Analyzing The Hunger Games

     I started this book thinking the idea was absurd: a government choosing to eliminate rebellion by forcing its citizens to give up their children as participants in the ultimate reality show of death to the last survivor.  I soon found myself hoping for a certain outcome that would certainly bring about the death of many children but save the brave little heroine. Complete with an impossible love interest, twists in the arena to keep you guessing, and both sympathy and hatred for the other characters, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat. In some ways the story reminded me of The Lottery, because people were picked for death.  For example in The Lottery, the wife was picked to get stoned and in The Hunger Games, Katniss took the place of her sister who was picked to participate in the Games.      
     I found it interesting that even in this life and death situation, the kids refused to do anything that would displease the capitol and make them look rebellious or unwilling to play, or worse emotional and disturbed by death. They did not bond with each other, help each other, or ever want to be indebted by anyone's kindness.  Even after I closed this book, I found myself relooking at the statements about society, our gruesome need for reality TV, how much a community will let others suffer as long as they are safe, and the strength of the human spirit when backed up against the wall. I enjoyed Katniss' emotionally detached character, Peeta's vulnerable goodness, and Rue's small but fighting spirit.

I chose this painting titled Pollice Verso by Jean-Leon Gerome, because it represented how Katniss and the other 11 tributes fought until death.  Also, the audience in the arena represent the Capitol watching and being entertained.