Author Suzanne Collins released the first book of The Hunger Games trilogy in 2008. The series has since been remembered for spearheading the golden age of Young Adult fiction and has captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture and inspiring a surge of dystopian-themed media. The novels introduced entire generations to themes of social justice, governmental control, and rebellion with a young heroine firmly at the center. As the movie adaptations from Lionsgate entered mainstream consciousness, its stars, namely Jennifer Lawrence, became household names. The success of The Hunger Games franchise derives from its ability to juggle romance, social commentary, and political critiques and is elevated by the complexity of its characters and the impeccable, yet haunting world-building of Panem.
Eight years have passed since the last cinematic installment of The Hunger Games franchise. Now, fans are being treated to the screen adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel which takes place 64 years before Katniss Everdeen enters the arena in the first book. The story is told from the perspective of a teenage Coriolanus Snow, who would eventually become the authoritarian president of Panem in the main Hunger Games franchise (as portrayed by Donald Sutherland). We see a completely different side to Snow, as he falls for the tribute he is mentoring in the academy program part of the 10th annual Hunger Games.
The film will give fans glimpses into Snow’s tragic childhood during the Panem Civil War while also beginning to see how he morphs into the tyrannical monster we know from the original trilogy. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes sees the return of director Francis Lawrence and stars Tom Blyth as the young version of Snow as well as West Side Story breakout star Rachel Zegler as his charismatic tribute turned love interest, Lucy Gray Baird.
To this day, The Hunger Games stands as a cultural touchstone, continuing to influence literature, film, and discussions about the human spirit’s capacity to endure and resist in the face of adversity. As members of the audience, we accompanied Katniss throughout her entire journey from the suburbs of District Twelve to the grandeur of the Capitol and beyond in a visual feast of memorable scenes that have become cemented in film history. From heart-pounding action to emotional devastation, The Hunger Games is nothing short of immense, thought-provoking entertainment. In reminiscence of the triumphant cinematic saga and in celebration of the franchise’s return, let’s look back at 10 of the most iconic and memorable scenes from the original four films.
The 10 Most Iconic Moments from The Hunger Games Franchise
1. Katniss Volunteers at the Reaping
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
District Twelve’s reaping for the 74th Annual Hunger Games is the jumping-off point for the entire franchise. With only ten minutes of light exposition coming before it, the reaping throws the audience head-first into the grim reality of life in Panem. In the days leading up to the reaping, Katniss promises her younger sister Primrose that she will not be chosen as it is her first year being eligible and her name was only entered into the draw once. Somehow the moment that Prim’s name is read out into an echoing microphone is as shocking as it is anticipated. Breaking the eerie silence, Jennifer Lawrence’s delivery of the renowned ‘I volunteer as tribute’ line expertly walks the line between distress and bravery. This scene will forever be embedded in both pop culture and film history.
2. Opening Ceremony Tribute Parade
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
After Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) arrive in the Capitol, it does not take long until the pre-game festivities commence with the opening ceremony, a parade down the Avenue of Tributes. Here we get our first introduction to the pageantry of the Capitol and many of the film’s key characters; from President Snow to Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci). Dressed in outfits inspired by the prominent industries within their individual districts, Katniss and Peeta pay homage to District Twelve’s coal mining history by being draped head to toe in a black latex-like material and ignited with flames. It is here that Katniss first makes her everlasting impression on Capitol audience members and gets one of the nicknames she carries with her for the rest of the films, “The Girl on Fire.”
3. Katniss Shoots the Apple
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
Before entering the arena, each tribute gets ranked based on a skill they present to the head games maker and other influential benefactors. The higher they are scored, the more likely they are to receive sponsorships and lifesaving gifts during the games. Katniss opts to showcase her archery skills but misses her first target as the onlookers laugh at her from their private box. On her second attempt, she hits a bullseye and looks up only to realize that not a single person has been paying attention to her and are instead fixated on a roasted pig that has just arrived. Her third arrow flies past the audience, pinning the apple from the pig’s mouth against the wall. As Katniss bows and thanks them for their consideration, it is unclear whether she has offended or impressed the panel, but one thing is for sure, she refuses to be overlooked.
4. Rue’s Death
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
Halfway into the games, Katniss forms an alliance with Rue (Amandla Stenberg), a young girl who is the same age as her little sister Prim (Willow Shields). Rue’s childlike innocence is a reminder of how the Capitol continues to punish children who were not even alive for the First Rebellion in Panem. Katniss quickly becomes her protector which is what makes her death all the more heartbreaking. From Rue’s point of view, we watch as her vision is slowly engulfed by white light, soundtracked by the lullaby Katniss sang to Prim in the opening minutes of the film. Katniss collects wildflowers and beautifully decorates Rue’s final resting place before offering a three-finger salute to the cameras. Cutting back to Rue’s home, District Eleven, crowds watch on screens and riots ensue soon after, signaling that a new revolution is born.
