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Contents
Part 1 - p.6
Part 2 - p.15
Part 3 - p.24
Part 4 - p.33
Part 5 - p.43
Essay - p.52
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Story Context
Synopsis
The Hunger Games is the first book of a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins. The
novel was published in 2008 and immediately received critical acclaim and rose to the top
spot on the New York Times Bestseller List. Today, the books have been translated into fifty
languages and its movie adaptations have grossed over a billion dollars at the box office. The
trilogy has become a worldwide phenomenon.
The book follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who
volunteers to take the spot of her sister, Prim, when Prim's name is chosen at the reaping. In
an instant, Katniss’ life has changed forever. She is immediately taken to the Capitol where
she undergoes training and a makeover before being forced into the arena of the seventy-
fourth annual Hunger Games.
Author
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Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has
worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit
Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she
penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little Bear and Oswald. She also co-wrote
the critically acclaimed Rankin/Bass Christmas special, Santa, Baby! Most recently she was
the Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s
Puppy Days.
She currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they
adopted from their backyard. The books she is most successful for in teenage eyes are The
Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. These books have won several awards,
including the GA Peach Award.
Key Concepts
Corruption and Inequality
Many people in the districts of Panem live in squalor, while the people of the Capitol
enjoy highly luxurious lives. Corruption and inequality seem to be present in every human
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society in recorded history. Though some forms of government have been devised and
practiced with the goal of achieving a society free of corruption and inequality, the vision
has never been realized.
Do you believe it is possible to form a society free of corruption and inequality? Why or
why not?
How does the society you live in compare to other societies in terms of corruption and
inequality?
Is there anything you think could be done to increase equality and/or decrease corruption
in your society?
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A utopia is an imagined perfect society where the quality of life is ideal. Discuss your
Can you name any modern-day utopias? If so, what makes them utopian?
Is it even possible for a true utopia to exist? Why or why not?
If you could form your own utopian society:
o Would everyone be equal? In what ways would people be equal and/or unequal?
o Who would decide what is best for society?
o What rules would exist?
o How would these rules be enforced?
o What measures would be taken to prevent corruption?
A dystopia is an imagined corrupt society where people are unhappy and treated unfairly.
Discuss your answers to the questions below.
Can you think of any modern-day dystopias? What makes them dystopian?
Is it possible for someone’s utopia to be someone else’s dystopia?
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Part 1 (pg. 3-72)
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many things. She would be a very different person if she had grown up in a wealthy family. Use
the chart below to list the positives and negatives for each scenario.
Poverty Wealth
Advantage Advantage
Disadvantage Disadvantage
Key Vocabulary
Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
an effort to change a person or group in
5 rebellion noun
authority
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a fixed amount of something that is
7 rations noun
allowed to a person
8 verve noun great enthusiasm or spirit
8 apothecary noun a person who prepares and sells medicine
13 eligible adjective being qualified to do something
13 opt verb to make a choice
15 anguish noun extreme suffering and pain
17 claustrophobic adjective a fear of being trapped in a small space
18 encroaching verb to go beyond the limits of something
19 humiliate verb to make someone feel unintelligent
19 paunchy adjective having a large amount of belly fat
19 fend off phrasal verb to prevent something from happening
22 protocol noun a standard procedure for something
24 dissent noun to have a different opinion of something
to approve of something that is considered
24 condone verb
to be wrong
to collect items by searching through
29 scavenged verb
waste
35 pact noun an agreement
insurmountable
36 adjective impossible to defeat
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67 chariot noun a two-wheeled horse drawn vehicle
68 gritted verb to press or grind together
68 pressingly adverb requiring urgent attention
71 flourish verb to grow healthily
the time when a radio or TV program is
71 airtime noun
playing
72 engulf verb to cover or surround completely
1. The plants will ___________________ with enough water in the right environment.
4. My school doesn’t ___________________ violence and expelled the two boys for fighting.
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eligible pact verve encased
flamboyant paunchy apothecary engulf
5. _________________________ : agreement
8. _________________________ : cover
1. T / F The miners weren’t going to work in the morning because of the reaping.
3. T / F Katniss felt like she owed Peeta something, and she hated that feeling.
4. T / F Haymitch seemed impressed when Katniss drove her knife into the table.
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______________________________________________________________________________
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4. Why was Katniss so shocked when Prim’s name was chosen in the reaping?
