Characters
Who is Katniss's stylist?
Cinna
What is the name of the country where the Hunger Games take place?
Panem
What does the mockingjay pin Katniss wears symbolize or represent in the story?
It connects Katniss to District 12 and becomes a personal symbol of identity, protection, and hope.
Why does Katniss volunteer for the Hunger Games?
To save her younger sister, Prim, after Prim's name is drawn.
What is the name of the stylist who prepares Peeta for the opening ceremonies?
Portia
Who is the mentor responsible for sending Katniss gifts in the arena? (full name)
Haymitch Abernathy
What weapon is Katniss especially skilled at using?
Bow and arrow
Why does the Capitol force children from the districts to participate in the Hunger Games every year?
To punish the districts for their past rebellion and remind them that the Capitol holds power over them.
Why does Katniss initially distrust Peeta after he helps her in the arena?
She struggles to determine whether his actions are genuine or part of a strategy to manipulate her and gain an advantage in the Games.
What unusual feature makes Katniss and Peeta stand out during the opening ceremonies?
Their costumes appear to be on fire, earning them the nickname the “Girl on Fire” and helping them attract attention.
Which tribute is especially skilled with camouflage?
Peeta Mellark
Why does Katniss climb a tree when the Careers pursue her?
To escape them and gain a position where they cannot easily reach her.
Why is Katniss's decision to cover Rue's body with flowers significant?
It demonstrates her compassion and respect for Rue, while also becoming a quiet act of defiance against the Capitol's treatment of the tributes.
Why is Katniss's alliance with Rue strategically useful to both of them?
They can combine their skills and knowledge to improve their chances of survival. Rue is observant and agile, while Katniss is skilled with a bow and can hunt.
Why does Katniss perform exceptionally well during her private session with the Gamemakers, despite their apparent lack of interest?
She shoots an arrow at the apple in the roasted pig's mouth on the Gamemakers' table, forcing them to pay attention after they have ignored her.
Why does Peeta try to maintain a playful and romantic attitude even while he is seriously injured?
He tries to stay positive and maintain his connection with Katniss, while also influencing how others perceive their relationship.
What does Katniss receive from Haymitch that allows her to leave Peeta temporarily?
Sleep syrup
How does the contrast between the Capitol and District 12 reveal inequality in Panem?
The Capitol enjoys wealth, luxury, and entertainment, while districts such as District 12 experience poverty and hunger. This contrast shows how the Capitol benefits from a system that exploits the districts.
Katniss's actions after Rue's death may inspire people in the districts, but they could also put her in danger. Why might the Capitol see her behaviour as a threat to its authority?
By publicly showing compassion and respect for Rue, Katniss challenges the Capitol's attempt to turn the tributes' deaths into entertainment. Her actions may encourage viewers to question the Games and recognize the tributes' humanity, weakening the Capitol's control through fear.
How does Haymitch's advice about appearing appealing to the audience affect Katniss's approach to the Games?
Katniss learns that survival depends partly on attracting sponsors, so she must think about how she presents herself to the audience, not just how she hunts or fights.
How does Katniss's relationship with Peeta become more complicated as she cares for him in the arena?
She must balance her concern for his survival with her own need to survive the Games, forcing her to make difficult decisions that affect both of them.
What does Katniss use to destroy the Careers' supplies?
She shoots an arrow at a nest of tracker jackers, causing it to fall on the Careers.
Katniss's actions toward Rue and the Capitol's presentation of the Games both communicate messages to an audience. How do their purposes differ?
The Capitol uses the Games to intimidate the districts and reinforce its power. Katniss's actions toward Rue express grief, humanity, and respect, potentially encouraging viewers to question the Capitol's cruelty.
The Careers train for the Games and begin the competition with an advantage, while tributes from poorer districts often struggle to obtain basic supplies. How does this difference challenge the idea that the Hunger Games are a fair competition?
The Games are not truly fair because tributes enter with unequal resources, training, and opportunities. The Careers benefit from preparation and physical advantages, while poorer tributes must rely on survival skills and strategy. Although the Capitol presents the Games as a competition in which anyone can win, the system gives certain tributes a much greater chance of survival from the beginning.
Why is Katniss's score of 11 from the Gamemakers both an advantage and a potential danger?
The high score makes her appear capable and attracts attention from potential sponsors, but it also identifies her as a serious threat to the other tributes, potentially making her a target.