How does Cato’s aggression and desperation in the arena reflect the impact of the Capitol’s system on the tributes?
They reflect the intense psychological and physical conditioning imposed by the Capitol’s oppressive system, particularly on tributes from Career districts.
How does Gale serve as a dramatic foil to Peeta?
Gale is outspoken, independent, resourceful, shares a deep bond with Katniss. Peeta is timid, eager to please, and does not know Katniss as well as he thinks
What role does Haymitch play in the Games?
Haymitch is Kat and Peeta's mentor. He must advise them during training, and will manage their sponsorship during the Games.
What are trackerjackers?
They are mutated wasps that hunt down anyone who disturbs them. Their venom is powerful and can be deadly.
How are the people of the Capitol different from those who live in the districts?
Answers may vary
How does Haymitch's mentorship evolve throughout the games?
He goes from being drunk and unhelpful, to supportive, quick thinking, and resourceful
Select a character and discuss why he/she is static or dynamic.
Answers may vary
Why does Katniss want Rue for an ally?
Rue is clever, she's a survivor, Kat trusts her, and Rue reminds her of Prim.
What happens the first time Katniss ever meets Peeta?
He gives her bread from his bakery because her family is starving.
What is a central idea from this book that involves oppression?
Answers may vary (Ex: Fear and violence are often utilized as forms of oppression)
How does Katniss escape the Tributes waiting for her beneath a tree?
She knock a nest of trackerjackers down on the camp.
How does the role of sponsors in the games further perpetuate inequality in Panem?
Tributes from less wealthy district are typically at a disadvantage because their people aren't able to send many gifts.
At the end of his pre-game interview, what secret does Peeta reveal?
He has a crush on Katniss.
What 3 things does Katniss obtain once the gong sounds to signal the start of the games?
She takes a sheet of plastic and a backpack, and also a knife that is thrown at her.
Explain the structure of Panem. How does the structure benefit the Capitol?
Broken up into 12 districts which all specialize in a certain industry. Each district is able to provide goods and services to the Capitol.
Why do you think Peeta joined the Career Tributes at the start of the games?
How might Katniss' only previous encounter with Peeta affect her during the games?
What does the visual contrast between people of the Capitol and the districts emphasize for the reader?
It amplifies the Capitol’s control over the districts and underscores the imbalance of power. It also reinforces the themes of oppression.
What is a mockingjay?
A mockingjay is a bird that can mock human melodies. They are the result of Capitol-created jabberjays mating with mockingbirds.
Explain what happens at The Reaping.
Prim is first selected for the girls, but Katniss volunteers to take her place. Peeta then gets selected for the boys.
What is the significance or the symbolism behind the berries at the end of the book?
The represent resistance and rebellion against the oppressive government.
Discuss one moral decision Katniss has to make during the Games. What does this reveal about her character?
Answers will vary.
What are 'Career Tributes'?
Career Tributes are kids who have trained all their lives for the Games. They volunteer to participate.
What is a central idea from this book that involves survival?
Answers may vary (something along the lines of "In dire situations, people may do anything to survive" is most accurate)
What is injected under the Tributes' skins before the Games?
A tracking device, so the Gamemakers can trace their location and monitor them in the arena.
Is Peeta's crush real, or is it just part of his strategy? As long as you explain yourself using examples from the story, this is an opinion question.
Answers may vary
What is the 'Cornucopia'?
The Cornucopia is a giant golden horn in the middle of the arena, surrounded with useful items.