Representation in The Hunger Games

 The representation of the two main characters in The Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta change a lot throughout the story. In the first book for example, Katniss and Peeta were dressed in these outfits that set of fire. This became a theme throughout the book with Katniss specifically after she was nicknamed "the girl of fire". The fire was fake but the crowds in the movie LOVED IT. Everyone was obsessed with Katniss and started rooting her on. This is a great example of exoticizing because she was from a district of coal mining, which involved fire making her a symbol in the capital and with fans of the movie. She wears a fiery dress to an interview and spins for the crowd. She comes off very childish when spinning. These initial introduction to the girl on fire help portray her as a child. Even though she is being sent to fight other children they select these outfits they remind the audience she is still a young girl.  

Original Fire outfits

Fire dress from interview

In the second movie the pair are back with their same fiery outfits, but it is different this time. They have both grown up a lot since their first games and want to be seen as adult. For this reason, they are in a slightly more revealing outfit showing Katniss is a woman now. In her interview she wears a wedding dress and as she does her usual spin her whole dress changes into a Mockingjay. This signifies the change from the girl on fire to the Mockingjay, who will be the face of the rebellion. When the war starts and Shes officially the Mockingjay she has an all-black armored battle suit. This is to show that she is now strong and protected. The outfits are the last stage of the journey, and she ends looking strong and untouchable but is really broken. 

Fire outfits from second movie

Wedding dress

Mocking jay dress

              

            Mocking Jay Battle suit             

Peeta is in nice outfits though out the movies and is nicely styled. His outfits always complement Katniss's showing they are a pair. He is a very nice and soft guy; His clothes portray him as very refined. In the first movie he has a matching fire suit and in the second he has a white one with gold accents. These suits show the capital audience that he may be from the districts, but he can fancy and therefore has their respect. 

Fire suit

White suit

In the Mockingjay movies Peeta is captured by the capital and tortured. He is then broadcasted in interviews multiple times. In the first interview he is wearing white symbolizing he is still pure Peeta. In the second interview he already looks vastly different showing he's changing with the gray suit. In the 3rd and final interview, he is in an all-black suit which mean he's fully dark and isn't the same as before. The governing faction aka the capital takes these liberties to change him. The outfits are a visual representation of his mental state leaving him as he loses his mind. 

1st Interview

2nd Interview

3rd interview

The selection of these outfits shows a lot of forethought, and they make all the difference. The small details add up in a production like this and are a great demonstration of a character's progression in a story. The representation of characters through their clothes can progress stories tremendously. I hope you've enjoyed my blog and be sure to look out for upcoming posts!!!