Discussion Topics for The Hunger Games

Please respond to each of the topics below, using at least one quotation to support your reply. Focus on how quotations are embedded in the topics to ensure that you follow the same format in each of your replies. Online research the use of square brackets for altering a quotation to better embed it into your writing.

1. How does Katniss feel about the country of Panem? Why does she need to make her face “an indif­ferent mask” (p. 6) and be careful about what she says in public?

2. Research flat and round, static and dynamic characters. Describe the development of Katniss’s relationship with Gale, Prim, Mrs. Everdeen, Peeta and Haymitch. Is Katniss a flat or round character? Is Katniss a static or dynamic character?

3. Why does Katniss say about Peeta, “I feel like I owe him something, and I hate owing people.” (p. 32) How does her early encounter with Peeta affect their relationship after they are chosen as tributes?

4. Why are the “tributes” given stylists and dressed so elaborately for the opening ceremony? Does this ceremony remind you of events in our world, either past or present? Compare those ceremonies in real life to the one in the story.

5. How does the fact that the tributes are always on camera affect their behavior from the time they are chosen? Does it make it easier or harder for them to accept their fate? How are the “career trib­utes” (pp. 94 - 95)different from the others?

6. When Peeta declares his love for Katniss in the interview, does he really mean it or did Haymitch create the “star-crossed lovers” story? What does Haymitch mean when he says, “It’s all a big show. It’s all how you’re perceived.” (p. 135) Why do they need to impress sponsors and what are those sponsors looking for when they are watching the Games?

7. Before the Games start, Peeta tells Katniss, “ . . . I want to die as myself . . . I don’t want them to change me in there. Turn me into some kind of monster that I’m not.” (p. 141) What does this tell you about Peeta? What does he fear more than death? Is he able to stay true to himself during the Games?

The Hunger Games

Respond to one of the following prompts in a paragraph that presents an argument for or against the implied statement.

1. In Panem, just as in our society where violent games are promoteded, the Hunger Games are merely a more serious form of competition.


2. The characters in the novel, The Hunger Games, are essentially both flat and static. Define these terms and explain why you agree or disagree with the statement.


3. Write a letter to Katniss explaining how you feel about her participation in the games.



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