Interwoven Odds

            ‘Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever’
                                                            -Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

            Established on a post-apocalyptic country of Panem, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is considered a science fiction. This film- including its prequel, The Hunger Games- features scientific and technological advancements yet to be seen in our present society. Moreover, the division and specific work designation of the people as presented in the districts and the capitol is a drastic modification of what we know and do today.

            However, Catching Fire also shows similarities and connections of the society’s imagined future, the known present and the forgotten past, making it a good commentary. These similarities focus largely on the formation of the society. Every civilization starts with people living and working together to survive. After ensuring a desirable habitat, they build their settlements. The social hierarchy then is evidently put up based on standards set by the society itself. The leaders, the influential and the rich dominate the top of this social pyramid working its way down to the workers, the slaves and the poor at its base. The members of the society at some time lose their confidence and trust with their government may it be because of injustices, insensitivity to the needs of its citizens, and disrespect to their rights and freedom. As an effect, people display resistance bringing the system crumbling which leads to the formation of a new order.

            Another connection the film made to the past and the present is the dependence on science and technology. It cannot be denied that both science and technology are vital in the progress of any civilization. Yet, they also bring out the worst of human nature. Panem has succeeded in maximizing the utilization and application of science and technology, making everything possible and within grasp, though for only a selected few like those in the capitol and the victors from the districts. In the world of the Hunger Games, the people from capitol take everything for granted and lives are for their entertainment and very disposable. On the other hand, the district people strive to do their assigned tasks and barely get food into their empty stomachs in able to survive every day.

            As a manifestation of this inequality and selfishness, Panem holds the Hunger Games annually. The Games force two representatives from each district to fight his and her co-citizens for him or her to be hailed a victor and go home alive. Reflecting on this, it can be said that ‘the odds are never in their favor’ as an irony to the games’ ceremonial greeting.  In this case between the capitol and the districts, science and technology fails to improve the way of life of the people and consequently, the society.

            What happens in the present has occurred in the past and may be repeated in the future. There is one thing I’m sure of though, the odds of weaving the society with advancements in science and technology are still in our hands.

Karla L. Soliman
2013-09067
THX