Themes in 'The Hunger Games'

Hope & Rebellion
'Wanna see what I got you today? It's a mockingjay pin. As long as you have it, nothing bad will happen to you. I promise.' - Katniss Everdeen
The mockingjay pin that is gifted to Katniss is a symbol of hope throughout the film. Katniss gives it to Prim the morning of the Reaping with the promise that it will keep her safe, and Primrose gifts it back to Katniss when she volunteers that same afternoon in order to protect her. Giving each other the mockingjay pin is a way of giving each other hope.

'I told her that I'd try to win. That I'd try to win for her.' - Katniss Everdeen
'And try you shall.' - Caesar Flickerman

'Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective, a lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it's contained.' - President Snow
This is a quote from the conversation had between President Snow and Seneca after Seneca gives Katniss an 11 for her 'tribute evaluation', which President Snow doesn't approve of. Already he could see Katniss was a threat to him and his position.

'How will they change you?' - Katniss Everdeen
'I don't know. Turn me into something I'm not. I just don't wanna be another piece in their game.' - Peeta Mellark


'They have to have their victor.' - Peeta Mellark
'No they don't. Why should they?' - Katniss Everdeen
Not a moment later, Katniss and Peeta make a suicide pact in a final act of rebellion in spite of President Snow and the Capitol. These two quotes portray the theme of hope and rebellion perfectly. Katniss and Peeta would rather die than let Snow get exactly what he wants.

'Give them something to root for' - Hamish
'Like what?' - Seneca
'Young love' - Hamish

Struggle for Power
'Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective, a lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it's contained.' - President Snow
This quote not only portrays the theme of hope and rebellion, but also a struggle for power. It is at this point in the movie that Snow begins to realise Katniss is more of a threat than he originally thought. This shows they are struggling to contain her.

'They have to have their victor.' - Peeta Mellark
'No they don't. Why should they?' - Katniss Everdeen
Once again, this quote refers to two themes. By making this pact, Peeta and Katniss are refusing to let President Snow control what they do and have power over them.

'I just keep wishing I could think of a way to show them that they don't own me. If I'm gonna die, I want to still be me.' - Peeta Mellark
Foreshadowing future events, this quote proves that Peeta - and the other tributes - feel like they are owned by President Snow, and that he has overall power over not just them, but all of Panem.

Rich vs Poor
'Oh yeah. Almost forgot' - Gale
'Oh my god! Is this real?' - Katniss
'Better be. It cost me a squirrel.' - Gale
Apart from the drastic difference in settings, costume, colour and other film aspects, dialogue is another thing which can be used to understand the theme of rich vs poor. These quotes were in reference to a small piece of bread. District 12 is in such a state of poverty, that simple things such as bread are luxuries.

'What was that?' - Katniss
'I just said I think we may need to hose you down again before we take you to Cinna.' - Posh stuck up beauty guru dude (Idk his name).
These people in the Capitol, upon only knowing Katniss for an hour at most have immediately judged her on her socioeconomic status, basically saying due to the fact they have access to money, resources and pretty much everything else imaginable, someone as impoverished as her isn't worthy of being seen by a wealthy man like Cinna.