In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the division into social classes is the driving force of the novel. The Capitol creates this illusion of social mobility through games, which provides a sense of hope to the lower classes. This “illusion” created by the capital serves as a way to prevent the lower classes from protesting and rebelling against their government. Due to the corruption of the capital, the chances of winning the games and bringing prosperity back to a district are highly unlikely. However, this small fraction of hope given to the people is enough to maintain social order and maintain power in the Capitol. Through Katniss, the hope left in humanity and the rebellion is represented through three main symbols: flames, the hunt, and the mockingjay. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The first sign of rebellion in Panem is the introduction of fire and flame as motifs that mark some of Katniss's biggest character developments in The Hunger Games. When first seen by Panem's elite before the Games, she wears robes rippled with synthetic flames designed by Cinna. She is later given the nickname "the girl who was on fire", (40). From this point of view it is seen as a spectacle or simply another form of entertainment by the Panem bourgeoisie. Later in the novel, Cinna calls her by this nickname, referring to her “fiery” and enduring spirit despite difficult challenges. This shatters the idea that she is simply a "spectacle" for the crowd and actually endures beyond the quick laughter and jeers of the crowd. This has even greater significance as a sign that, beyond the tyranny of the Capitol, their humiliation and degradation, and the extent to which they have destroyed her livelihood, Katniss still prevails over such harsh authority. That his “fire” will never go out is a looming reminder to the Capitol that he has sown the seeds of rebellion and that they will one day be reaped. However, it is evident that his "fiery" suit fades considerably over time and no longer emits as much flame as before. This in turn points to the Capitol's ability to "dim the flames" of the rebellion to prevent chaos from developing, but the threat still exists and looms on the shoulders of the government. Another more obvious theme in Katniss' quest to liberate Panem is her hunting skills, which provide her with a position of power in a powerless audience. In defense of these abilities, Peeta responds to Haymitch, who questions his ability, with “My father buys her a squirrel. He always comments on how the arrows never hit the body. It hits everyone in the eye,” (21). It is this enduring skill that earns her a level of respect. The most telling example of her abilities is when her attitude gets the better of her and she lashes out at the Gamemakers, but in a way that demonstrates the kind of resilience and tact exemplified by the fire motif. During the private training session, the Gamemakers become victims of short attention spans and begin eating pork, angering Katniss. He loses that characteristic temper and, in an instant, “shot an arrow and sent it straight to the Gamemakers' table… The arrow impales the apple in the pig's mouth and nails it to the wall behind it. Everyone stares at me in disbelief,” (96). Despite being overwhelmed by such strong emotion, Katniss manages to maintain her talent with the bow and arrow with the same precision. This means the ability of even Panem's proletariat to calmly but collectively rebel against.