The Hunger Game books have risen in popularity and continue to rise as more movies come out. Katniss Everdeen is a strong female character in “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins. The sassy and sexy Jennifer Lawrence fills the shoes for this role in the movie. We don’t just put Katniss Everdeen on a pedestal but Jennifer Lawrence also. There is a fire behind this book and movie that is sparking the mind of individuals all over the world. What is it about this book that catches so much interest? How does Katniss deserve to be on a pedestal?
The Exciting Fight for Survival
Everyone has to battle for their sanity and goodness. There is an inner struggle everyone faces to be stronger than capable of. Granted people’s struggles aren’t as adrenaline pumping as Katniss Everdeen’s situation, but they can be just as important. There are daily situations that test courage, loyalty, and love. These are all characteristics that Katniss exposes and viewers strive to follow.
There are fears that the contents of this book could be real. That one day these things could happen. They did happen once. The gladiators in ancient times were forced to fight in front of the wealthier for entertainment. But fans might miss the meaning of Katniss’s name literally explains half of her survival tactics. A Katniss plant is rich in nutrients and belongs to the genus Sagittaria.
This name also belongs to the constellation Sagittarius, which is also known as the archer. Through this research Katniss is on the offense and defense side. She’s a great shot with the bow and she can survive off of katniss plants. After all it’s in her nature. She grew up having to hunt for her family.
1.Courage
It’s no coincidence that this sequel to “The Hunger Games” is “Catching Fire”. It takes a lot of courage to face the president of Panem. You literally have to take the punches as they are swung at you. There are forces that are stronger than Katniss but she still persists. She still doesn’t back down knowing that the Peacekeepers have more numbers. But being the minority doesn’t ever mean that you lose. No, the determiner for winning a war is courage; a sense of strength and unwavering faith.
2. Loyalty
Friends dream of the loyalty Katniss Everdeen expresses. It’s almost unreal but such loyalty exists in the world today. It might be rare but there are still trustworthy people out there. Katniss and Peeta are a glimpse of the loyalty that still exists today. Loyalty is threatened in “Catching Fire” and becoming endangered today. Just like these two, people today toy with the true loyalty in friendships and relationships.
The Hunger Games is a game where trust is temporary, except for Katniss and Peeta. Usually other contenders would team up until it came down to kill each other. But not the kids from district 12, they would both rather die than kill the other. That is a form of the truest and deepest loyalty imaginable.
3. Love
If anything in the book or movie is about catching fire it’s definitely the love aspect and theme. Love is one of the most important virtues in the world, and those in the book don’t have time for it. It’s an essential characteristic of human growth. But Katniss, Peeta, Prim, and Gale all have to trust in Love before completely immersing themselves in it. They fight for those they love but they don’t have time to enjoy and let their love blossom. War is at hand. And in “Catching Fire” you will see how love and war coincide.
Katniss Everdeen is on a public pedestal because she’s overflowing with moral values. Courage, loyalty, and love are all requirements for survival. Not just survival in “The Hunger Games” but survival in the world today. People are literally fighting for their lives today, but they are fighting for what’s right. They are fighting against the wrongs of the world, and striving to overcome the challenges that impede them from reaching their ultimate success.
It’s a mind battle and not a physical battle. We can’t see courage, loyalty, or love. They are intangible, but they are real. They rush through your thoughts every day, and are just as crucial to your own personal integrity. So as you go about your day remember the morals Katniss Everdeen exhibits and someday you’ll be on a pedestal too. Not by the world but by your children, friends, and family. Which are more important anyways.
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Rachael Largent is content creator who enjoys writing about “The Hunger Games” and the themes behind Katniss Everdeen that define why she is on a pedestal.