Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games trilogy has heralded one of the most popular sci-fi film sagas of the last decade. This dystopian epic has captivated readers and filmgoers with its imaginative and relevant premise. Key themes explored in the story include individual freedom, rebellion, and the lengths people go to for entertainment and luxury.
The story centers on one of the most dynamic, inspirational heroes of the genre, Katniss Everdeen, portrayed in the films by Jennifer Lawrence. This series of chaotic events set the stage for some gripping, action-fueled moments, along with a slew of colorful characters.
Updated on March 30th, 2022 by Amanda Bruce: The Hunger Games continue to be a pop culture phenomenon a decade after premiering in theaters. The franchise continues to expand with prequel novels, plans for an amusement park, and more. There's no denying that the franchise has made a huge imprint on popular culture. Some of these iconic Hunger Games quotes are the reason why.
Katniss Makes On Decision That Sets Everything In Motion
"I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!"
The movie audience barely gets to know Katniss and her family before the tributes are chosen to participate in the Hunger Games. When her sister's name is called, Katniss doesn't hesitate to take her place. This might not be the most philosophical of Hunger Games quotes, but it's certainly one of the most memorable.
Katniss' line sets everything in motion. There hasn't been a volunteer in her district, or any of the districts where competing is seen as a punishment instead of an honor. Katniss becomes a different kind of tribute, whether she wants to or not, turning the system on its head. Her line has also become iconic as people use it in conversation and in other pop culture projects all the time.
Effie Exemplifies The Clueless Capitol Citizens
"That is mahogany!"
When Katniss and Peeta take a train ride to the Capitol in the first movie, it's the first time either of them has left home, and they're surrounded by luxury they could only dream of. A knife to a wooden table prompts Effie Trinket to make this exclamation while Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch are unfazed.
Effie caring more about the state of the table than the state of the competitors makes for a funny exchange thanks to Elizabeth Banks' delivery, but it also is a great snapshot of how different life is in the Capitol compared to District 12. The more time Effie spends with her team over the first three movies, the more she learns just how sheltered her life has been and just how little she's known about life outside the luxury of the inner districts. While Effie is comical and initially shallow, she's also sympathetic as the audience sees her watch her world crumble.
President Coin Understands Katniss
"It's the worst torture in the world, waiting, when you know there's nothing you can do."
President Coin isn't exactly the most likable of the characters in the franchise. She makes decisions that the audience doesn't like, but she's also one of the few people who does understand Katniss, and she's got some great quotes in The Hunger Games movies. Coin knows that Katniss doesn't want to lead a revolution, but she needs Katniss to be a symbol for the people who have watched her in the games.
Coin might not be the warmest character, but she sympathizes with the teenage girl who has to sit and watch destruction and torture unfold while being able to do nothing. Katniss, even when she doesn't want to be the Mockingjay, is a person of action. She is a problem solver for her family, and when she plays the waiting game, it only makes her feel guilty for her part in a revolution she can't control.
Finnick Is Wiser Than He Appears
"It takes ten times longer to put yourself back together than it does to fall apart."
Katniss doesn't initially trust Finnick. She thinks he enjoys the adoration of fans, that his ego is too big. It's not until she really gets to know him during the game in Catching Fire that she realizes how wrong she is. Finnick has just learned to hide how trauma has affected him.
It's only in moments in which Finnick is there to help Katniss keep going that she realizes he's a true ally, that he has as much fear and hatred of the Capitol's control over their lives as she does. Finnick only loses himself to his emotions a handful of times in the movies, but it's clear that he knows exactly what kind of weight Katniss is suffering under.
Effie Is A Master Of Public Relations
"They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you."
Effie might initially be clueless about the turmoil in Katniss and Peeta, but this Hunger Games quote is a great indicator that she's well aware of how to manipulate an audience. Effie is very good at her job, even when she falters in the face of tragedy.
Katniss might not initially appreciate Effie and her team's coaching in the first movie, but Effie isn't wrong. Thanks to walking Katniss and Peeta through media training, making sure they have a great stylist, and coaching them on which strengths to show and which to hide, Katniss and Peeta become fan favorites. The Capitol government hates them, audience have crushes on them, and they inspire revolutionary acts. Effie doesn't know how prophetic she is.
President Snow Sees The Potential Revolution Coming
"[Hope] Is The Only Thing Stronger Than Fear."
In the first film, viewers get an insight into how President Snow manipulates the Games. He's with the Head Gamemaker, Seneca Crane, in his infamous rose garden. Seneca is having some problems with Katniss becoming a symbol, and Snow reminds him that hope can be dangerous because it's the only thing stronger than fear - but it can also be used to their advantage. He warns Seneca to contain the "spark".
It's a mark of just how smart Snow really is. He sees Katniss and the revolution coming and wants to quell it before the spark becomes the fire she brings later.
Peeta Gives A Powerful Speech
"But Our Lives Aren't Just Measured In Years. They're Measured In The Lives Of People We Touch Around Us."
After the victory at the Games, Peeta and Katniss tour the Districts as Victors. District 11 touches a particular cord with both of them, but especially Katniss, who had a special connection with Rue and was aware of Thresh's sacrifice.
Effie gives Peeta and Katniss cards with speeches already prepared for them, but Peeta can't bring himself to utter the meaningless words. Instead, he wings a powerful speech. Katniss is awed by how easily the words come to him. He's always better with words than she is in a crowd.
Katniss Makes Herself Unforgettable
"Thank You For Your Consideration."
Before Katniss's first Games, she must earn herself a good score to attract some sponsors. At first, she doesn't do anything to impress the Gamemakers - in fact, they're not even paying attention. She decides to pull a trick that they'll have trouble forgetting.
In one of the most memorable moments of the series, Katniss shoots an arrow straight through the apple wedged between the mouth of an enormous pig they're feasting on. The arrow pierces the apple and pins it to the wall, but it gets the Gamemakers' attention. Katniss bows and thanks them for their consideration, her voice dripping with sarcasm in one of the best Hunger Games quotes.
Johanna's Anger Makes Her A Sympathetic Character
"There's No One Left That I Love."
Like most of the Victors in the Quarter Quell, Johanna is understandably outraged by the whole situation. She uses every opportunity she can to undermine Snow and the Capitol, and she encourages Katniss to keep doing the same.
In the arena, Johanna yells at the hidden cameras around her, addressing Snow directly: "How would you like it if we set your backyard on fire? You know, you can't put everybody in here!" The others worry at her recklessness, knowing that if they'd said anything like that, their families would pay the price. But Johanna only says, "What? There's no one left that I love." It provides a window into her anger and makes her sympathetic for the audience.
Katniss its She Values Peeta
"I Do. I Need You."
In the first Games, Katniss fakes her feelings towards Peeta so that they can both get out alive. The Quarter Quell is a different matter entirely. Katniss and Peeta are now friends and are working together to ensure that one of them wins.
They continue pushing their romantic relationship for the cameras, but as the Games progress, Katniss starts to realize how much she actually values Peeta. He tells her that she's the one who has to win because so many people need her back home, but nobody needs him. For the first time, Katniss honestly tells him that she needs him.
