Katniss' Future

Based on the ending of the book, what do you think will happen to Katniss once she returns to District 12? Do you think the Capitol will try to punish her? If so, how? How will her life change in District 12 now that she has won and is rich? How will her family relationships change? Her friendship with Gale? Peeta? Haymitch? Make as many predictions as you like, just be sure to support your predictions with reasons based on the text.

The End of the Games

Katniss and Peeta must make a life and death decision at the end of the Games once the Gamemakers once again change the rules. What do you think of their decision? Should they have done something differently? Why or why not? What do you think the consequences will be of outsmarting the Capitol?

Reality TV

The way in which the Games are televised in Panem gives a whole new meaning to reality TV as we know it today. What popular TV shows are you familiar with in our world that put people's problems and struggles on display for public entertainment? Does this book make you think differently about those shows? Why or why not? How is what those shows are doing the same or different from how the Capitol televises the Hunger Games in Panem? Explain your answer.

The Cruelty of the Games

What do you believe is the cruelest part of the Hunger Games? What kind of people would create such an event in which people kill each other for entertainment?

The Gamemakers

How do the Gamemakers control the environment and "entertainment value" of the Games? How does knowing she is being manipulated for the pleasure of the audience affect Katniss? How would it affect you? Does knowing she is on live TV make Katniss behave differently than she would otherwise? How? Be sure to explain your answer.

Alliances

As the Games continue, many of the tributes form alliances with one another, agreements to work together against their competitors. Why do they do this when they know they will eventually be forced to kill one another? What are the pros and cons of forming alliances? If you were in a similar situation, would you want to form one, knowing that your partner could turn against you at any time? Why or why not?

Katniss as Survivor

Before they enter the arena, Haymitch tells Katniss to run in the opposite direction of the Cornucopia to avoid the blood bath of tributes fighting over equipment. Why does Katniss ignore this advice? Do you think she made the right decision? Why or why not? What personality traits does she possess that will help her survive? What do you think is her most important survival skill? Explain your answer.