The Hunger Games

Since they have no secret skills to keep from one another, Katniss and Peeta decide to have Haymitch coach them together rather than separately. When they are questioned on their skills, each is overly modest, leading the other to speak on their behalf. Peeta praises Katniss’s hunting skills, and she acknowledges his strength and wrestling abilities. This makes her realize that they have paid more attention to each other than she’d thought. However, Katniss is convinced that her skills are inadequate for the games and is further irritated when Peeta insists that everyone in District 12 knows she has a real chance. He recounts an exchange with his mother in which Mrs. Mellark made it clear that she felt that Katniss—and only Katniss—has hope for survival. His insistence frustrates Katniss, as does his claim that she will be more attractive to sponsors than he will. He then turns to Haymitch, declaring, “she has no idea. The effect she can have” (93). Convinced he is mocking her and that the only effect she inspires is pity, Katniss storms off.

The tributes begin training in the Tower. Per Haymitch’s instructions, Peeta and Katniss stay together and wear matching clothing to play into the idea that they are friends. They avoid demonstrating their skills in front of the other tributes. As they rotate through training sessions, they discover that Peeta’s skill as a pastry chef is transferrable to camouflage, and Katniss’s abilities to identify plants and make snares are solidified. Peeta points out that Rue, a 12-year-old tribute who reminds Katniss of Prim, has been following them. Katniss grows increasingly frustrated with the pretense of friendship and insists that Peeta stop being friendly to her except when the other tributes are watching.

When it comes time for her private session with the Gamemakers, Katniss is irritated to discover that they are bored and dismissive, having already seen 23 other tributes. Her frustration boils over when they ignore her in favor of their dinner: “Suddenly I am furious, that with my life on the line, they don’t even have the decency to pay attention to me. That I’m being upstaged by a dead pig” (101). Armed with a bow and an arrow, Katniss shoots the apple out of the roast pig’s mouth, sarcastically thanks the panel for their consideration, and walks out without being dismissed.

After fleeing the private session with the Gamemakers, Katniss is filled with regret and fear. She worries that she will be arrested and her family punished for her insolence, but Haymitch and Peeta reassure her by reminding her that the Capitol cannot arrest her because they cannot discuss what happens in private sessions. Further, they will not arrest her because then they would have to replace her. The only thing they can do is give her a hard time in the arena, but since they are already trying to kill her, that point seems moot.

Relieved, Katniss watches the announcement of the Gamemakers’ scores for each tribute’s potential as demonstrated by their private sessions. The scale goes from 1 to 12, with Career tributes (those from the wealthier districts who train for the games and volunteer as a means of gaining glory) usually getting an 8 to a 10. They are surprised when Peeta is given an 8 but shocked that Katniss receives an 11. Haymitch congratulates her, suggesting that the Gamemakers thought her spunky personality meant she would be an entertaining tribute to watch.

After the scores are announced, Katniss thinks about Gale, whom she views as a confidant and source of stability. She misses his companionship and compares it to the fake version of friendship that she has with Peeta. When she goes to breakfast the next morning, Peeta and Haymitch stop talking at her entrance. She is startled to learn that Peeta has opted to be coached separately for their interviews.

Katniss feels betrayed by Peeta’s decision to be coached separately but chastises herself for the reaction: “Betrayal. That’s the first thing I feel, which is ludicrous. For there to be betrayal, there would have to have been trust first. Between Peeta and me. And trust has not been part of the agreement” (114). She reminds herself that she is glad the pretense of friendship is over, since Peeta’s kind behavior has confused her and their continued “friendship” would only be a hindrance since she may have to kill him during the games.

Effie helps Katniss prepare for her interview by training her to smile and walk in high-heeled shoes, but Haymitch is unable to help her select a gimmick, as her attempts at multiple strategies fall flat. Cinna suggests looking at him when answering questions and being honest in her answers.

At the interview, Katniss is anxious as she watches the other tributes, all of whom have clear plans of how to present themselves. However, the interviewer—Caesar Flickerman—helps guide her responses, and speaking to Cinna instead of the crowd pays off. She believes she has done a passable job, especially when it comes to talking about volunteering for her sister.

Peeta’s interview is last. His natural good humor plays well, and he wins the crowd over. Caesar asks about his love interests and suggests that the object of his affections would be won over if he returned from the games triumphant. Peeta blushes and insists that winning the games would not help him with his crush because “she came here with [him]” (130).