Examples of Theme:

1. One example of love in the novel is when Katniss volunteers so that Prim will not be put into the games. Collins writes, "I reach [Prim] just as she is about to mount the stage. I reach her just as she is about to mount the steps. With one sweep of my arm, I push her behind me. 'I volunteer!' I gasp, 'I volunteer as tribute!'" (22).

2. Another example of love in the novel is when Katniss assists Rue during the games. After realizing that she needs to go on the offensive, Katniss partners with Rue, the young girl who reminds Katniss of her sister. They come up with the idea to set traps for the Careers and destroy all the food. Katniss shows she cares for Rue when she gives her the mockingjay pin. Collins writes, "Here, you take it. It has more meaning for you than me" (212). 

3. A final example of love is when Katniss is willing to eat the berries in order to save herself and Peeta at the end of the novel. Because she loves Peeta and wants to protect him and also wants to mess up the games, Katniss suggests eating the Nightlock. Collins writes, "'Trust me,' I whisper. He holds my gaze for a long moment then lets me go. I loosen the top of the pouch and pour a few spoonfuls of berries into his palm. Then I fill my own. 'On the count of three?'" (344).

Conflict:

Character vs. Society

Throughout the novel The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins portrays a dismantled society, corrupted by an authoritative government who punishes the "rebels." While the Capitol thrives in resources and wealth, the Districts surrounding them work to provide the means for the rest of Panem. Because of a history of war, the Capitol has created a form of punishment of the Districts, the Hunger Games. These games reinforce the power structure dynamics, helping the Capitol to maintain its authority over the residing Districts. In this novel, Collins shows her protagonist, Katniss Everdeen resisting the Capitol's power through her tension with the President of Panem, Cornelius Snow. When Katniss volunteers to compete in the games, she uses her survival skills to fight back against the Districts' favorite tributes, the Careers. As she continues to survive while the Careers perish, she becomes beloved by the District and Capitol members alike. President Snow sees the danger of this favor; he allows the gamemaker to change the ending of the Games (again) making it impossible for Katniss and Peeta to both win. Katniss subverts this power dictated from society by appearing to eat poisonous berries. In this way, Katniss wins against Snow, forcing the gamemaker to have to allow for multiple winners. Katniss spends the entire novel battling conflict against the Capitol society; at the end of this novel, she appears to have beaten the system (for now).