Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games)

by Suzanne Collins

“All propaganda is lies, even when one is telling the truth. I don’t think this matters so long as one knows what one is doing, and why.” — George Orwell

“A truth that’s told with bad intent Beats all the lies you can invent.” — William Blake

“Nothing appears more surprising to those, who consider human affairs with a philosophical eye, than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few; and the implicit submission, with which men resign their own sentiments and passions to those of their rulers. When we enquire by what means this wonder is effected, we shall find, that, as Force is always on the side of the governed, the governors have nothing to support them but opinion. It is therefore, on opinion only that government is founded; an...

“That the sun will not rise tomorrow is no less intelligible a proposition, and implies no more contradiction, than the affirmati...

“Well, there’s no proof that will happen. You can’t count on things happening tomorrow just because they happened in the past. It’s faulty logic.”

“And that’s part of our trouble. Thinking things are inevitable. Not believing change is possible.”

The moment our hearts shattered? It belongs to us.

I’m entirely the Capitol’s plaything. They will use me for their entertainment and then kill me, and the truth will have no say in it.

No matter what. That’s the part I’m worried about.

You are on a high horse, mister. And someday someone will knock you off it straight into your grave.

“Is it really about the weapons, though? I grant you, they’re an advantage. On the other hand, when you consider the sheer difference in numbers . . . district to Capitol

“No, I do. I see the hangings and the shootings and the starvation and the Hunger Games. I do,” Plutarch says. “And yet, I still don’t think the fear they inspire justifies this arrangement we’ve all entered into. Do you?” We stare at him. He’s not taunting or mocking us, he’s genuinely asking. “Why do you agree to it? Why do I? For that matter, why have people always agreed to it?” When we don’t respond, he shrugs. “Well, it’s something to think about.”

desire for freedom is not limited to the districts. And your misfortune does not give you the right to assume so. I hope after tonight you’ll consider this.”

“Well, I’m despicable on many levels, but in this I’m on your side.”

But from where I’m sitting, hope seems a lot like white liquor. It can fool you in the short run, but like as not, you’ll end up paying for it twice.

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

“I have nothing to live for.” I say this without even a note of self-pity. I am simply stating a fact. “Then you have nothing to lose. That puts you in a position of power.”

“I’m nobody’s idea of a hero, Haymitch. But at least I’m still in the game.”