"The Hunger Games" is a multi-million dollar franchise. It began as three novels by Suzanne Collins, entitled "The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay," and is has now been created into (what will be) four movies.
Katniss, the main character of the trilogy, is young woman who just wanted to save her sister from dying, and ended up creating a revolution against the tyranny-ruling government known as “The Capitol.” The main theme of the books and movies is unarguably war. There is a war occurring in the arena of the Hunger Games, and, as the series progresses, there is a war in their country amongst the government and the people.
One of the main underlying themes that, in my opinion, is not discussed often enough amongst critics and viewers, is the topic of feminism. Katniss, for one, is the main character. The main character of any film is RARELY a woman. On top of having a main female character, "The Hunger Game" also provides the audience with Katniss' personality that does not fall into the typical stereotype that women in film have. Katniss is not catty, unintelligent, emotional or weak. She does not seek out romantic love, nor is she waiting to be rescued. Katniss is strong-willed, stubborn, inquisitive, physically strong, and bad-tempered. She is a natural-born leader and has the courage the face the sly, ruthless government that is “The Capital." Katniss is fearless and independent, not full of hope that someday she will be swept off her feet by a young lad. On top of all that, Katniss is dressed how a character in her environment should be dressed. She’s not rescuing her family and fighting battles with heavy makeup-on and black-corset outfits that show her cleavage. She is dressed rugged, with none of her feminine body parts being heightened to intensify the sexiness of her character.
Not only does "The Hunger Games"contain a strong female main character, but it also contains many strong side characters that help enhance the feminist tone of the books and films. Katniss’s younger sister, Prim, for example, is being trained later on in the series to become a doctor. A DOCTOR. No, Prim isn’t falling into those stereotypical gender roles and becoming a nurse. Prim is an intelligent, caring individual that is in training to become a doctor. Another side character is President Coin. YES, A WOMAN IS A PRESIDENT. Alma Coin is president of District 13 of their country, Panem. She is the main person people listen to and follow orders from. She isn’t a first-lady or assistant to the leader, she is the leader.
"The Hunger Games," while having female characters that don’t pertain to the typical gender roles and stereotypes, also have male characters who don’t follow those roles and stereotypes as well. Author Suzanne Collins knows that women do not necessarily have to be weak and whiny, and men do not have to be strong and unemotional. The main male character of The Hunger Games is Peeta Mellark. Peeta works as a baker for his family’s shop, where he excels in making pastries and decorating cakes, (an occupation normally attributed to women). He is passionately in love with Katniss and shows his emotions to her and tells her how he feels. Another male character in the story is Cinna, Katniss’s fashion designer and stylist (again, not a typical male occupation).
In my opinion, these books and films give the message that anyone, of any gender, does not have to fall into their stereotypical gender roles if they don’t want to. If you want to be like Katniss’ mother and stay at home to raise your children, go for it. She obviously did an incredible job at it since she raised a child that would go on to save the country. If you want to be like Gale, a friend of Katniss, and hunt and do physical labor for your occupation, that is good as well. Whatever you want can suit you. Books and movies such as these are inspirational, not only because they show that you can change things for the better, but also because it shows that you can be whoever you want to be; you can act however you want to act; you can dress however you want to dress. A lesson from "The Hunger Games" is that you can not fall into the stereotypical gender roles, and you can still become someone important and be well-liked.
