This Girl Is On Fire

Throughout the novel, fire is used as a symbol for rebellion, destruction, passion, anger, and many more emotions. One of the strongest representations that fire takes on is representing Katniss herself. It first begins with Cinna, the fashion designer, giving district 12 a look that was never seen before. For example, district 12 as Katniss notes usually is represented by “baggy miner’s jumpsuits” or the tributes “usually end up in skimpy outfits and hats with headlamps” but Cinna decides to make the tributes “unforgettable” by using fire since the use of coal is to burn it (66). This small stride in making district 12 stand out can be seen as the beginning of the momentum that will later fuel Katniss and the rebellion; District 12vis for once making a statement and standing up to some of the other districts that see them as lesser. Additionally, Cinna makes Katniss’s interview dress to represent flames as well. This outfit plays a strong role in representing Katniss because it gives Katniss her name as “the girl on fire”, which serves as part of the rebellion throughout all three novels (147). 

Aside from representing Katniss as the figure of rebellion, fire also represents her anger and temperament. For example, after Katniss demands the attention of the scorers for the Game by shooting an arrow at their roasted pig, she receives a high score 11 for using the fire (anger) within her to make herself stand out. Haymitch even comments on her action stating, “Guess they like your temper...They need some player with some heat” (188). Her heat is a reference once again to her temper and Cinna even refers to her as “the girl on fire” before she enters the arena, suggesting that her temper and anger may be seen as advantages to her within the game (147). 

Finally, the gamemakers make a statement about Katniss’s identity as the girl on fire by making it an ironic turn during the games. They engulf Katniss with flames at the initial start of the games, allowing her leg to get hit and burned by a fireball. I found this to be the first way in which the capital began its fight against the girl on fire and the rebellion she represented. They took the characteristics that made her strong to turn her to weak for the enjoyment of the show. 

Overall, I think fire plays many different roles throughout the novel and suggests different themes and symbols during different parts. It’s what makes Katniss stand out as a tribute, through both the ways it distinguishes her and comments on her temper, begins to serve as an element for rebellion, and suggests arising problems to the Capital and in return, gives them clever ways to fight back with fire.