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5. What did Madge give to Katniss before she left for the capitol?
______________________________________________________________________________
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6. How are the people who live in the capitol different from those who live in the districts?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7. What are each district’s costumes supposed to represent? What do Katniss and Peeta’s costumes
represent?
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______________________________________________________________________________
8. What did the crowd think of Katniss and Peeta’s costumes? Why?
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______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think it was wise of Katniss to form an alliance with Gale? What are the benefits and
drawbacks of their pact to hunt for food together?
2. How do you think the death of Katniss’s father and the responsibility it placed on her affect
her character? How did it affect her relationship with her mother?
3. Would you feel the same way towards your mother if you were in Katniss’s position? Is her
anger justified? Is there a better way that should could handle her feelings?
4. How do you think Katniss feels suddenly being thrust into a wealthy society with extravagant
technologies, clothes, and meals? Do you think Peeta feels the same?
5. Why do you think Katniss and Peeta were instructed to hold hands during the opening
ceremony?
Reflection Question
The new challenges Katniss faced after her father died had a profound effect on her
character. What is the greatest challenge you’ve face in your life so far? What did you
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Wrap-up Part 1(p. 3-72)
Graphic Organizer
Fill in the chart below with what you believe to be the sequence of the four most important
events in Section One.
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Part 2 (pg. 73-147)
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Warm-up Part 2(p. 73-147)
Guilt
In this part, Katniss runs into a girl from her past. She harbors strong feelings of guilt around
these memories. Most people regard “negative” emotions to be just that – negative and nothing
more. While not every human emotion is pleasant, every single one serves some kind of purpose.
Use the chart below to explore the nature of guilt and how it has served you in the past.
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Key Vocabulary
Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
to accompany someone somewhere to make sure
73 chaperoned verb
they behave properly
a person or a group that is against something or
79 adversaries noun
someone; enemy
80 maimed adjective a serious injury or disfigurement of the body
86 emaciated adjective thin and weak caused by starvation or disease
92 amiable adjective friendly
93 demean verb to lower in respect and dignity
96 mediocre adjective of average or low quality
99 sanity noun having a healthy mind
to take attention away from someone or
101 upstaged verb
something
103 impulsiveness noun doing things without any forethought or planning
104 irredeemably adverb not redeemable; not being able to be helped
107 guffaws noun a loud energetic laugh
109 pungent adjective a strong taste or smell
114 pretence noun pretending that something is true
125 provocative adjective creating a powerful reaction
125 longevity noun one’s lifespan; endurance
126 banter noun a quick and clever conversation; friendly joking
an interesting or funny story about a past
130 anecdote noun
experience
134 aghast adjective shocked with amazement or fear
to pretend that you will do something or that you
136 bluff noun
have something
dark shape or outline of something visible
140 silhouette noun
against a lighter background
143 catacombs noun a complex set of underground tunnels
a medical device used to inject or withdraw
143 syringe noun
fluids from the body
146 gnawing verb to steadily chew on something
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While Reading Part 2(p. 73-147)
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1. The room hadn’t been cleaned in months, and was filled with a terribly
__________________ smell.
2. There were a lot of jokes and ______________________ among the group of friends. They
6. _________________________ : ally
7. _________________________ : bland
8. _________________________ : madness
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3. T / F Katniss shot an arrow at the head of one of the Gamemakers.
4. T / F Haymitch got angry with Katniss for her performance with the Gamemakers.
1. What is an Avox?
______________________________________________________________________________
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4. Why did Haymitch tell Katniss and Peeta not to show their strengths in training?