5. Katniss and Peeta Both Win
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
Previously promised that if two tributes from the same district are the last standing, both will be declared victors, Katniss and Peeta are faced with a fatal decision when the new rule is revoked. With a pocketful of the poison berry, Nightlock, the Capitol’s star-crossed lovers threaten to both die in the name of love and leave no victor to be celebrated. While it seems like an act of passionate romance, Katniss knows she is outsmarting the system as they would rather have two victors than none. As they bring their cupped hands full of berries towards their lips another announcement blares over the speakers, imploring them not to go through with it. This seems like it should be their happily ever after, but puts them in grave danger once again.
6. Katniss and Peeta’s Quarter Quell Interviews
Film: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Caesar Flickerman’s televised interviews are a crucial part of the pre-Hunger Games publicity agenda. In the lead-up to the Quarter Quell – the quarter-century anniversary of the districts’ defeat by the Capitol during the First Rebellion – the majority of tributes make it known that they are furious to be thrown back into the arena after being promised their lives back in exchange for victory. Knowing that their romance and engagement is still a publicity stunt, President Snow insists that Katniss wears what would have been her wedding dress for her interview.
But somehow, Snow forgets that Katniss isn’t the kind of person who likes being told what to do. Her stylist Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) alters the bridal dress to transform as she twirls to emulate a Mockingjay, wings and all, with the bird representing defiance and hope. Peeta takes it one step further, shockingly claiming that the lovers were married in secret and that they are expecting a baby hoping to inspire enough outrage to bring the games to a halt, to no avail.
7. The Tributes Realize that the Arena is a Clock
Film: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Catching Fire boasts a whole new level of technical filmmaking in comparison to the film that kickstarted the franchise, which in part comes down to the complex crafting of the arena for the 75th Hunger Games. Katniss, Peeta, and their allies struggle to navigate through an array of deadly obstacles including poisonous fog, mutated monkeys, and blood rain. Mutterings of “Tick Tock” from otherwise non-verbal ally Wiress (Amanda Plummer), lead Katniss to the revelation that the arena operates like a clock. Cinematic wide shots reveal the full scale of the segmented arena before the group is ambushed and the cornucopia begins to spin profusely in what is one of the best action set pieces of the entire franchise.
8. Katniss Sings Hanging Tree
Film: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
Katniss, Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), and their film crew consisting of District Thirteen rebels sit by a lake while visiting District Twelve. As Mockingjays begin to whistle, Katniss is encouraged to sing. She picks a song that her father taught her when she was a young girl called “The Hanging Tree”. The crew records the song to be used in their televised programming which leads to the song becoming an anthem of insurrection. It’s sung in harmony by rebels as they storm a hydropower plant, plunging the Capitol into darkness.
In the Hunger Games prequel novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the song’s subtext is elevated when it is revealed to be originally written and performed by President Snow’s first love, a tribute from District Twelve in the 10th Hunger Games named Lucy Gray Baird. Snow’s enemies triumphantly singing a song by a woman he felt betrayed him could only add further insult to injury.
9. Katniss’ Televised Address to President Snow
Film: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
In District Eight, Katniss is filmed being saluted by wounded non-combatants who are sheltering in a hospital. Upon seeing this, President Snow orders an airstrike on the hospital, killing all of the innocent civilians. The camera crew goes live, catching Katniss and Gale shooting down Capitol aircraft, getting Katniss’s raw and volatile reaction to the senseless cruelty occurring before her eyes. She delivers an impassioned address to the camera, threatening President Snow and his entire regime. Surrounded by flames that are still ablaze in the aftermath of the bombardment, Katniss warns Snow that “Fire is catching, and if we burn, you burn with us.” It is no question that Katniss has always been firmly in favor of rebellion, but it is at this moment she is no longer a facade for publicity, but now a fully-fledged rebel leader.
10. Katniss Kills President Coin
Film: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
For one final time, Katniss proves the strength of her foresight. Having agreed to the proposal of new President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) to host one final Hunger Games using the children of Capitol leaders in exchange for the opportunity to execute President Snow herself publicly. Seconds before she shoots, Katniss unexpectedly adjusts her aim and sends an arrow hurtling towards Coin. A crowd of rebels attacks Snow, whose last act is a menacing cackle, leaving both corrupt leaders dead. What initially seems impulsive is in actuality exceedingly calculated. Katniss liberates the people of Panem before history can repeat itself and more innocent civilians are put in harm’s way by Coin’s increasing hunger for power, breaking the vicious cycle.
