The Hunger Games

“District Twelve. Where you can starve to death in safety.” 

This line from Katniss’s internal dialogue serves several purposes. First, it establishes the setting. Second, it acknowledges the stakes. Third, it provides insight into Katniss’s wry sense of humor. Fourth, it offers the book’s first notable instance of irony, which recurs throughout the story.

“But what good is yelling about the Capitol in the middle of the woods? It doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t make things fair. It doesn’t fill our stomachs. In fact, it scares off the game.”

In addition to providing further exposition regarding the injustice of the Capitol and the risk of death by hunger, Katniss’s circumspection on Gale’s habit offers insight into both characters. Gale is established as a more overtly rebellious individual with a penchant for verbally venting his frustrations. On the other hand, Katniss takes a more pragmatic approach to things—which likely contributes to her survival.

“One slip. One in thousands. The odds had been entirely in her favor. But it hadn’t mattered.” 

Prim’s odds of being reaped were so low that Katniss did not consciously worry about it. Her own selection was much more likely. Katniss’s reflections on Prim’s reaping demonstrate her impotence against the powers of chance and the Capitol. Ultimately, it is Prim’s reaping that serves as the story’s call to adventure.