______________________________________________________________________________
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6. What scores did Peeta and Katniss earn during their sessions with the Gamemakers?
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______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7. What advice did Cinna give to Katniss for her interview with Caesar?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
8. What does Peeta reveal during his interview with Caesar? Why does Haymitch say this was a
good thing?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think both Peeta and Katniss were reluctant to admit their strengths to
Haymitch?
2. Why do you think the Gamemakers decided not to punish Katniss? Was this the outcome you
expected? Why or why not?
3. Why do you think Peeta decided to train alone? Do you think this was a wise decision?
4. Do you think Peeta’s confession during his interview with Caesar was genuine? Why or why
not?
5. Do you agree with the advice that Haymitch gave Katniss for the start of the Hunger Games?
Why did he give this advice? Would you listen to this advice if you were Katniss? Why or
why not?
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Reflection Question
Katniss harbors strong feelings of guilt from her memory of her first encounter with the red-
haired Avox girl. She is tormented by thoughts of what she should have and could have done.
What is something that you’ve done that made you feel overwhelmingly guilty? How could you
have acted differently to prevent yourself from feeling this way? What did you do to deal with
the guilt? Is there anything you can think of that Katniss could do to relieve herself of her guilt?
Graphic Organizer
Use the chart below to explain Katniss’s relationships with the other characters of the book.
Gale Prim
Katniss
Peeta Haymitch
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Part 3 (pg. 148-207)
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Warm-up Part 3(p. 148-207)
Reality TV
Suzanne Collins has said that the idea of the Hunger Games was largely drawn from modern
society’s obsession with reality TV. While there are certainly some extreme differences between
the two, there are powerful similarities. Use the chart below to compare and contrast the two.
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Why do you think reality TV is so popular in today’s society?
While Reading Part 3(p. 148-207)
Key Vocabulary
Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
149 bounty noun prize, reward
151 botched verb to do something badly
152 rejuvenating adjective to give new energy to something
knowing what will happen or what will be
161 foresight noun
needed in the future
164 perplexed adjective to be very confused
164 imprudent adjective not prudent; lacking good judgment
165 dissecting verb to study something carefully
172 apace adverb quickly
173 searing adjective very hot or powerful
181 consolation noun comfort after a loss or defeat
182 incompetent adjective not having enough skill or knowledge
183 bravado noun bold or confident acts to impress someone
experiencing something that is not actually
185 hallucination noun
happening
187 precariously adverb a dangerous position
187 groggy adjective in an unclear state due to tiredness
189 fatigue noun very tired
190 woozy adjective feeling a little sick or dizzy
191 befuddled adjective unable to think clearly
195 onslaught noun an attack causing a lot of damage (to people
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or things)
195 wracked adjective great stress
195 feeble adjective weak; frail
196 pervades verb to be in every part of something
197 coexist verb to live at the same time
197 noxious adjective poisonous or harmful
the expected amount of work to be
203 quota noun
completed
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While Reading Part 3(p. 148-207)
1. The math lesson was too hard and left the students ______________________.
_____________________.
4. The man was very ______________________ after waking up from surgery. It took him
5. _________________________ : exhaustion
6. _________________________ : confusion
7. _________________________ : frail
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While Reading Part 3(p. 148-207)
1. What would happen to a tribute if they moved from their base before the Hunger Games
officially started?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What did Katniss find in the bag she got from the cornucopia?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. How are the tributes notified that someone has died in the arena?
______________________________________________________________________________
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4. Who started the fire in the forest? Why?
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Discussion Questions
1. What do you think Peeta meant when he said, “I keep wishing I could think of a way to … to
show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I am more than just a piece in their Games”?
2. Do you think it was smart of Katniss to disobey Haymitch’s order and go for the orange
backpack in the cornucopia? Would you have acted differently? Why or why not?
4. Do you think it was a good idea for Katniss to team up with Rue? What benefits and
5. How is Rue’s district different from Katniss’s? How are they similar?
Reflection Question
In this part, Katniss defied Haymitch’s order to flee the cornucopia and seek out water.
