’. Why do you think Suzanne Collins settled on this name for her dystopian world? 1 . Draw a map of Panem. Show the Capitol, Districts 1 to 12 and the site that was once occupied by District 13. Your map should have a title and a border. Label the map and provide a detailed legend that provides a description of The Capitol and each district. . Working as a class, make a list of the settings used to tell the story. Why is each setting sig- nificant to the story? . Drawing on specific evidence from The Hunger Games, write the history of Panem as it would be told by a former resident of District 13. . ‘The arenas are historic sites, preserved after the Games. Popular destinations for Capitol residents to visit, to vacation. Go for a month, 2 rewatch the Games, tour the catacombs, visit the sites where the deaths took place. You can even take part in re-enactments.’ (p. 175) Katniss or disapproved of her behaviour? 1: Filming The Hunger Can you explain why the Hunger Games arenas . Rewrite a chapter or a section of a chapter from Games 2: Director are popular tourist destinations? another character’s perspective. Gary Ross Can you think of any real world comparisons? . Turn a chapter or section into a script. Describe What draws tourists to destinations that are the what the characters will be doing in the film. sites of tragic events? Drawing on the location and events of the Genre is a term used to describe the style or cate- Seventy-fourth Hunger Games, design a tourist gory of a text. Each genre has its own conventions. map and brochure. Some texts can be easily labeled as belonging to one genre. Other texts fit into multiple genres. The Language and style Hunger Games is best labeled dystopian fiction. Dystopian fiction imagines a nightmare world that The Hunger Games is written in first person and is the opposite of a utopia. told from Katniss’ perspective. Collins draws us into Katniss’ world through the use of the first per- . What are the features of dystopian fiction? Can son ‘I’ and ‘me’. Katniss is the novel’s protagonist. you think of other examples of this genre? A protagonist is the main character of a narrative. The events of the plot revolve around the protago- The Hunger Games draws on several genres. Some nist. The audience is meant to identify with the readers have labeled it an adventure, and then protagonist. there are those that read it as a romance. SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2012 . Why do you think Suzanne Collins chose to tell . Which of these labels do you think best de- the story from Katniss’ perspective rather than scribes The Hunger Games? use an omniscient narrator? . What insights are achieved through the use of Some reviewers have furthered defined the novel first person narrative? as ‘a coming-of-age story’. . Is Katniss an honest narrator? . Did you identify with Katniss? What moments . As a class, discuss this label. What evidence made you like Katniss? When did she earn your can be used to prove this claim? sympathy? Were there times when you disliked . Do you like stories like The Hunger Games? 13 The Hunger Symbolism is when something is used to represent Project Options Games film something else. Symbols are used to add to the synopsis viewer’s understanding of the plot, themes and . Make a book trailer for The Hunger Games. Every year in the ruins characters. Symbolism can be obvious or subtle. Examples of book trailers can be viewed on of what was once North YouTube. Type ‘The Hunger Games book America, the nation of . The mockinjay pin given to Katniss by the trailer’ into the search window. Some links Panem forces each of mayor’s daughter, Madge Undersee, the loaf that were current at the time of writing this its twelve districts to of bread that Peeta purposely burns and then guide are also listed below. send a teenage boy and gives to Katniss and the goat that Katniss http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7hs1kaCTTg girl to compete in the buys Prim for her birthday are three examples http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TnxXoMpF3c Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, of symbols. What other symbols can you add http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HnwvVZBl8M to this list? When you have finished listing the part government symbols of the story, explain what each symbol . Compare the book trailers to the movie intimidation tactic, represents. Find a quotation from the novel to trailer
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