Fantasy is one of Hollywood's most beloved and acclaimed genres. It has spawned multiple franchises, from The Lord of the Rings to A Song of Ice and Fire, creating sprawling and impressive worlds filled with relatable, nuanced, and unforgettable characters.
There's always a hero in these stories, a chosen one meant to alter the course of history forever. If this group of remarkable individuals ever found themselves inside a Hunger Games arena, the battle would be one for the ages. These heroes would use every trick in their bag to survive, be it magic, lightning, or deceit, giving the Capitol a spectacle like never before.
Percy Jackson - Percy Jackson
Percy is a demigod and the titular protagonist of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The books portray him as an expert swordsman with numerous water-based abilities. However, the short-lived and inconclusive YA series adaptation doesn't do the character justice, never depicting him to his full potential.
The Percy from the movies is not the most resourceful or intelligent of characters. As such, he'd fall short in the Games, unable to keep up with some of the most battle-hardened and seasoned tributes. He wouldn't make it very far in the competition.
Edward Cullen - The Twilight Saga
The cold and Byronic hero of The Twilight Saga would also be one of the first tributes to go. Per Bella's words, Edward Cullen is "impossibly fast and strong," making him one of the best fighters in Twilight; he would have more than enough abilities to put on a decent performance in the Games.
However, Edward's talents can only take him so far. It doesn't help that he isn't the best tactician, meaning his plans often have glaring and fatal flaws. Edward's stoic and off-putting behavior would perhaps earn him many teenage fans in the Capitol, but sponsors wouldn't buy into his shtick, leaving him alone in the arena.
Yvaine - Stardust
A fallen star is literally helpless in the human world. Yvaine isn't the only star to come to earth, but she is one of few to survive. Stars are trusting and unassuming, quickly falling prey to the machinations and deceits of the ambitious and youth-hungry humans.
Yvaine is perceptive and capable, but she's still inexperienced. Throughout Stardust, she depends entirely on Tristan, fitting the trope of a damsel in distress. Yvaine does have immense power, and her shine can destroy the Queen of Witches herself. However, she needs to be happy and hopeful to shine the brightest, and she wouldn't have many reasons to smile inside the arena.
Frodo Baggins - The Lord Of The Rings
The Lord of the Rings saga is the epitome of "never judge a book by its cover." Frodo is small, physically weak, and perhaps unimpressive, at least at first sight. However, he is also resourceful, loyal, selfless, and thoughtful, which would take him further into the Games than anyone imagined. Frodo might not look like a typical hero, but he is one, to the bone.
Still, Frodo is perhaps too wholesome for the Games, and his resourcefulness can only take him so far. Other Tributes would form alliances with him, ensuring his prolonged presence in the competition. However, he would eventually find an obstacle he wouldn't be able to overcome, probably sent by the Gamemakers to spice up the Games.
Harry Potter - Harry Potter
The most famous wizard of all time would go into the Hunger Games arena with a crowd of cheering fans behind him. Harry Potter might not like attention, but he sure attracts it. And the Boy Who Lived's presence in Panem would be cause for celebration.
Harry's magical abilities would make all the difference, setting him apart from the other tributes. Harry is also a skilled duelist, but not the best. Like all other notable Gryffindors in the franchise, he is impulsive and stubborn, qualities that would get him in plenty of trouble. Harry would spend more time trying to help other tributes than actually competing in the Games, and he would pay the ultimate price.
Jack Sparrow - Pirates Of The Caribbean
If luck is real, then Jack Sparrow has a big chunk of it. He'd be the greatest pirate the Capitol had ever seen, a charming, vague, and utterly fascinating man who would command everyone's attention. Perhaps no one would think Jack would win, but he would still attract plenty of fans and sponsors.
Jack's wit would go a long way in the arena. The pirate is famous for his savvy, preferring negotiation instead of confrontation. Jack is also rather treacherous and would not hesitate to betray others if it guaranteed his survival. Jack could make it to the end, but his tendency to double-cross his allies would eventually catch up to him.
Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts - The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride is a timeless classic, thanks in large part to the heroic Westley. The young farmer who traveled the world, hoping to earn a fortune so he could marry his beloved Buttercup, only to end up becoming the Dread Pirate Roberts, has cemented his place as a beloved fantasy hero over the years.
Like Sparrow, Westley is a savvy negotiator. He is also an expert tactician who makes the most of his fearsome reputation. Arguably the most charming tribute in the arena, Westley would win millions of fans around Panem, who would let out a unanimous cry when he eventually fell to someone's sword.
Geralt Of Rivia - The Witcher
The witcher wouldn't have time for anyone's nonsense. Geralt would go into the arena with the sole purpose of killing everyone so he could get out as soon as possible. Ever a loner, he'd choose to stay alone for most of the Games, taking on allies only when absolutely necessary.
Geralt's abilities would be deadly and valuable. As an expert swordsman with a myriad of abilities who is also used to killing, Geralt would wreak havoc in the arena, striking down foes with one swift move of his sword. He could win the Games, but two tributes would stand in his way.
Merlin - Merlin
The most powerful warlock to ever live, Merlin would hold a privileged position in the Hunger Games. His abilities are too vast for any of the other tributes in the arena; after all, he once struck down an entire army by summoning powerful lightning from the skies.
His kindness and unwillingness to kill would perhaps hinder his performance, but he would still do his best to leave the arena. The Gamemakers would be desperate to take him down and would send several traps his way. However, Merlin would overcome them all, reaching the final leg of the competition. Alas, one last tribute who has no problem with killing would strike him down for good.
Arya Stark - Game Of Thrones
In an ironic twist of fate, "no one" would win the Hunger Games. Arya Stark, master of camouflage and a brutal assassin, would arrive from Westeros, ready to win it all. Her hardened behavior wouldn't endear her to any fans or sponsors, but she wouldn't need them anyway.
The young Stark would hide in the shadows, evading even the Gamemakers themselves. Arya would strike with relentless fury, taking each of the tributes down with a swift blow from Needle. In the end, she'd be the last one standing, and the Capitol would then fear for their lives, knowing this deadly girl would be among them.
