Admiration Quotes in Catching Fire

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Not only are we in the districts forced to remember the iron grip of the Capitol's power each year, we are forced to celebrate it. And this year, I am one of the stars of the show. I will have to travel from district to district, to stand before the cheering crowds who secretly loathe me, to look down into the faces of the families whose children I have killed. (1.3)

This Capitol values the appearance of admiration rather than admiration itself. The admiration the people show for the "stars of the show," their "cheering," is all false. They don't really admire the winners of the Games; they are "secretly loath[ing]" all of it.

Quote #2

Every person in the crowd presses the three middle fingers of their left hand against their lips and extends them to me. It's our sign from District 12, the last good-bye I gave Rue in the arena.

If I hadn't spoken to President Snow, this gesture might move me to tears. But with his recent orders to calm the districts fresh in my ears, it fills me with dread. What will he think of this very public salute to the girl who defied the Capitol? (4.87-88)

Getting accolades isn't always a positive thing, as Katniss finds out. Here she's being saluted for her bravery and her work in the arena. But to an outside eye, like Snow's, this "salute" is seen as a threat. While Katniss didn't ask for any recognition, it makes her look like she's starting a rebellion, and the realization of this fact "fills [her] with dread."

Quote #3

Bundled against the cold, my face free of makeup, my braid tucked carelessly under my coat, it wouldn't be easy to identify me as the victor of the last Hunger Games. [...] But Haymitch has been showing up on television for years, and he'd be difficult to forget. (8.6)

With status and recognition comes power, even in limited ways. Haymitch trades on his reputation and recognition to intervene in Gale's beating. Because he's "been showing up on television for years," he has authority; he's someone powerful because he's well known. That's enough to protect Gale and Katniss, at least for a little while.