Quote 1
“Listen up. You’re in trouble. Word is the Capitol’s furious about you showing them up in the arena. The one thing they can’t stand is being laughed at and they’re the joke of Panem,” says Haymitch.
I feel dread coursing through me now, but I laugh as though Haymitch is saying something completely delightful because nothing is covering my mouth. “So what?”
“Your only defense can be you were so madly in love you weren’t responsible for your actions.” (26.55-57)
Though Katniss won the Hunger Games, the novel ends on an uncertain note. Will Katniss be punished for her rebellion? What will the Capitol do to regain its power?
Quote 2
Haymitch grabs my shoulders and pins me against the wall. “Who cares? It’s all a big show. It’s all how you’re perceived. The most I could say about you after your interview was that you were nice enough, although that in itself was a small miracle. Now I can say you’re a heartbreaker. Oh, oh, oh, how the boys back home fall longingly at your feet. Which do you think will get more sponsors?” (10.39)
Peeta announces to the world that he has a giant crush on Katniss. At first, she’s peeved, but as Haymitch suggests, it’s not so much about what is true, but about what will sell. Notice how Peeta’s crush on her makes her more desirable to others in the audience.
Quote 3
"Remember, they already love you," he says gently. "Just be yourself." (9.68)
Katniss undergoes several prep sessions for her pre-games interview. Haymitch can't decide how to present Katniss to the public, but Cinna tells her just to be herself. Does his advice work? Does being herself help Katniss win the Games?