Rebellion takes many forms in Catching Fire. Discuss how both extreme and simple acts contribute to the Districts' cause.

Catching Fire has moments of both overt and subtle rebellion. The destruction of the arena and the District uprisings are clear threats to the Capitol. But symbols are just as important to the cause as direct action. The Capitol understands this, as the Games is their way of symbolically reinforcing their stranglehold on Panem. Peeta's lie about Katniss's pregnancy and their secret marriage is not only good TV, but manipulation of one of the Capitol's most important tools of oppression - the media. Katniss and the other victors hold hands during their broadcast, providing an image of unity that cannot be undone by the Games. This is a message directed at the viewers of the Districts, inspiring them to work together. Unity is power. Even a character like Mags, an elderly woman, has a rebellious streak. She volunteers as tribute to protect a girl driven mad by the Games; she won't let the Capitol hurt Annie again. In the arena, she drags herself in the poisonous fog in order to give Finnick, Peeta and Katniss the chance to escape. Her self-sacrifice serves the purpose of keeping Katniss - and the rebellion - alive.