Valerie’s Comments (group member since Dec 14, 2013)

Valerie’s comments from the On Tyrants & Tributes : Real World Lessons From The Hunger Games group.

As a mother, I'm glad there was no ostensible sex in this trilogy, as this series is marketed to young adults. I think our society glorifies sex.

I think the architecture certainly sets the tone for the Capitol's regime. Watching the film from my seat I could feel the oppressive nature of the buildings. They were awe-inspiring, and not in the "wow, that's beautiful"-awe. The buildings say, "this government will never end. These buildings will stand so long that not even God can destroy them. Resistance is futile."

Matty wrote: "All it would take for me to be involved on the resistance against the state would be a leader.

Although, here in Australia it's probably even more dangerous to refuse government demands than in Am..."

Your statement about disarming is perhaps the most worrisome. I don't know anything about Australian politics. Do you see increasing levels of state encroachment and tyranny there?

There is so much to personally lose when standing up to the state that it is easier to stand down. I see people standing up and I think about how brave they are, but I just don't know what I would do. The state has too much power to ruin my personal well-being that I can't imagine confronting it. I think this is why Katniss is so appealing to us. She does stand up, albeit unwillingly and often unwittingly.

The feeling of hopelessness that the government perpetuates in the districts: the people will never rise up from their circumstances. It's always been this way and always will be. The Hunger Games are your fault: if only you had recognized that the Government knows what is best for you from the beginning and never revolted. Don't question the government.

I have to agree that my favorite scene in the first book is Rue's death and Katniss's reactions. This represents to me the point where Katniss moves from simply trying to survive to trying to change the system. It is no longer about Katniss living; it is about stopping the Hunger Games altogether.