Why Is Katniss Important In The Hunger Games

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The Hunger Games In Suzanne Collins’ novel, The Hunger Games, Katniss’ experiences assist her to develop a better understanding of herself and what skills she needs to survive the totalitarian regime in Panem. The skills Katniss learns prior to the games help her while she is in the arena. She uses her own knowledge and guidance from her mentor, to manipulate the Capitol and get the audiences’ attention and sympathy. Katniss begins to understand her feelings towards Peeta, although they are changing throughout the novel. The skills and methods of survival that Katniss learns before entering the arena help her survive the games. During her whole life she has watched all the hunger games that have occurred, making her very familiar with the…show more content…
Katniss knows what to say and do to make the Capitol compelled to help her and sponsor her. She achieves this by sometimes humoring them. “It’s been a bit warm for my taste,” I say. I can almost hear the laughter from the Capitol” (Collins, page 220). As Katniss has seen all the hunger games after her birth, she knows what to say to make the Capitol like her. She uses this to her advantage so the number of sponsors she has increases. These sponsors provide her with food and equipment to continue the games. Katniss also becomes aware of the emotions she needs to put on when the cameras are on her. “I can’t show weakness at this injury. Not if I want help. Pity does not get you aid. Admiration at your refusal to give in does” (Collins, page 217). This quote also shows that Katniss knows how to get the help she needs from her sponsors. She needs to put on a brave face and continue. Haymitch, her mentor, tells her to become ‘star-crossed lovers’ with Peeta so the Capitol sponsors her and Peeta. This is another way she manipulates the Capitol. “Haymitch couldn’t be sending me a clearer message. One kiss equals one pot of broth” (Collins, 316). To receive aid from her sponsors Katniss needs to give them a reason to; by pretending to be in love with Peeta. This is hard for Katniss as she is still figuring out her feelings towards
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