by Lauren Rogoff

The Hunger Games movie opens on March 23, and if you haven’t had a chance to read the wildly popular novels, you might be wondering what the fuss is about.  If you don’t have the time or inclination to read the page-turning dystopian trilogy, but still want to be in the know when your niece or nephew gushes about the book or movie, check out the answers to some key questions about The Hunger Games, and continue to be a clued-in Auntie!

1.     What are the Hunger Games?

The Hunger Games are a televised fight to the death among a group of teenagers, where the lone survivor becomes the victor.  Ever since a civil war that took place in what was once North America, the Capitol (the seat of power) puts on this annual event.  The participants are two children, one boy and one girl, aged 12 to 18, from each of twelve districts.  Once ‘tributes’ (as the competitors are called) are chosen, they are taken to the Capitol, where they are made over by a team of stylists, interviewed, trained, and displayed to the public.  Image is paramount, because the reactions of the audience watching on television can help competitors win the hearts of sponsors who can contribute vital supplies in the arena.  The environment of the Hunger Games is controlled by the Capitol, which can change the circumstances and challenges based on whim and audience reaction.  Every 25 years, there is a special Quarter Quell Hunger Games, where an extra twist is added to the rules of the games.  

2.     Who is Katniss Everdeen?

Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of The Hunger Games, is a girl from District 12, a poor coal-mining district.  When Katniss’ sister is chosen to be a competitor in the Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers in her place.  Katniss has survival training, passion and anger.  The first book tells the story of the 74th annual Hunger Games competition and its aftermath.  Katniss becomes the symbol of a rebellion for the twelve districts against the Capitol's oppression.

3.     Who are Katniss’ friends and family?

Katniss’ fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, is a baker’s son, making him better fed and wealthier than many in their district.  He declares that he is in love with Katniss in an interview before the Games, and, while Katniss assumes that this is a ploy to gain sympathy and money from sponsors, she plays along.  The rules of the Games are changed, drawing Katniss and Peeta together and then trying to rip them apart, and she ultimately realizes his feelings are real.  She is left to battle with her feelings for both Peeta and her best friend, Gale.

Gale Hawthorne is Katniss’ best friend from District 12.  He has also lost his father in a mining accident, as Katniss did.  They hunt together in the forest in District 12, before Katniss enters the Hunger Games.  As the story continues, Gale becomes more angry and rebellious.  Katniss is unsure if she has romantic feelings for Gale, and a love triangle develops between Katniss, Gale and Peeta.

Katniss’ sister, Prim, is the reason that she volunteers for the Hunger Games.  Katniss is close with, and feels protective of, her little sister.  One of the young tributes, Rue, reminds Katniss of Prim, and Katniss forms a temporary alliance with Rue because of this resemblance.

Haymitch Abernathy is the victor of the 50th Hunger Games – the second Quarter Quell.  After winning his Quarter Quell, he became an alcoholic, drinking away his memories.  Because he is the only surviving District 12 victor, Haymitch has been forced to mentor every tribute from the district, including Peeta and Katniss.  It soon becomes clear that his behavior stems from years of guilt over watching District 12’s tributes sent to die. Katniss is initially irritated by his sarcasm and drunkenness, but he becomes their greatest ally when he leads his protégés in a brilliant, original strategy, to give them the best chance of survival.

Cinna is Katniss's stylist, and is responsible for her public appearance.  Octavia, Venia, and Flavius are Katniss's prep team. This team comes from the Capitol, so they have altered their appearances in accordance with the prevailing trends in the Capitol, changing hair and skin color to a rainbow of shades, with glittering facial tattoos and outrageous makeup.   

Effie Trinket is the District 12 chaperone for the 74th Hunger Games.  While at first she resents having to chaperone tributes from a poor district, she becomes attached to her tributes. The actress that plays her in the film, Elizabeth Banks, has said of Effie, “She’s like your old weird great aunt who says all the wrong things at the dinner table...”.  That’s an image that should give us Savvy Aunties a laugh!

4.     What is Panem?

The setting for the trilogy, Panem, is an autocratic nation that arose from the remains of what had been North America, after the continent had been nearly destroyed.  Panem consists of a controlling Capitol city and twelve isolated districts (as well as a thirteenth that is said to have been destroyed). The villainous President Snow governs over all of the districts from the power center of the Capitol, which is a shining city of luxury and excess and home to the nation's richest, most privileged citizens.

5.     The movie adaptation

In the movie version of the first novel, in theatres on March 23, actress Jennifer Lawrence plays the coveted role of Katniss.  The film has already broken records for advance sales on the ticket site Fandango.  Suzanne Collins, the author of the trilogy, adapted the novel for film herself, which is said to be fairly faithful to the books. Now that you’re an expert in the details, you might want to take your niece or nephew to see the film – just make sure the showing isn’t sold out!


Photo: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/
Published: March 20, 2012