The Hunger Games: Chapter 5 Analysis

Themes

• The importance of appearance
• The inequality between the rich and the poor

Motifs

Plot Summary

• Citizens live in a dehumanized state ("Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics")
• "I stand there, completely naked...I know I should be embarrassed, but they’re so unlike people that I’m no more self-conscious than if a trio of oddly colored birds were pecking around my feet" (Collins eBook).
• A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society ("Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics")
• "The opening music begins. It’s easy to hear, blasted around the Capitol. Massive doors slide open revealing the crowd-lined streets" (Collins eBook).
• The symbolism of fire
• “'I want the audience to recognize you when you’re in the arena,” says Cinna dreamily. “Katniss, the girl who was on fire'” (Collins eBook).

Upon arrival at the Capitol, Peeta and Katniss are sent to be prepped for the ceremony where all tributes are introduced. A team of people prep Katniss before she meets with her stylist, Cinna, who is introduced as a modest character. Katniss soon discovers that it is Cinna's first year working as a stylist for the Games and is surprised to learn that he specifically asked to be assigned to District 12. Since it is customary for the tributes to represent their district at the ceremony, Cinna and his partner want Peeta and Katniss to reflect burning coal by igniting their costumes in synthetic flames. Once Katniss and Peeta emerge in flames upon the teeming crowd in the Capitol's main plaza, they are instantly a sensation. It is easily noticible by everyone that the main focus of the night was District 12, which is an abnormality. The crowd's love for them gives Katniss hope that she might receive sponsors and might actually have a fighting chance at winning the the games.

Literary Lens: Feminism

• Katniss's power and soon-to-be fame is foreshadowed in the chapter
• "As I gain confidence, I actually blow a few kisses to the crowd...Cinna has given me a great advantage. No one will forget me. Not my look, not my name. Katniss. The girl who was on fire" (Collins eBook).
• "'Katniss! Katniss!' I can hear my name being called from all sides. Everyone wants my kisses." (Collins eBook).
• Katniss begins to show her determination to win the games by not allowing herself to get close to Peeta and by reminding herself that he is a threat; this establishes her strong-mindedness and lack of vulnerability
• "A warning bell goes off in my head. Don’t be so stupid. Peeta is planning how to kill you, I remind myself. He is luring you in to make you easy prey. The more likable he is, the more deadly he is" (Collins eBook).

Discussion Questions

(cont'd)

Can you analyze the importance of these quotes?

• "The door opens and a young man who must be Cinna enters. I’m taken aback by how normal he looks" (Collins eBook).
• "'Hello, Katniss. I’m Cinna, your stylist,' he says in a quiet voice somewhat lacking in the Capitol’s affectations" (Collins eBook).
• "I had expected someone flamboyant, someone older trying desperately to look young, someone who viewed me as a piece of meat to be prepared for a platter. Cinna has met none of these expectations" (Collins eBook).
• "Newcomers generally end up with us, the least desirable district...'I asked for District Twelve,' he says without further explanation (Collins eBook).

Discussion Questions

• Can you assess the importance of media attention in Panem?

• What roles do money and class play in this chapter?

The Hunger Games: Chapter 5 Analysis

Works Cited

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. New York:

Scholastic, 2008. eBook. 23 March 2016.

"Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics."

Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics.

Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Fernanda Barusco

H English III

Coach Morrell