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The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games
Part I: "The Tributes"
Chapter 1
Vocabulary
apothecary - a place where medicines are sold; a pharmacy
claustrophobic - cramped , confined , closed in
deterrent - something tha t prevents or discourages
indifferent - uncaring; not interested
iridescent - shimmering, gleaming
maniacally - in a crazy or overexcited manner
obliterated - completely destroyed, wiped out
paraffin - wax used to make candles
paunchy - having a large belly
pelt - the hide and fur of an animal
poaching - illegally hunting and taking fish or game
preposterous - ridiculous ; outrageous
reaping - harvesting ; gathering
repentance - remorse for one's sins
sustenance - food, nourishment
torturous - painful, agonizing
unintelligible - impossible to understand or make sense of
vermin - bugs or other pests that carry disease
verve - energy; enthusiasm
1.
Who is the narrator of the story? What form of narration is used?
2.
Describe Katniss's family members. How does she feel toward each of them? What happened
to her father?
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3.
Point out at least two examples within the first few pages that indicate tha t Katniss's family
is very poor. Who provides for the family, and how?
4.
Where do Katniss and her family live?
5.
What type of work do most of the people in the Seam do? How does the author use descriptive
imagery (sensory shots) in her depiction of the workers? What mood does she create with this
type of imagery?
6.
As the novel begins, Katniss makes several references to something called "the reaping." Find
at least two quotes from the first several pages of the chapter, in which the reaping (or
reaping clay) is mentioned. How does the author create suspense through these references?
7.
What are some indications within the first few pages that the government of Panem is
oppressive?
8.
Describe Gale. How does Katniss feel about him?
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9.
As Gale and Katniss sit together eating bread and gazing clown a t the valley, Gale says,
"We could do it, you know." What is he suggesting they do? What is Katniss's response?
10. What is the Hob? Who are the Peacekeepers?
11.
Explain how the reaping system works, according to Katniss. Which class of people suffers
the most because of the way the system operates?
12. A tessera is defined as a small tile that is used in a mosaic. In ancient times, tesserae were
small pieces of wood or other hard objects used as tokens or tickets. How does the author
incorporate both definitions into her use of tesserae?
13.
Identify a t least two examples from the chapter indicating that District 12 is marked by
deep divisions among the social classes.
14.
Identify the simile that Katniss uses to describe the camera crews that have come to televise
the reaping. What does this simile imply about these people and their line of work? Find at
least two more examples of simile in the chapter.
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15.
As an introduction to the ceremony, the mayor reads an account of the history of Panem.
Briefly summarize the country 's history. How does the country's past relate to the current
tradition of the Hunger Games?
16.
Explain the rules of the Hunger Games. What does the winner receive?
17.
According to Katniss, what is the "real message" that the government intends to send to
its citizens through the tradition of the Hunger Games?
18.
In what ways are the Hunger Games used as entertainment or a type of festivity? Why
does the Capitol require its citizens to view the Games this way?
19. Who is Haymitch Abernathy? How does he behave at the reaping ceremony? What might
his behavior indicate about the lasting effect of the Hunger Games on its participants?
20.
Whose name is the first to be drawn in the reaping? What is ironic about this circumstance?
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Chapter 2
Vocabulary
condone - to accept (something wrong or offensive) ; to excuse or forgive
dissent - disagreement, opposition
mesmerized - hypnotized; captivated
protocol - a standard procedure or practice
relentless - unstoppable ; persistent
synonymous - having the same meaning
tenuous - fragile, delicate
valor - courage, bravery
vaporized - reduced to nothing; destroyed
weal - a raised mark on the skin resulting from a blow
1.
What does Katniss do as Prim is about to climb onto the stage to accept her fate? Why is
her action shocking?
2.
According to Katniss , what is the "boldest form of dissent" that the citizens of District 12
can manage?
3.
Describe the unexpected gesture that the members of the crowd make toward Katniss.
What does it signify?
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4.
When Katniss learns that Peeta Mellark will be the male tribute, she reacts with distress
and alarm. Why does she feel conflicted about this situation?
5.
Find an example of personification Katniss uses in her description of stumbling
around in the rain searching for food.
6.
What does the dandelion symbolize in the following quote? How is it connected to Peeta
in Katniss's mind?
"To this clay, I can never shake the connection between this boy, Peeta Mellark , and the bread that
gave me hope, and the dandelion that reminded me that I was not doomed."
Chapter 3
Vocabulary
blather - empty talk; nonsense
concoction - a mixture, a blend decrepit
- rundown , falling apart disgruntled unhappy ; irritated enunciate - to
pronounce clearly
evasive - deliberately vague; not honest or direct
immobilizing - having the ability to stop all movement or action; paralyzing insurmounta
ble - impossible to conquer; overwhelming
maces -heavy clubs with metal spikes on the tops mentor a teacher or guide
replicate - to imitate or copy
sanctioned - authorized, approved
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1.
What parting advice does Katniss give to her sister and mother? How will they get by without
her, according to Katniss?
2.
When Prim says that maybe Katniss can win the competition, Katniss thinks, "I can't
win." What are her reasons for thinking this?
3.
In addition to her family, who are Katniss's three visitors? What does each of them give to
her?
4.
What additional advice does Gale give to Katniss about survival in the Games? What is it
about this advice that makes her uneasy?
5.
As Katniss looks more closely at the pin that Madge has given .her, she realizes that the small
golden bird with a ring around it is a mockingjay. Briefly explain what a mockingjay is. Why
are such birds "something of a slap in the face to the Capitol," according to Katniss?
6.
Why is the mockingjay pin comforting to Katniss? What might mockingjays symbolize?
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