Andrea’s Comments (group member since Dec 13, 2013)

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

Holy crap! That article was awesome! I think architecture plays a HUGE role in demonstrating where the authority and power lies within a city. For example, take the New York City skyline – there isn’t a limit on high these skyscrapers can go - it epitomizes capitalism. However, in comparison to Washington DC, the zoning laws limit buildings to the height of the Capitol building – government is the ruler of all within the city and it speaks volumes on the authority within the city.

I think the article did an excellent job drawing the parallels between Soviet Russia and Panem and was able to personify totalitarianism within its architecture.

Oswaldo wrote: "Emily says "My problem with the "They do it, why shouldn't we," approach is that that makes you no better a person than they are. I'm sure some people are able to throw away morals when going to wa..."

Did Katniss lack the "golden rule?" She never caused pain or suffering willingly unless she was personally affected. Katniss is by no means perfect, but I think majority of her actions were justified throughout the series.

I also agree with Emily with maintaining your morals during war. There are leaders such as Gandhi and MLK who managed to protest peacefully, even if they were on the receiving end of violence, and managed to get their goal achieved. Then, you have the leaders who were at the forefront during our revolution, which was essentially violent. Given the progression of America, was a violent revolution more effective than the peaceful protests led by Gandhi in India?

Thank you Jonnelle for posting that video! I shared it immediately!

Funny enough, I don't remember the context of the song, but I do remember when I was reading the books how influential her dad must have been. Any time she was down to her last chance during the games, she would remember a lesson/skill her father passed down to her (my favorite was tapping the tree for water - genius!). Her father taught her skills that can ensure her and survival independent from The Capitol, which alone can exemplify how discontent he was by living under such a totalitarian society. I believe he passed on his passion for individualism and independence, but it's a far stretch to assume he started a revolution within the mines of District 12.

As disgusted and dissatisfied I am with the current state of government, I don't think I can 100% stand behind a revolution until I am personally affected by injustice (which I'm sure I'll happen soon - the police in my town and I do not get along lol). Although the minute I hear a story about any child or innocent person become disenfranchised due to our system, I want to revolt, but it quickly subsides :(

Both Katniss and Peeta understand that there is a line related to human rights that should not be crossed. In "Hunger Games," they both had an opportunity to kill other tributes in order to ensure their survival, but they both chose not to - unless a tribute directly harmed a loved one. To them, the Hunger Games were not about survival through murder, but rather survival through living. I have no doubt in my mind that if Gale's name was chosen instead of Peeta's, he would have killed to get through the games. He sees the world as a true "dog eat dog" place - and like Nathaniel stated, he seeks "vengeance, as well as deliverance." Gale has no concern for the lives he may harm by blowing up The Nut, because he simply views it as a way of seeking vengeance on The Capitol.

Katniss only resorts to acts of violence against others when it directly effects the lives of her loved ones. She only kills the boy from District 4 when he attacks Rue, shoots Cato once he strangles Peeta, and kills Snow once she assaults a crowd full of innocent children and medics, which include Prim. Ultimately, the greatest contrast between Katniss/Peeta and Gale is their motivation behind murder: while Katniss uses murder as a mode of justice, Gale uses it as a means of survival.

I love the analogy between the Capitol and Washington D.C - because it is very true. The suburbs surrounding DC are among the wealthiest in the country (according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 8 of the 13 counties with the highest median income surround it). It is a city that idolizes itself - much like the The Capitol - with buildings and monuments dedicated to its very purpose (governance). An ordinary citizen taking a stroll through DC is constantly reminded how powerless they really are. In The Hunger Games, The Capitol has managed to mimic, but to an extreme (with oblivious citizens).

Mockingjay was my least favorite in the series - due to the fate of Prim - so I subconsciously blocked out a majority of the novel. However, from what I remember - District 13 is very reminiscent of present-day America. It's a government that is heavily reliant on secrecy and war. Coin initiated the attack on the helpers to retain the fear and induce anger within the members of District 13 (i.e Gabe's reaction and his desire to fight against The Capitol). Our government has managed to infiltrate the media to induce divisiveness among Americans creating the current political environment.

Throughout the novels, Katniss and Peeta were fighting for the survival of themselves and their loved ones - not for affluence or political power. The ending of the novels with Katniss and Peeta living privately and happily ever after is critical to the message Collins' is trying to portray. If Katniss or Peeta ended up as political figures, it would be contradictory to her theme of limited central government.

Jonnelle, I wish I had an advisor like you during my years in college!

I was all over majors in college, starting off with Poli Sci, then to Sociology, then to English before I finally settled on a Biology degree with aims of med school. Years later, I realized this option was not the correct track for me, so I moved onto the Research. Now, I'm working as a Research Associate, while looking at the Physician Assistant option offered at many schools, but my eyes and ears are always open to anything that catches my interest. My ultimate goal is to start a non-profit to assist underprivileged children one day...

Moving away from the movies and onto the books, my favorite scenes take place (spoiler) after the death of Prim, Katniss's sister. It's only after her death does Katniss realize President Snow and President Coin (I think that's the name of the President of the rebellion) are essentially two opposing sides of the same coin. She understands that as long as there is a central power, she will never find peace and freedom within the districts.

Andre! Don't give the alternative ending away, not cool :(