Hunger Games: Bring Girl Power Back

Last weekend I went home to be with my family during Easter. The first night I arrive back home, my parents and I go out to dinner. Somehow we end up on the topic of the top selling trilogy, The Hunger Games.

I sit there and explain the basics of the book to them, how there is a 17-year-old girl, Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to be tribute in her countries 74^th annual Hunger Games. Two tributes from the ages of 12 to 18 are randomly chosen from each other the 12 Districts to compete in the games. Here’s the catch, there is only one winner, and the only way to win is by ending the lives of the other 23 kids.

After I explain this much of the story to my mother, she just looks at me and says she just doesn’t understand why anyone would want to read about kids killing each other. So I try and explain it a little more in-depth to her, how there is a love story, and how it’s set in the future, etc. but she still gives me the same reaction.

The next day we’re at our family Easter dinner and I start talking about it with my younger teenage cousins, when their mother chimes in and comments on how she loved the books. Then again, my mother just complains about how anyone would want to read about kids killing each other. While none of us could change her mind, it strikes me as interesting that my cousin that is double my age also enjoyed the same book as her children and me.

So I decided to go and watch all the trailers, yes I know I’m somewhat obsessed with the books, and see what to expect. While doing this, I stumble upon an interview had with Elizabeth Banks, whom plays Effie Trinket, in the movie.

She goes on to suggest that there’s something in the book for everyone or most ages to relate to. Whether it is the way the author writes, making it page turning, or the great love-story/triangle, the rebellious teen or that it speaks to our time. She believes it’s about the media and how it is used in the book are things going on in today’s’ time such as: the oppressive government and youth revolts.

While talking about how this trilogy is for all different ages, it also has brought about a cultural power. It’s brought a new girl power into the spotlight. Katniss, at the young age of 11, had to learn to survive and support her mother and sister after her father dies. During the a time where food is scarce and money is even more scarce, hunting is her only survival. After learning the valuable tools her father taught her at a young age, she sets out to defy the council even at a young age. Learning what wild berries and herbs to pick along with perfecting her skill using a bow and arrow, Katniss show's girl reader she isn't going to go down just because there are tributes that are faster and stronger than her. She has her smarts and hunting skills, plus she knows there are things waiting back at home for her she cannot give up on. Katniss is bringing Girl Power back.