Not everyone would sacrifice their life for someone else, but then again not everyone is Katniss Everdeen.

Sacrificing for Family

The truth is that Katniss Everdeen has motherly instincts. It has less to do with her pair of X chromosomes than the fact that she helped raise her sister Prim. When her father was killed in a coal mining explosion, her mother fell apart. It was Katniss who then provided for the family, Katniss who put her own childhood aside to become a surrogate mother to her baby sister. Using her archery skills to hunt, she fed and supported them.

Katniss’ world turns on its head when Prim is selected in the reaping (the kind of lottery you don’t want to win) to be one of the tributes for the 74th Hunger Games. For those who don’t know, The Hunger Games is a fight to the death among 24 children, 2 from each of 12 Districts, one boy and one girl. Holy dystopia! With only one victor of the games (yes, one child will be forced to kill someone from their own district), that leaves a measly 4% chance of survival.

“May the odds be ever in your favor.”

Effie Trinkett, Capitol Escort for the District 12 Tributes

Sacrificing for Love

Odds be damned. Katniss knew 12-year-old Prim was unlikely to survive such a brutal test. She, on the other hand, had a shot. A literal shot. With any luck, her skill with the bow and arrow could get her through the blood bath.

That’s why, in an act of true altruism and love, Katniss volunteers to take her sister’s place. The scene is powerful not only for her sacrifice but for its desperation. As momma bears do, she does what is best for her family. She puts her life on the line, but she doesn’t stop there.

You see, Katniss does not only sacrifice herself for her sister. She saves the life of Peeta, the male tribute from her District. Together, they go on to win the hearts and support of viewers (because yes, there are sick people who enjoy watching children die on live television).

“I don’t know how else to put this: Make sure they remember you.”

Haymitch Abernathy, District 12 winner of the Hunger Games and mentor to Katniss

Sacrificing for the World

Thanks to some quick thinking, SPOILER, Katniss and Peeta win the 74th Hunger Games. Not only is it the first-time two tributes, not one, have won the games, but it’s a signal to the 12 Districts that change is possible. Hopeful for a better future, they rise in rebellion.

It’s all thanks to Katniss. She is the one who showed empathy during the games, defending a younger contestant when she was attacked by another tribute. She is the one who showed tenderness in caring for Peeta. Her bravery, physical agility, and wit outlasted even her more aggressive opponents. She took the best we have to offer as human beings and shared it with the world.

“I’m not allowed to bet, but if I could, I’d bet on you.”

Cinna, Katniss’ stylist for the Hunger Games

What Will You Sacrifice?

In The Hunger Games, Katniss fought against a corrupt government. The government was quick to retaliate, of course, and did everything it could to quell the rebellion. They didn’t want their control on power fractured, but it was too little too late. Once you ignite hope in the people, there will be fire.

It’s not too far fetched to think that we are living in our own dystopian society. The political divide these days is vicious and undeniable. Whether it’s racism, COVID-19, the War in Ukraine, #metoo, ableism, ageism, or climate change, people are treated unfairly, taken advantage of each and every day. You can take a stand like Katniss Everdeen. More people need to stand up for what was right. What are you willing to sacrifice?