Have you ever disobeyed an order from your parents or an authority figure? Why do you think
they gave you the order they did? How did your decision work out? Would you act differently if
Graphic Organizer
Fill in the chart below with some of Katniss’s character qualities, how they benefit her, and one
example from the novel.
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Quality 1 Quality 2 Quality 3
Benefits
Examples
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Part 4 (pg. 208-277)
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Before Reading
Katniss has obviously been through many challenging experiences in her past and faces many
more in the Hunger Games. What are some of the most challenging situations you’ve faced in
your life? What was challenging about each situation? How did you overcome these challenges?
Challenge
Challenge
Challenge
While Reading Part 4(p. 208-277)
Key Vocabulary
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Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
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feeling of an incorrect perception of
208 misgivings noun
someone
209 drowsiness noun very sleepy
212 poised adjective to be mentally prepared to do something
213 rendezvous noun a meeting
214 proximity noun a close distance or a short amount of time
215 domineering adjective controlling the behavior of others
218 wily adjective extremely clever
218 dexterity noun the ability to act and move skillfully
220 meticulous adjective very carefully and accurately
222 acrid adjective harsh and irritating
223 tentatively adverb slow and uncertainly
to move fast in an uncontrolled and
223 barreling verb
dangerous way
224 tantrum noun a strong emotional outburst
228 invigorating adjective giving energy to; refreshing
unequal; one side is higher, bigger or better
229 lopsided adjective
than the other
put in different places amongst other
231 interspersed verb
things; distributed
237 wreathing verb to surround
238 despondency noun being without hope or courage
240 lethargy noun a slow, tired and uninterested behavior
243 aftermath noun the results after an unpleasant event
247 pariah noun outcast; someone who is hated by society
247 jeopardize verb to put in a dangerous situation
249 scrupulously adverb concentrated on doing something perfectly
249 incapacitated adjective unable to function normally
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253 levity noun a funny or upbeat quality
256 inflamed adjective to become large and red from injury
to become worse; to develop a disease
256 festering adjective
caused by germs
to make someone do something in a
262 coaxing verb
friendly and persistent way
269 yearling noun an animal that is around one year old
269 carcass noun the dead body of an animal
to talk or argue to get (the cost of)
270 haggle verb
something your way
272 giddiness noun feeling happy and playful
275 stalemate noun a situation that cannot advance
276 vial noun a small, round, glass container
278 arduous adjective difficult and demanding
279 forte noun something someone is good at
281 emanating verb to come out from; to give out (something)
getting pleasure from someone else’s pain
287 sadistic adjective
and suffering
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While Reading Part 4(p. 208-277)
2. His jokes and good humor added some much-needed ____________________ to the dreary
conversation.
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scrupulously despondency jeopardize pariah
5. _________________________ : hero
1. T / F The Career Tributes left one person to guard the supplies while they checked out
the source of the smoke.
1. How did Rue signal that it was the end of the work day back in her district?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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2. What secret trap did the career tributes set up around the mass of supplies? Who helped them to
do this?
______________________________________________________________________________
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7. How did Katniss get a good deal when buying the pet goat for Prim?
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Wrap-up Part 4(p. 208-277)
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think Katniss grew so fond of Rue? Do you think Rue reminds her of anyone?
2. Do you think Katniss’s plan to destroy the supplies was a good one? Do you think it would
have been better to try to steal some of the supplies first? Why or why not?
3. Why did Katniss cover Rue’s body with flowers? Do you think it had the intended effect?
4. Why do you think the Gamemakers decided to change the rules and allow two winners?
5. How do you think Peeta will react to Katniss drugging him? How would you feel if you were
him?
Reflection Question
Katniss has felt indebted to Peeta ever since he gave her bread when she was younger and
starving. Have you ever felt indebted to anyone? Why did you feel this way? What did you do to
repay them?
