Hunger Games Chapter 5

Happy Hunger Games! I'm back with chapter 5 as promised. Today we dig into a sensitive topic for me. Does beauty equal survival? I would be curious to hear what you have to say on this issue but before we go there, let's take a quick look at what we discussed last week...

Chapter 4

Last week we decided that the capitol is very much like our modern day America. We are a country of excess and many of us just don’t realize how spoiled we are. Serving others is a great way to counteract this mentality. Volunteering at a local shelter or food bank or delivering groceries to families in need not only blesses others; it takes the focus off us. When we serve others with our whole hearts greed becomes less and less apparent.

I’m actually finding chapter 5 rather difficult to get into because of the deep subject matter this week. This chapter focuses on self-image and attractiveness. This is the part of the story that every young woman who reads it can relate. Our culture demands that good looks equal success. Being beautiful is the key to survival, happiness, and prosperity. Here then is the problem. Along with being spoiled rotten, we are a culture of superficial Barbie dolls. If we have money and a pretty face we can conquer the world. What happens if we’re lacking one or both of these things? Are we destined for failure or even death? Is this truly the message we wish to send to our impressionable young women?

Katniss undergoes a beautification ritual that is both painful and alarming. We see the slow transition from shock and discomfort to gradual acceptance and appreciation for the change in her appearance. Her prep team has made her to believe that not only is her natural self not good enough, her newly remade self will earn her approval among the masses and ultimately her survival. She recognizes that what they are and who they represent is despicable but it’s hard to hate them. They are, after all trying their best to keep her alive. Much like the beauty products that are peddled to us everywhere, it’s hard to have much disdain for them. They are the ones helping us thrive and survive in a culture overrun with beauty queens and Ken dolls. The question begs an answer- is it possible to survive on brains alone?

Collins breaks open another character in Cinna. He is clearly different than the other people on Katniss’s prep team, making it difficult for her to decide if he’s safe or not. He seems like the most normal of the bunch but that could be dangerous. Is he quiet chaos or subdued normalcy?

Things I pondered-

• Clearly, looks are a big part of this whole production. One cannot compete in the Hunger Games without looking his or her best. The irony is that once they are in the arena it won’t matter much anyway. Will it?
• Katniss makes the statement- “For the first time I feel a flicker of hope rising up in me.” She realizes that her beauty makes her desirable and capable of winning sponsors. She might actually have a shot at winning. How will this affect the other tributes? Does being beautiful truly make life easier?
• Peeta is a sweetheart. Is anyone else getting tired of Katniss hating on the poor guy?

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this whole beauty issue. What do you think? Check back with us next week when we get deeper in the story with chapter 6. Happy Hunger Games!