New Social Order Francisco Escolar 11th Grade

In Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, the division in social class is the driving force of the novel. The Capitol creates this illusion of social mobility through the games, which provides a sense of hope to the lower classes. This “illusion” created by the capital serves as a way to keep the lower classes from protesting and revolting against their own government. Due to the capital’s corruptness, the chances of winning the games and bringing prosperity back to a district are highly improbable. However, this small fraction of hope given to the people is sufficient enough to maintain social order and keep the power to the Capitol. Through Katniss, the remaining hope in humanity and rebellion is depicted through three major symbols: flames, hunting, and the mockingjay.

The first mark of rebellion in Panem is the introduction of fire and flames as motifs that mark some of Katniss’ biggest character development in The Hunger Games. When she is first viewed by the Panem elite prior to the Games, she is dressed in clothing that becomes rippled with synthetic flames which was designed by Cinna. Afterwards, she is given the moniker “the girl who was on fire”, (40). In this respect, she is viewed as a spectacle or just another form of...