Haunting the Narrative in the Hunger Games
Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.
With the recent release of Sunrise on the Reaping, talk of The Hunger Games series has never been higher. Author Suzanne Collins returns to the world of Panem to follow Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Hunger Games, where the games had double the amount of tributes from 24 to 48.
The newest addition in the series has many callbacks to the previous four books, with many saying it is the missing piece in the "Hunger Games puzzle." Reading Sunrise on the Reaping led me to think about all the characters who have played such vital roles in the series, whether or not they are in the physical. Even after their deaths (or disappearance), there have been many characters to haunt the narrative in The Hunger Games, meaning even in their absence, they have impacted the story and the events that transpired after their deaths. Their legacies linger in the decisions, memories, and motivations of those left behind, shaping the world of Panem after they're gone.
Lucy Gray Baird was introduced as a then-young President Snow's companion in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Lucy Gray was reaped in the 10th annual Hunger Games, with Coriolanus Snow chosen to be her mentor. The first prequel in the series gave readers insight into why President Snow was as evil and complex as he was. Simple answer: Lucy Gray Baird.
Readers joke about how Snow went crazy over a failed relationship, but it has some validity. Lucy Gray was always cautious around Snow, never fully trusting him, being proven right after his true feelings came to light after the events of the novel unfolded. Lucy Gray is seen as the positive light from District 12, captivating Snow and causing him to develop a drive for power and strength.
The fate of Lucy Gray remains ambiguous. After winning the games, Snow is sent to District 12 as punishment for cheating in the games, and he and Gray develop a romantic relationship. When they attempt to escape, they begin to lose trust in each other, and Gray vanishes into thin air, never to be seen again.
Lucy’s vanishing directly influenced the original trilogy, explaining further Snow’s hatred for District 12 and everything in it. In all three books, Snow is reminded of Lucy Gray through the “rebellious” actions of Katniss Everdeen, the main protagonist in the original trilogy. His disdain for District 12 directly results from Lucy Gray “haunting” the narrative.
Lucy Gray, we will never forget you, and you would love the song “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac.
Rue is the little girl from District 11 who is reaped in the 74th Hunger Games, the same games as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Being the youngest to be reaped in the games, Katniss immediately felt a connection with her, reminding her of her sister Primrose.
Rue’s unfortunate and tragic death is one of The Hunger Games' most important and symbolic points. Before these games, the districts were powerless, and the Capitol made the children in the games into spectacles. This changed in the 74th Games, primarily with the relationship between Katniss and Rue. After Rue is killed, Katniss takes the time to ensure Rue’s body is covered and surrounds her with beautiful flowers in the meadow.
This ignited Everdeen’s hatred for the Capitol and showed solidarity between the districts, which was never seen before. Rue symbolizes the Capitol taking the most innocent thing and destroying it, fueling the districts to rebel.
Rue’s death is said to be the catalyst for the revolution, with District 11 being the first to rebel. All the events that transpire in the following two novels directly result from Rue’s death. Whether it’s the uprising in the districts, Katniss and Peeta being sent back into the arena, or the amount of loss Katniss had to go through, it all goes back to little Rue from District 11.
Lucy Gray and Rue are just two examples of characters who haunt the narrative in The Hunger Games, but the world of Panem is always expanding. With five books now in the series, we keep finding out more details about the characters we have gotten to know over the last decade. One thing is certain: The Hunger Games is a part of people’s lives that will never really disappear, even if it’s gone one day.
Strike Out,
Matthew Wolfe
Boca Raton
Matty Wolfe is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. As a lover of nature and the ocean, you can probably find him sunbathing at the beach or finding a new hiking trail. If you ever do find him inside, he'll be indulging in Lana Del Rey's discography or watching old Survivor seasons. You can reach him by email at mattheww0507@gmail.com or on Instagram @mattyywolfe.
