Exam review material- symbols used in "The Hunger Games"

Symbols

The loaf of bread:

1.      Is a symbol of Peeta’s love for Katniss. He risked punishment to give her the bread when she was starving. He loved her from the first day of school.

2.      Is a symbol of Katniss’s guilt. She never thanks Peeta for helping her and she feels she owes him a debt.

The Mocking Jay Pin

1.      Is a symbol of Katniss’s father. He sung to the Mocking Jays while he hunted.

2.      The Mocking Jay is a symbol of rebellion. The Capitol bred Jabber Jays during the Revolution to spy on the districts, the birds then mated with Mocking Birds. They symbolize freedom, independence and destroying the capitol.

The girl on fire/ Fire

1.      Is a symbol of Katniss’s spirit. She is rebellious, angry and passionate. It represents her burning emotions/ her drive. 

The flowers on Rue’s body

1.      Symbolizes Katniss's grief, respect for Rue and her hate for the Capitol.

The Cornucopia

1.      A cornucopia is the horn of plenty, which in the games is stuffed with weapons symbolizing plenty of killings.

The Reaping Ball

1.      Is a symbol of punishment. The capitol punishes the district’s citizens for their failed rebellion by taking the lives of their children.

The final interview dress

1.      Katniss’s final dress is a symbol of innocence, which she loses throughout the game. 

Rue

1.      Is a symbol of innocence

The Berries

1.      Are symbols of rebellion. She breaks the rules set by the game makers by making a suicide pact with Peeta.