A whole society of people will stop questioning the authority out of fear. A person will do anything for someone if they really love them. These two themes don't sound like they belong in the same book. However, the book The Hunger Games shows how they go hand in hand. On every page it tells how people act on fear and not always on what's best for them and their family.
It is sick to know that a government such as the Capitol can brain wash and corrupt a society for power. Power is the enemy. Many people will do anything for power. "Look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there's nothing you can do. If you lift a finger, we will destroy every last one of you. Just as we did in District Thirteen." (18) This is what the Capitol does to get everyone bowing down to them. They treat the hunger games like a sport when in reality it's their way of saying that they're in control. They have ALL the power. Time and Time again this is shown throughout the book.
Another example is when Katniss arrives at the Capitol to prepare for the games she meets a mute servant-girl. The Capitol's term for her is Avox "They cut her tongue so she can't speak... She's probably a trader of some sort." (77)
They keep the people in Districts to show they are under the Capitol's control. No one can leave the fence, and everyone has to work for the Capitol. "In closing all of District 12 is in a high chain-link fence topped with barbed-wire loops." (4)
Despite the threats from the Capitol, the people in the districts still show love. They will do just about anything to keep their family and loved ones alive and "safe". When Katniss's little sister Primrose was chosen to be the next tribute she couldn't help but to volunteer in her place. "'I volunteer.' I gasped. 'I volunteer as a tribute.' There was some confusion on the stage. District 12 hasn't had a volunteer in decades."(22)
Katniss isn't alone in the fact that she really cares about people but because of the Hunger Games she's scared to get married and have a family. "I know I'll never get married, never risk bringing a child into the world, because if there's one thing being a victor doesn't guarantee, it's your children's safety."(311) She really wants to be able to love but in this society how can she?
Everyone wants to change the Capitol but no one has the power and authority to do so. "I keep wishing I could think of a way to show the capitol they don't own me. That I'm more then just a piece in their games."(142) Any negative talk towards the Capitol can get you severally punished. "When I was younger, I scared my mother to death, the things I would blurt out about district 12, about the people who rule our country, Panem... eventually I understood this would only lead us to more trouble."(43) Eventually Katniss has an opportunity to make a difference. The Districts supports Katniss but the Capitol doesn't agree. "Listen up. Your in trouble. Word is the Capitol's furious about you showing them up in the arena."(356)
The most frightening thing about these two themes is that we see them happen all around us. Many people love their family and friends and do what ever they possibly can to help them survive. While they try to help their families they still act in fear. Power in government can be a dangerous thing in the wrong hands. It is up to the people to keep it in balance even if it means risking our lives as Katniss did.