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Wrap-up Part 4(p. 208-277)
Graphic Organizer
Use the chart below to list the sequence of the five most important events of Section Four.
1. 2.
5.
4. 3.
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Part 5 (pg. 278-374)
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Warm-up Part 5(p. 278-374)
Firsts
In this part, Katniss and Peeta recall some of their first memories of each other and the
significance behind these memories. “Firsts,” no matter how small, will always hold a place in
the hearts of those who experience them. Think about some important “firsts” in your life and
then fill in the chart below.
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While Reading Part 5(p. 278-374)
Key Vocabulary
Part of
Page Word English Definition
Speech
290 haggard adjective looking very thin, unwell and untidy
294 plaintively adjective sad and miserable
294 famished adjective extremely hungry
seeming like it will cause something bad to
295 sinister adjective
happen
296 tirade noun a long and angry speech
299 deluge noun a severe flood
299 exorbitant adjective unreasonable or unfair
299 riveting adjective very interesting and captivating
308 peevishly adverb in an irritated way
a break from something that is difficult or
312 respite noun
unpleasant
316 tethered adjective tied to something to prevent movement
329 dissonant adjective not agreeing with something
not being concerned about the wellbeing of
334 callously adverb
others
340 tourniquet noun a bandage used to stop the loss of blood
342 revoked verb taken away
347 sterile adjective completely clean; free of germs
a serious disease in the lungs that makes it
347 pneumonia noun
difficult to breathe
348 antiseptic noun something that kills germs and bacteria
355 benign adjective gentle; kind
358 orchestrated verb to create and plan something
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364 instigator noun the person who started something
365 insidious adjective not in an obvious way, but with harmful results
368 segue verb a change from one thing to another
373 palpable adjective able to be touched physically or felt emotionally
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1. After causing a serious accident, the driver’s license was ____________________ by the
police.
2. The teacher questioned the culprits individually in order to figure out who the
______________________ was.
seemed huge.
6. _________________________ : fascinating
7. _________________________ : disinfected
1. T / F Katniss used the romance between her and Peeta to get Haymitch to send them food.
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2. T / F The winners of the Hunger Games get to move to a new house in the Capitol.
3. T / F Haymitch will be Katniss and Peeta’s neighbor if they win the Hunger Games.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What is different about the kiss Peeta and Katniss share in chapter 22?
______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________
4. Why did Katniss get upset with Peeta when they were hunting?
______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________
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6. Why did Katniss decide to keep some of the nightlock berries? What did she end up using them
for?
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Discussion Questions
1. How do you think Gale feels watching Katniss and Peeta’s burgeoning romance? Do you
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2. How do you think Katniss really feels about Peeta? Do you think the originally fictitious
3. Why do you think the Capitol was so upset with Katniss and Peeta after they won the Hunger
Games? Do you think their actions actually had an impact on the people watching them?
4. Can you empathize with Peeta’s anger towards Katniss in the final chapter of the book? Do
you think that Katniss was wrong to act the way that she did? Why or why not?
Reflection Question
The Hunger Games aren’t entirely fictitious in the sense that societies have organized battle
royals for public entertainment in the past. For example, Romans used to watch gladiators
fight to the death in the Colosseum. What do you think it is about death and suffering that
some people find so entertaining? Even if you don’t necessarily like to watch these kinds of
things and believe they are immoral, what makes it so difficult to look away?
Graphic Organizer
Fill out the chart below using the events of the novel.
CLIMAX
RISING ACTION
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FALLING ACTION
Conflict
EXPOSITION RESOLUTION
PROTAGONIST vs. ANTAGONIST
Setting:
__________ vs __________
Situation / Climate:
THEMES
Characters:
ESSAY
Prompt
How has Katniss’s upbringing molded her personality? Think about the poverty she grew up in,
the loss of her father and the role she had to play in her family after his death. How are these
things manifested in Katniss’s character? How did these characteristics help or hurt her in the
novel?
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Brainstorm
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