Throughout The Hunger Games, perception plays an important role. From the very begging of the book, Katniss has to be careful of what she says and does even in her home. She says that she "learned to hold [her] tongue and turn [her] features into an indifferent mask so that no one could ever read [her] thoughts" (Collins 5). The ability to hide what she is thinking because important during her time in the arena. As soon as Katniss volunteers, she begins to make conscious efforts to hide her emotions even more than normal so that she is not perceived as weak by the other tributes and possible sponsors. One major event before the games start is the interview with Caesar Flickerman. This interview gives possible sponsors a chance to hear about the tributes. In preparation, Haymitch tries to come up with a way to present Katniss. He tells her during their training that "'[t]he impression [she] makes tomorrow will decide exactly what [he] can get [Katniss] in terms of sponsors'" (Collins 116). Sponsors in the arena can be the difference between life or death, so securing numerous sponsors is critical. Peeta's declaration of his love for Katniss drastically changes the way that the Capital views her. She was the selfless girl who sacrificed herself to save her sister, then she was the girl on fire, then the girl who somehow scored an 11, then a "star-crossed lover." Her relationship with Peeta gives the people in the Capital something to root for.
While in the arena, Katniss is aware of the fact that there is always a camera following her around. She uses this to her advantage to play into the idea of "star-crossed lovers" that the Capital has. While in the cave with Peeta, Katniss acts like she is in love with him and Haymitch rewards her with food. Keeping up this act is how Katniss and Peeta are able to survive the arena. If the people in the Capital, hadn't been so intrigued and in favor of their relationship, the Gamemakers wouldn't have allowed them both to live. All the Gamemakers want is to have a good show, and having two contestants who are in love but are destined to kill each other, is what the Gamemakers and the Capital think is great television. Katniss and Peeta play off the Capital's very shallow view of the games by exploiting how they perceive their relationship. In Panem, how you are perceived can save your life as shown by Katniss and Peeta.
I agree, perception plays an important role throughout the Hunger Games. Most characters view the games as a “big show” to entertain the Capitol (135). Thus, the tributes attempt to create an image to help them win the Hunger Games. Regardless of her feelings, Katniss “[continues] to hide [her] emotions” to maintain her resilient image (165). Furthermore, both Cinna and Haymitch help Katniss develop an image to help her survive the games. For example, Cinna strives to “make the District Twelve tributes unforgettable” (66). As her stylist, he uses appearance to help Katniss stand out from the other tributes. Additionally, Haymitch explains the games are “all about how you’re perceived” (135). Both characters understand the concept of the games and use this to help Katniss improve her chances of winning. Furthermore, Collins describes Katniss as a “simpleminded girl who has to be taken seriously because of her eleven” (163). Although the Captiol disregards Katniss at first, they begin to pay attention to her, as she creates her strong image, which once again demonstrates the importance of perception in the novel. Above all, the tributes use perception to their advantage, as they create an image to improve their chances of winning.
ReplyDeleteAs stated in the original post, Katniss has to be mindful of others’ perception of her from a very young age. In response to this, she becomes very skilled at hiding her thoughts and emotions, and focusing instead on the tasks she must perform. These habits also serve as her coping mechanism when her father is killed, and are therefore reinforced. Perception is also critical when she volunteers for the games, as has been stated, sponsorship can be the difference between life and death. And although Katniss recognizes this, and knows that she needs to now change the image of herself that she’s adapted, she seems to have an incredibly difficult time. Before Flickerman’s interviews she is extensively trained on how to be the least bit likable and personable. Throughout the games, the audience and readers slowly watch her acclimate to the new “persona” that she’s adopted- a person that is likable, somewhat friendly, and deeply in love. She transforms from asking herself “Why am I hopping around like some trained dog trying to please people I hate?” (117) to telling herself “I’ve got to give the audience something more to care about,” (261). It is so interesting and almost alarming to watch her transform her personality in order to protect herself, and really exemplifies Peeta’s statement earlier in the novel, “I don’t want them to change me in there,” (141).
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