REACTION PAPER(No. 1): CATCHING FIRE 

          The Hunger Games series is an example of a science fiction story.  According to Merriam-Webster online, science fiction is a genre composed of stories about how people and societies are affected by imaginary scientific developments in the future.  I believe that Catching Fire exemplifies these characteristics and it is evident in their lifestyle and in the way they run their society.

                The film is set in the dystopian future and according to the book, the state of Panem is raised from the ashes of a post-apocalyptic North America.  As you watch the film, it can be seen that there are various technological advancements that are not present in our current time and may only exist due to further scientific research and developments.

          I believe that science, technology and society failed in the world of the thirteen districts.  Strong evidence is the extinction of the last two districts during the movie, Catching Fire. Having these different districts serves as a hierarchy, district 1 and 2 considered to be the ‘careers’, which only promotes inequality and restricts the citizens of their capabilities. It is clear that the people in the capitol are living the extravagant lifestyle.  Their homes, clothes, manner of living and mindset highly contrast that of the other districts.  They even have this special drink that they may take when they feel full which will make them sick so they may consume a more wide variety of food. While on the other hand, people from other districts, such as district 12 are dying of starvation. 

               I think the main reason for this is their authoritarian form of government headed by President Snow.  The hunger games that is held each year reminds the people of how powerless and voiceless they are to the Capitol; how their living is not synonymous to their freedom. It is an instrument of fear they inflict among the people of Panem.  But in the movie, the character of Katniss Everdeen becomes a beacon of hope for the people.  She opens the eyes of the people to the cruelty of the structure of their society. She made them realize that something must be done and the time is now. The girl on fire gave them the strength not only to speak out but to act out. This led to the uprisings and eventually to the downfall of the system.

             The structure of the society is the main dilemma in the world of the thirteen districts. But it is with the aid of science and technology that allows this form of society to continue its spiteful ways.

Thea Selina G. Morales

2013-59204