The Hunger Games

           The Hunger Games definitely contains the characteristics of a postmodern novel. In Panem, or the futuristic North America, the citizens dress so strangely that pop culture and parody combine. Through District 11, or the harvesting district, black culture emerges, bringing forth awareness of pluralism and multiculturalism. The most prominent postmodern aspect of The Hunger Games, though, is that it questions authority.

            When Katniss first views the Capitol, a rich luxurious city much different from her poor coal mining district, she expresses her opinion of the buildings and the people. “If anything, they have not quite captured the magnificence of the glistening buildings in a rainbow of hues that tower into the air, the oddly dressed people with bizarre hair and painted faces who have never missed a meal.” (59) Collins seems to be commenting on the huge gap between the rich and the poor through the outlandish style on the rich’s part.

            Soon after viewing the city, Katniss meets Rue, a dark skinned girl from District 11, the farming and harvesting district. Rue explains to Katniss that she knows the edible berries from the poisonous ones because she works in the fields at home. “‘Don’t you have to be in school?’ I ask. ‘Not during harvest. Everyone works then,’ says Rue.” (203) The farming culture of the agriculturists has been introduced, but because Rue is black, her race plays a role in the black culture existing in District 11. “We sing at home. At work too.” –Rue (211) Just as blacks were allowed to sing in the fields of North America, so the songs carry over into Panem.

            Because Rue and Katniss become very close during the Games, Rue’s death infuriates Katniss, and her fury is not directed towards her killer alone. Katniss feels enraged toward the Gamemakers. “I want to do something, right here, right now, to shame them, to make them accountable, to show the Capitol that whatever they do or force us to do there is a part of every tribute they can’t own.” (236-237) Through an act of defiance, Katniss covers Rue’s body in wildflowers, thereby showing the Gamemakers that Rue’s death was separate from the Games.

These acts and many more scare the Capitol, but the Capitol still controls the people. Maybe, though, just maybe, Katniss will be able to bring them down with the help of revolting districts in this postmodern series.