Hunger Games Chapter 2
Why is the dandelion a symbol of survival for Katniss?
Because dandelions are edible (and actually a good source of nutrition--have the kids research this if they have time) and she could harvest them (and other edible plants) in the Meadow and in the woods in order to survive. (This is explained further in chapter 4)
Why didn't Katniss want Peeta's name called?
Because he's one of the few people in her life that has shown her kindness--and the only one who has for no personal gain. Plus, she never got to thank him, and how can she now when she may have to kill him in order to survive?
(p. 32) What "sign" did Katniss see after her eyes met Peeta's? What did this "sign" symbolize?
Dandelions;They symbolized survival and hope.
What is your impression of Peeta?
He is kind, tender-hearted, nice boy.
(p. 24) Why do the citizens make the "old and rarely used" gesture toward Katniss?
It means thanks, admiration, and good-bye to someone you love. It's often shown at funerals, so they are saying their last goodbye. But it's also a sign of high respect to Katniss.
Why don't the people of District 12 clap when Katniss volunteers?
It's their "boldest form of dissent" against the Capitol--to let every viewer and Capitol citizen know that they do not agree with the reaping or Hunger Games; that they are wrong and NOT something to celebrate.
Who volunteers for Primrose?
Katniss Everdeen, Prim's older sister, volunteers for her.
Describe what life was like for Katniss and her family after her father died.
Katniss had to become the head of the family because her mom slipped into a deep depression and couldn't take care of them. Katniss had to figure out ways to feed the family since her mother didn't work. They almost starved to death.
How was Katniss's life saved when she was 11 years old?
Katniss knew she would starve to death, so she was looking for food outside the bakery. Peeta saw her and purposefully burned two loaves of bread and threw them to her, even though it meant taking a beating from his mother. Katniss never had the opportunity to thank him; therefore, how can she thank him now that she has to kill him? He's the one person (besides Madge) in their class who has shown her kindness, and now they will be fighting to the death.
Why couldn't Katniss's mother take care of Katniss or her sister Prim? If they lived somewhere other than the Seam, would things have been different for her mother?
Katniss's mother becomes deeply depressed after her husband's sudden death and cannot take care of her children. She was raised as a market-owner's daughter, so she doesn't have that mental "toughness" that the Seam people have. They have seen more tragedy and have had to deal with it more, which has actually helped them become better survivors (which is ironic, since they are usually the ones who are reaped). If her mother was still a merchant owner, perhaps she would be able to take medicine for her illness and be able to care for her children. But sometimes it doesn't matter where you live or how much money you have--no amount will bring back her husband, the man she so deeply loved, and that sort of grief will remain with her no matter where she lived.
Who is selected as the boy tribute for District 12?
Peeta Mellark is selected as the boy tribute.
How did Peeta ("the boy") help Katniss?
Peeta intentionally burned two loaves of bread (even though it meant getting hit by his mother) and threw them out to Katniss. The bread saved their lives.
How do you feel about the victors of the Hunger Games earning free food for their fellow citizens? What problems might arise?
Since this is essentially rewarding bad behavior (rewarding kids for killing one another), it is going to reinforce the belief that killing is not so bad, and is actually good if you "win." The morals and ethical standards of the people fall as they become more accepting of this unethical treatment of one another. They will no longer value human life, which, in the end, could destroy them all.
How do the district 12 citizens address Katniss when she volunteers for Prim? What does this gesture symbolize? What gestures do we use today that might have similar meanings?
When Katniss volunteers for Prim at the reaping, the citizens of District 12 give her the three-finger to the lips "silent salute." It represents gratitude, respect, goodbye. We have military salutes, two-finger peace sign, blow a kiss, etc.
Would you volunteer for your little sister (or brother, or older sibling, or friend)? Why or why not? What does it tell you about Katniss?
Your answers may vary to first part. It shows that Katniss is not only protective, but willing to die for her sister. She has unconditional love for her. It shows a strong sense of character, of selflessness. She will sacrifice her life for her sister. But would she for her mother? Contrast her relationship with her mom to that of her sister. She is like a mother to Prim, and even like a mother to her own mom. Yet she does not feel that same love for her mom. Instead she feels resentment, a sense of abandonment.
