Characters

Throughout the novel, Katniss displays various character traits. One character trait of Katniss is that she is determined. Towards the beginning of the novel, when Katniss is preparing for the games, she is allowed to demonstrate her survival skills a panel of the Capital Gamemakers. On pages 101-102, Katniss says, "Suddenly, I am furious, that with my life on the line, they don't even pay attention to me...Without thinking, I pull an arrow from my quiver and send it straight at the gamemaker's table." Katniss refuses to be forgotten by the people in charge, and in this moment, she demonstrates how determined she is to be seen as a threat for this competition.

In another instance, Katniss portrays herself as compassionate. During the events of the hunger games, Katniss finds herself working with another tribute, Rue. Rue is a young girl, who Katniss feels drawn to because of her resemblance to her own sister, Prim. After conducting a plan to sabotage the stronger tributes, Rue gets injured. Katniss runs to her, hoping to help. Rue says, "Don't go." tightening her grip on [Katniss's] hand. Katniss responds, "Course not. Staying right here." Katniss continues, "I move in closer to her, pulling her head onto my lap. I gently brush the dark, thick hair behind her ear" (Collins 234). In this moment, Katniss is caring for Rue, making an effort to make her feel calm and comfortable even though Rue has a deadly injury. By staying and holding her, Katniss shows a level of compassion for Rue.

Finally, Katniss demonstrates a strong intelligence throughout this novel. Towards the end of the games, Katniss finds out that the Gamemakers will allow two victors to win if they are in the same district. Realizing this means she can keep Peeta alive, she goes looking for him. When she finds him, he is severely injured. Katniss realizes that if she is going to help him, she will have to act like she is in love. She says, "If I want to keep Peeta alive, I've got to give the audience something more to care about. Star-crossed lovers desperate to get home together" (261). This epiphany about how she can accumulate more resources and help Peeta reveals her intelligence. She is smart enough to realize the power she has through her relationship with Peeta.

A character trait that President Snow embodies throughout the book is that he is untrustworthy. At the end of the novel, when Katniss and Peeta have both emerged as victors of the Games, Snow leads the Capitol members in a celebratory crowning of the winners. Katniss sees Snow with one crown, and she is initially confused. Then, Snow reveals the crown is split in half. She says, "He’s still smiling when he settles the second on my head, but his eyes, just inches from mine, are as unforgiving as a snake’s" (364). Katniss describes Snow's eyes as snakes, comparing him to an animal typically associated with fear and betrayal. In this simile, the reader sees that Snow cannot be trusted; even as he is awarding Katniss, she does not trust him.

Along with being untrustworthy, President Snow also demonstrates that he is intimidating. After Katniss and Peeta have won the games, Snow hosts the victory party. He gives them two pieces of the crown, and then he continues to meander around the party. Katniss says,  "Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of Haymitch, which is reassuring, or President Snow, which is terrifying..." (365). Contrasting each others' presence, Haymitch and Snow cause Katniss to react differently. When she sees Haymitch, she is encouraged and feels at ease; however, when she sees President Snow, she is afraid and intimidated. Snow's power and authority over Panem makes him a "terrifying" individual, who Katniss must be cautious around.

Finally, the antagonist, President Snow presents himself as vengeful throughout the book. When Katniss and Peeta win the games, Katniss is immediately afraid of retribution. This is because she knows Snow's character is not one that easily forgives. While giving exit-interviews with Caesar Flickerman, Katniss reveals her inner monologue to the reader. Caesar mentions that Katniss is so popular that she cannot say anything "wrong;" however, Katniss feels differently, saying to herself, "But actually, President Snow may be arranging some sort of 'accident' for me as we speak" (366). Katniss is aware that Snow was not happy with how she managed to manipulate the games into allowing both her and Peeta to win. Consequently, she is anticipating feeling the consequences of her actions. She believes President Snow will get his revenge on her, which displays his evil nature.