The Capitol: Their Own Worst Enemy

The Capitol thought that by creating The Hunger Games, they were doing themselves a favor. Turns out, it was the exact opposite. Understanding their ways actually can be beneficial to someone who is against them. Katniss has proven this “by becoming adept at interpreting and using information and the media, Katniss not only survives, but also outwits the Gamemakers, undermines the power of the Capitol, and sparks a revolution” (Latham 34).

In The Hunger Games, the children do go to school, but what they learn about the history of their world and the information about its current state are, indeed, limited. “It seems unlikely that a Capitol-sanctioned curriculum would emphasize the development of information and media literacies, skills often associated with democracy and empowerment” (Latham 36). The Capitol ensures that it does not come right out and say how it functions, but “in Panem, as in all totalitarian societies, the government’s survival depends not only on its ability to impose punishment and enforce discipline, but also on its ability to manipulate media and control the flow of information” (Latham 35). Watching the Games is mandatory, and, by doing so, the viewers single out hints on how the Capitol runs. The Capitol believes no one can pick up on these mechanics because they do not outright profess them. That would, of course, be foolish—but, then again, so is teaching your restless citizens how to fight to the death. 

Katniss “develops knowledge and skills as a result of her preparation for and participation in the Games themselves“(Latham 36). There is training right before the actual Hunger Games so the Tributes stand a better chance at surviving for as long as possible. This is provided by the Capitol. Smooth. Not to mention the fact that Katniss certainly had an advantage going into this setting because of her skills as a hunter that she learned because the Capitol’s treatment of his District called for desperate measures (Latham 36).

Source: sailormoonnews.com

Source:

Latham, D., & Hollister, J. (2014). The Games People Play: Information and Media Literacies in the Hunger Games Trilogy. Children's Literature In Education, 45(1), 33-46. Retrieved from http://navigator-clarion.passhe.edu/loginurl=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=94081212&site=ehost-live&scope=site