1. When Katniss explains that Thresh had let her go because he did not want to owe her anything,
Peeta has a hard time understanding it. Katniss brings up the bread that Peeta had given her on
that day years ago when she and her family had been starving to help him understand. Explain
why some characters (like Katniss and Thresh) feel as though they “owe” someone for kindness,
and others (like Peeta) never expect “payment” for their kindness shown. HINT: Consider their
past and their living conditions at home.
2. As Katniss and Peeta find themselves in desperate need of food, Katniss decides to use the
romance strategy in the hope that Haymitch will send them something to eat. However, a
thought suddenly occurs to her as she flirts with Peeta. What is it, and what might it imply
about her feelings for him? (p297)
3. On page 298 it states, “This is the first kiss that we’re both fully aware of.” What makes this kiss
different? What do you think it means that it is different?
4. What does Peeta reveal about his father in this chapter?
5. Dramatic irony occurs when the reader, or another character in the story, knows more about a
given situation than the protagonist does. What truth has the reader essentially known all along
that Katniss has remained ignorant of? How does she gradually become conscious of the
possibility of this truth after Peeta shares the story of how his crush on Katniss began? (p300301)
1. For the first time, Katniss and Peeta wonder how Haymitch won the Hunger Games. What
conclusion do they come to? How does Katniss come to a better understanding of Haymitch
and the possible reasons for his alcoholism?
2. One of the novel’s major concepts concerns the questionable authenticity of “reality” television.
Explain how this concept is emphasized as Katniss looks out at the moon after the rain stops.
What other elements of unreality can you identify in the Games? (Give one example)
3. What is the Victor’s Village? Describe Katniss’s thoughts as she considers what her life would be
like in the Victor’s Village. How are her thoughts on the matter related to the concept of
identity?
4. Why does Katniss vow to never have children?
5. In what way is Peeta responsible for a tribute’s death?