The Hunger Games Chapter 19 Quotes
The Hunger Games Chapter 19 Quotes
How we cite the quotes:
Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote 1
The star-crossed lovers…Peeta must have been playing that angle all along. Why else would the Gamemakers have made this unprecedented change in the rules? For two tributes to have a shot at winning, our “romance” must be so popular with the audience that condemning it would jeopardize the success of the Games. No thanks to me. All I’ve done is managed not to kill Peeta. But whatever he’s done in the arena, he must have the audience convinced it was to keep me alive. (19.3)
Romance stories are powerful things – especially on television. Even though Katniss isn’t really in love with Peeta, she realizes the power the story must have. Still, can Peeta and Katniss control the Games just by playing up their so-called romance?
Quote 2
Haymitch couldn't be sending me a clearer message. One kiss equals one pot of broth. I can almost hear his snarl. "You're supposed to be in love, sweetheart. The boy's dying. Give me something I can work with!"
And he's right. If I want to keep Peeta alive, I've got to give the audience something more to care about. Star-crossed lovers desperate to get home together. Two hearts beating as one. Romance. (19.92-93)
Katniss discovers that by playing up the tragic "love" angle she may just be able to win the Games. We can also see here that Katniss really doesn't have much of a choice: if she wants food and supplies, she's going to have to smooch Peeta. Repeatedly.
Quote 3
The star-crossed lovers…Peeta must have been playing that angle all along. Why else would the Gamemakers have made this unprecedented change in the rules? For two tributes to have a shot at winning, our "romance" must be so popular with the audience that condemning it would jeopardize the success of the Games. No thanks to me. All I've done is managed not to kill Peeta. But whatever he's done in the arena, he must have the audience convinced it was to keep me alive. (19.3)
Peeta and Katniss take on the parts of tragic lovers in order to gain favor with the audience. At least, that's what Katniss thinks. We know that Peeta really does love Katniss. But why does he make his crush public? Is he looking out for himself or for Katniss?