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?
Quote 4
Haymitch couldn't be sending me a clearer message. One kiss equals one pot of broth. I can almost hear his snarl. "You're supposed to be in love, sweetheart. The boy's dying. Give me something I can work with!"
And he's right. If I want to keep Peeta alive, I've got to give the audience something more to care about. Star-crossed lovers desperate to get home together. Two hearts beating as one. Romance. (19.92-93)
Katniss discovers that by playing up the tragic "love" angle she may just be able to win the Games. We can also see here that Katniss really doesn't have much of a choice: if she wants food and supplies, she's going to have to smooch Peeta. Repeatedly.
Quote 5
"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)
The Games might be over, but pretending to be love turns out to be the only defense Katniss will have against the Capitol.
Quote 6
"I'm trying to figure out what to do with you," he says. "How we're going to present you. Are you going to be charming? Aloof? Fierce? So far, you're shining like a star. You volunteered to save your sister. Cinna made you look unforgettable. You've got the top training score. People are intrigued, but no one knows who you are. The impression you make tomorrow will decide exactly what I can get you in terms of sponsors," says Haymitch. (9.14)
Haymitch is someone who realizes the importance of a public persona. As he coaches Katniss for her interview, though, he can't decide how to market her to the public. What would you tell Katniss?
Quote 7
"He made you look desirable! And let's face it, you can use all the help you can get in that department. You were about as romantic as dirt until he said he wanted you. Now they all do. You're all they're talking about. The star-crossed lovers from District Twelve!" says Haymitch. (10.22)
Peeta confessed his crush on Katniss during his interview. Why is it so beneficial for Katniss to appear to be desired?
Quote 8
"Whose idea was the hand holding?" asks Haymitch.
"Cinna's," says Portia.
"Just the perfect touch of rebellion," says Haymitch. (6.32-34)
The tributes' gesture is read as a symbol of protest. Is it also about getting the attention from the audience?