In the dystopian post-apocalyptic world of The Hunger Games, we laughed, cried, and were motivated from the first page of The Hunger Games to the final page of Mockingjay. We witnessed the tributes from twelve districts battled death and saw the survival of one until the end–a victor.

Rooting for the heart-wrenching story of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Meelark and witnessing how the tyrant ruling of President Snow from the Capitol came to an end, everyone fretted over the fate of the districts and its people. And even though our present world was never near to Panem, we are mainly taught invaluable life lessons that will never vanish even though the series has come to an end.

Ten years ago, we met the iconic character of a fearless girl from District 12 who turned a nation of slaves into an army and were introduced to this powerful series–a decade had passed, and this great book turned series still lays some great seeds.

1. Every fire starts with a single spark

Notably, this life lesson resembles the element “fire”, which gives life and power to Katniss’ character in the second installment of the series called ‘Catching Fire’. The fire that has been an emblem for Katniss is the same element that triggered the viewers to reflect and learn their potential on making decisions for the benefit of not only themselves but for the people that surround them.

Herein, we might not notice but we also have Katniss Everdeen in us. Perhaps, not the great archer character, or the fearless tribute of district twelve who risks her life in charge of her younger sibling Prim, but the Katniss who changed her future with a single spark she turned into a prevailing fire. The small spark you had on your frightening start that holds up the fire you’ll carry with you for your future.

2. You can always do more, regardless of your background

In the story of the award-winning book authored by Suzzane Collins, the role of Katniss came from one of the poorest families and of the poorest districts in Panem, with her mother and sibling. Despite being powerless and poor, she strived hard and pushed herself for her family, and didn’t let her background hinder her from calling for change not only for her district but the whole country.

Sometimes, we tend to forget about this character trait of Katniss- what this lesson teaches us until today. We let our backgrounds measure the things we can achieve to the extent of forgetting we can achieve more regardless of how this society categorizes us. You can do anything, you can always be more of yourself, and not being at the helm of society can block you from doing what you can do.

3. Getting a little help doesn’t make you weak

Remembering the scene when a starving young Katniss was digging through trash bins to look for food to feed her family, Peeta purposely burnt the bread from the bakery and gave it to young Katniss to save her from starvation. Years later, she received different versions of help from the same person that saves her life several times.

For some reason, we are undoubtedly guilty of having the mindset that asking for some help is a sign of weakness. Having the unnecessary belief of surviving the world we live in with only depending on yourself- the idea of “we don’t need others to live”.
Surely, it is only us who will lead ourselves to the goal we’ve plotted. But the belief in asking for help is a symbol of weakness, it can be linked to the societal pressure of “self-righteousness”. For no one exists in this lifetime who doesn’t need help and asking and receiving for it doesn’t necessarily make you weak and vulnerable.

4. When giving up seems to be your last straw – fight

Recalling the third Quarter Quell or the 75th Hunger Games, the final Game held in Panem was full of extra twists and dangerous stunts to remind the districts that “even the strongest among them cannot overcome the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors”. This statement from President Snow during the Hunger Games almost destroyed the will of the districts.

Looking back, amidst all the rejection, failures, and loneliness we experience, there is something in between that pushes us to just let go of people and things we hold onto- to just forget life and end the battle that’s long consuming us. Yes, giving up looks seems to be easier, sweeter, and simpler, but we must be reminded that our lives are not futile and death sometimes is not always the end of everything.

5. Stay still and remain true to who you are until the end

Even after years of the film, this line from Peeta Mellark still hits deeply until today: “if I die, I still want to be me”. This conversation of the two lead characters the night before the hunger games showed how Peeta wanted to stand and remain himself despite the government of President Snow wanting to control everything and everyone from all districts. Being forced to the fatal situation of being a tribute beside Katniss, he emphasizes his desire of remaining as his real self as baker’s son, not a pawn of anyone.

Wanting to reach as far as we can go, we sometimes do the opposite of what the mentioned character did- sacrificing our individuality in exchange for little than necessary. Times, when we are overwhelmed by the world, we risk losing our identity over something temporary and not worthy.

However, isn’t it most necessary to stay true to what we value and what we believe? Not conforming to anyone else’s idea of who we should be. With this, anything else will change but the beauty of the most real you will remain the most unique thing to ever stay until the end.

Looking back, when the capital punished the twelve remaining districts for the past rebellion which destroyed District 13, we were reminded of our freedom, after Katniss, a simple girl sacrificed herself to be a tribute in exchange for her younger sister.

We were awakened with the affection we have for our family, once the announcement that only two can win the hunger games. We all felt the hope and wished for Katniss and Peeta to survive, and when the district 11 from where Rue (the 12-year-old killed tribute Katniss sang a final song) stands and began the uprising, we felt the sincerest pride for the marginalized.

All these emotions turned into a lesson is what ‘The Hunger Games’ taught us and still holds us up even if it’s been a decade since we’re introduced to the first movie.

Going to this great series, what made it worth remembering is how the characters and the life lessons made the series great and relatable despite its extraordinary setting and plot. Thus, celebrating The Hunger Games movie that turned 10 years old this month, let us be reminded of the great things the story planted among us.

May the odds be ever in your favor!

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