Mockingjay Chapter 22 Quotes
How we cite the quotes:
(Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote 1
However, the true atrocities, the most frightening, incorporate a perverse psychological twist designed to terrify the victim. […] The smell of Snow's roses mixed with the victims' blood. Carried across the sewer. Cutting through even this foulness. Making my heart run wild, my skin turn to ice, my lungs unable to suck air. It's as if Snow's breathing right in my face, telling me it's time to die. (22.46)
What kind of war are Katniss and the others fighting, when their opponents are so cruel and inhumane? The kinds of "atrocities" they face are stunning. In their context, it's a little more understandable how someone like Gale could be pushed into devising inhumane traps himself.
Quote 2
And here I am again. With people dying because of me. Friends, allies, complete strangers, losing their lives for the Mockingjay. "Let me go on alone. Lead them off. I'll transfer the Holo to Jackson. The rest of you can finish the mission." (22.18)
Here, Katniss tries to sacrifice herself and the others won't let her. She wants the rest of her group to split off from her, since she's the real target – that way they might be able to live. But the rest of the team won't leave her, staying as a unit to attempt to "finish the mission."
"Wait! Where are Jackson and Leeg 1?"
"They stayed at the Grinder to hold the mutts back," says Homes.
"What?" I'm lunging back for the bridge, willing to leave no one to those monsters, when he yanks me back.
"Don't waste their lives, Katniss. It's too late for them. Look!" (22.38-41)
Throughout the book, characters are forced to make some major sacrifices. But they also make these sacrifices willingly. Sometimes no one notices what they've done. Here, Homes encourages Katniss to move away from grieving over them and make their sacrifices worthwhile by saving herself. Ironically, soon after this Homes will be sacrificed too; by the end of the chapter, he won't make it above ground alive.
Quote 4
Far below, I can just make out Finnick, struggling to hang on as three mutts tear at him. As one yanks back his head to take the death bite, something bizarre happens. It's as if I'm Finnick, watching images of my life flash by. The mast of a boat, a silver parachute, Mags laughing, a pink sky, Beetee's trident, Annie in her wedding dress, waves breaking over rocks. Then it's over. (22.52)
This is such a sad moment. Finnick made it through <em>two</em> Games only to be torn apart by mutts. At least he had the happiness of being married to Annie and getting to live with her for a few days. Now it's all gone. And Katniss can only watch in disbelief as her dear friend slips away.