The Hunger Games Chapter 2 Quotes

The Hunger Games Chapter 2 Quotes

How we cite the quotes:
Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote 1

The something unexpected happens. At least, I don’t expect it because I don’t think of District 12 as a place that cares about me. But a shift has occurred since I stepped up to take Prim’s place, and now it seems I have become someone precious. At first one, then another, then almost every member of the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to me. It is an old and rarely used gesture of our district, occasionally seen at funerals. It means thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love. (2.17)

It’s clear that the government has brute force on their side, but the people of District 12 show that they have their own kind of power. Their three-finger gesture makes Katniss feel special and loved and human. Why is that so important?

Quote 2

Then something unexpected happens. At least, I don’t expect it because I don’t think of District 12 as a place that cares about me. But a shift has occurred since I stepped up to take Prim’s place, and now it seems I have become someone precious. At first one, then another, then almost every member of the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to me. It is an old and rarely used gesture of our district, occasionally seen at funerals. I means thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love. (2.17)

By making a huge personal sacrifice, and taking her sister’s place, Katniss has changed the way her community sees her. They give her respect, admiration, and love for the choice she has made.

Quote 3

To this day, I can never shake the connection between this boy, Peeta Mellark, and the bread that gave me hope, and the dandelion that reminded me that I was not doomed. And more than once, I have turned in the school hallway and caught his eyes trained on me, only to quickly flit away. (2.48)

The connection between Peeta and Katniss is based on a sacrifice that he made for her – bringing her a loaf of bread when her family was starving. But does that mean Katniss loves Peeta? How does she feel about him?