The Inequality Between the Rich and the Poor

The theme of class and inequality is a common theme in The Hunger Games. The theme can be seen throughout the whole novel, from the reaping to the Capitol to the games themselves. The reaping, where the tributes are chosen, is random, but the poor are more at odds with being chosen than the rich. In addition, the rich have an advantage because they are typically trained to take part in the Games and some volunteer to do so. Katniss describes this fairly early on in the novel, “I can’t win. Prim must know that in her heart. The competition will be far beyond my abilities. Kids from wealthier districts, where winning is a huge honor, who've been trained their whole lives for this. Boys who are two to three times my size. Girls who know twenty different ways to kill you with a knife. Oh, there'll be people like me, too. People to weed out before the real fun begins” (Collins 36). 

The inequality between the rich and the poor can also be seen between the Capitol and the different districts. District 12 is a poor district, and Katniss is amazed at the food she receives from the Capitol, “I try to imagine assembling this meal myself back home. Chickens are too expensive, but I could make do with a wild turkey. I'd need to shoot a second turkey to trade for an orange. Goat's milk would have to substitute for cream. We can grow peas in the garden. I'd have to get wild onions from the woods. I don't recognize the grain…Fancy rolls would mean another trade with the baker, perhaps for two or three squirrels. As for the pudding, I can't even guess what's in it. Days of hunting and gathering for this one meal and even then, it would be a poor substitution for the Capitol version” (Collins 55). The Capitol seems to have infinite wealth, which is completely different from the life Katniss lives in District 12. One of the reasons the Capitol gives these extravagant meals to the tributes could be because they are trying to show their superiority over the tributes, just like holding The Hunger Games shows the Capitol’s superiority over the districts. 

The theme of class continues throughout the novel and throughout Katniss’s participation in The Hunger Games. This can be seen by the wealthier districts having an advantage during the games, and through Katniss’s advantages. Because of the life Katniss lives in District 12, she is used to hunting and fighting for food, and can use this to her advantage. Contrary, the wealthier districts are not used to hunting for food.