Competition Quotes in The Hunger Games

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

Quote #4

The Gamemakers appeared early on the first day. Twenty or so men and women dressed in deep purple robes. They sit in the elevated stands that surround the gymnasium, sometimes wandering about to watch us, jotting down notes, other times eating at the endless banquet that has been set for them, ignoring the lot of us. But they do seem to be keeping their eye on the District 12 tributes. Several times I've looked up to find one fixated on me. (7.66)

The Gamemakers are the ones in control of the competition. They seem though to be pretty disinterested in the whole thing. Why do you think they are so passionless about the whole thing? Why is Katniss of particular interest to them?

Quote #5

Since the training isn't open to viewers, the Gamemakers announce a score for each player. It gives the audience a starting place for the betting that will continue throughout the Games. The number, which is between one and twelve, one being irredeemably bad and twelve being unattainably high, signifies the promise of the tribute. The mark is not a guarantee of which person will win. It's only an indication of the potential tribute show in training. (8.4)

As we learn in this passage, people place bets on the survival of the tributes. The gambling reinforces the idea that the death of the tributes is entertainment.

Quote #6

The roar of the crowd is deafening. Peeta has absolutely wiped the rest of us off the map with his declaration of love for me. (10.8)

In the Hunger Games, it's not just strength or skill that will win the competition. How does Peeta's presentation of himself as a tragic lover give him an edge?