Emulation of Collins

Suzanne Collins uses setting to enhance her stories, specifically in “The Hunger Games” series. She creates a dystopian world called Panem which is divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each of the districts have their own distinct characteristics that make them each unique. Collins uses the contrasting setting of the Capitol and the districts to show the difference between the social statuses. Collins also uses the setting of the Hunger Games arena to heightened the tensions and the stakes. Each arena is designed with its own challenges and dangers, forcing the tributes to learn to adapt and survive within the unpredictable environments. This not only creates suspense, but also highlights the control of the Capitol.

Suzzanne Collins weaves plot elements to narrate “The Hunger Games” series. The story revolves around Katniss Everdeen, who is forced to fight for survival in a deadly competition. This plotline raises questions about humanity and the nature of power. Throughout the Series, Collins uses the concepts of rebellion, then Katniss becomes the face of the rebellion, by symbolizing a mockingjay. The plot also adds much suspense, with unexpected twists throughout, making it unpredictable and engaging for the reader.

The word choice and tone used by Suzanne Collins adds intensity to the hunger games. Whether it's within the games or within the description of the settings, her word choice adds depth. The tone she uses also shifts to match the pace and tension the characters experience. She uses tone shift when Katniss volunteers to take Prim's place in the reaping. The shift in tone was able to show the intensity of the moment and the fear that came along.

They told us the war would end last fall, but here I walk, as the air still smells of burning buildings, the skies still filled with smoke. The war didn’t end. The war will never end. It just got quieter.

 I walk through the ash filled fields, by boots crunching from the leaves below. Bodies scattered. I walk alone, my rifle in hand, ready for any threats. We are not supposed to patrol alone, but I have yet to see a fellow in two days since the drone strike in Diamond. Over my comms, there are cries of help. Calling out to fellow soldiers, then a few moments later it gets quiet. People are dying, and there's nothing to do.

 My name is Brian. I was fourteen when the war started, now I will be eighteen in four days. Nothing is the same. Trees don't grow anymore, the sun shines more dull, fog limits my view of the horizon, all this used to be different. We fight for who's left, but there are so few. I have changed. I’ve experienced death, loss, and pain. Things I never thought I’d have to endure. I continue through the field, coming up to a patch of trees. A gust of wind, and a voice, calling out. 

“Hello…Hello…I don’t mean any harm,” I stop and turn to my left. A young boy, maybe twelve, walks towards me. 

“Are you coming from the shelter?” I ask. He nods. I examine the boy, then I see it, the enemy flag. I immediately raise my gun. 

“Please, NO!” the boy yells in fear. I have seen young children used as bait for explosives all war. I will not let my guard down. 

“It’s just food, I promise.” I aim my gun. They told us to kill any member of the enemy side on sight. I want to do what’s right, but I do what's necessary. I fire, but not at the boy, the drone above. When my eyes go back to the boy, he is gone. 

I am alone again. I continue my journey. Praying I find a fellow soldier.

The setting is a dark broken world that is still recovering from a long war. The sky is full of smoke, the ground is covered in ash, and nothing feels alive anymore. I used this because Suzanne Collins writes about destroyed places within the hunger games. Similar to in district 13 after the bombings, she uses illustrating word choice. I also utilize the setting to show the characters trauma and loss, similar to how Collins does for Katniss.

Just like in Collins’ books, the story focuses on survival, hard choices, and how war affects people. Brian is similar to Katniss, on how he is young and forced to make many life or death decisions. I used Brian making the decision after seeing the enemy flag to relate to how Collins often shows characters struggling to make decisions. The conflict Brian experienced between morally right and what's necessary, is the conflict that drives a lot of the plot in Collins books.

The tone is serious and sad, like someone who's been through a lot. I used short sentences and simple but strong words like “ash”, “alone”, and “fog”, to make it feel more real. I was inspired to do this based on Suzanne Collins writing, where she talks about how Katniss Everdeen is tired and worn out after everything she’s been through. I wanted to describe Brian in that way.