Capitol vs. Reality

The comparison between the world we see in The Hunger Games and the world we live in seems like a stark contrast.  However, there are several points in the novel where Suzanne Collins points out chilling similarities.  One happens to be the idea of violence and drama being televised and shown as entertainment.  Of course, in the context of the story, North America has been carved up and subjugated to providing for those in charge at the Capitol.  However, around 74 years prior to the events of the story, the Districts who provided for the few rebelled.  They were beaten back by the advanced technology the Capitol possessed.  The Hunger Games are televised gladiator matches that are meant remind the control the Capitol has over the districts.  Katniss describes the impact of the Games by speaking for the Capitol: “Look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there’s nothing you can do. If you lift a finger, we will destroy every last one of you” (Collins, 19). In contrast, there is no show on TV that is meant to oppress an entire society, but there is similarity in what people are willing to watch.  Reality TV depicts drama in shows like Keeping Up With the Kardashians or Jersey Shore. Sometimes the drama elevates to actual violence. There are sports like UFC where the main goal is to beat your opponent into submission and blood being spilled is almost expected.  However, the general attitude towards this violence and drama is positive.  Ratings become higher with the amount of drama and violence.  More people are willing to tune in to see it which directly parallels the Games in the Capitol.  People there are more willing to watch spend money in response to the drama. Katniss realizes the reason Peeta played up their romance is because it “must be so popular with the audience that condemning it would jeopardize the success of the Games” (247).  More often than not, the main draw to many TV shows is their inclusion of romance.  This is true both to reality and the novel.  All in all, it is clear that Collins is pointing out the similarities between the reality we watch on our TVs and the reality the Capitol watches on theirs.