The Missing Hunger Games Line
Even though I loved The Hunger Games movie that released Friday, I couldn’t help but notice that the screenwriters left out one of the most important lines in the book.
The night before the Games begin, Katniss finds Peeta on the roof of their hotel, watching the Capitol celebrate.
Peeta tells her, “I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games.”
This makes no sense to Katniss. In the book, she replies by telling him to care about staying alive, and in the movie, she explains that she can’t afford to think that way. Although that particular line wasn’t in the book, it was a perfect addition because that’s the way things are in District 12, where Katniss lives. Thinking of what might be only leads to disappointment. You have no chance of bettering your situation, nothing you do changes anything significant, and the best you can hope for is to survive.
And that’s the best she hopes for from the Arena as well. Only one of the twenty-four who compete comes out alive. To Katniss, any expectation that something might change this year would be futile.
Yet it’s Katniss who, by the end of the book, thumbs her nose at the Capitol and forces them into allowing two winners of the Hunger Games for the first time ever. And over the next two books, it’s Katniss who, without even meaning to, ignites a revolution and changes her world.
She learns one person can make a difference.
I’m not sure whether the scriptwriters missed this theme running underneath all the books or whether they didn’t catch the line that brings out the deepest facet of it, but in Chapter 7 of The Hunger Games, Peeta and Katniss are arguing about which of them has the better chance of survival and of getting sponsors. Each believes it’s the other.
Peeta turns to Haymitch (their mentor) in exasperation and says, “She has no idea. The effect she can have.”
They left this line out of the movie, and without this line, part of the message is missing.
Not only can one person make a difference, but sometimes we make a difference in others’ lives without even knowing it.
Katniss didn’t set out to change the world. She just did what was right and change followed. She had no idea of the chain of events her seemingly small actions would cause.
It works the same way in real life.
When I was twelve, the boy who sat behind me in class would ask me to explain all our school work to him. I dreaded feeling that pesky tap-tap on my shoulder. When I finally lost my temper, he confessed—he couldn’t read. Somehow he’d slipped through the cracks, dismissed as either stupid or lazy, when he wasn’t either.
So I taught him (and felt guilty about snapping at him). At the time, I didn’t think it was anything important, but a couple years later, I overheard him telling a teacher how much I’d helped him and how much it meant to him.
I treasure that memory. So often I struggle with feeling insignificant and like nothing I do really matters, and that memory helps remind me that I won’t always know how something small I did positively affected someone else. If I hadn’t overheard, I would never have known I made a difference.
We’re not all destined to be famous leaders or world-changers, but that doesn’t mean we’re not making a difference in the individual lives we touch, sometimes when we least realize it, often just by doing the right thing. And that too is important.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like what you do doesn’t matter? Has someone made a difference in your life, probably without realizing it?
(If you’re looking for a movie review of The Hunger Games, Karen Rought at The Midnight Novelist has a mostly spoiler-free version, and Jessica O’Neal–the sexy little nerd–does a great job of analyzing the actors and the flow of the movie.)
Mar 29, 2012 @ 10:10:58
I’ve not read The Hunger Games. It’s probably great, but I just keep putting it off because I don’t want to get sucked it.
That said, I loved your analogy of the book. Yours is the first review of any kind that makes me want to read the books.
And what a story from your childhood! How awesome of you to have the patience to do something like that. It’s sad how many kids still slip through the cracks.
As a stay at home mom who left a fairly lucrative career, I’ve struggled with feeling like I didn’t matter for several years. Even when I was working, I never felt like I was doing anything worthy, career-wise. Getting back into writing has really helped that.
Great post:)
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:48:33
For most people, once they read the first book, they want to move right on to the second and third as well, so that’s probably wise.
As a stay-at-home mom, I’m sure that you made a difference. If a family can manage it financially, having one parent stay home is actually one of the greatest gifts you can give 🙂
Mar 29, 2012 @ 10:40:24
I love the way you share lessons and thoughts you’ve gained from books and films, Marcy. Always thought provoking. 🙂 And what a gift you gave that boy.
A couple of teachers have inspired me in profound ways—a college professor and a high school writing teacher. I’ve tried to contact both without success—yet. Thanks for the inspiration to try, try again!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:50:56
I feel like he’s the one who gave me the gift. I might have taught him to read, but he taught me about the value of helping others and to not judge without knowing the whole story. Those lessons are priceless to me 🙂
Mar 29, 2012 @ 12:15:41
I’m with August…I just love your posts, Marcy. 🙂
Mar 29, 2012 @ 10:51:30
What a fabulous analogy! I love how you incorporated an event from your past. And what a gift you shared with that boy. A very thought provoking post Marcy!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:51:18
Thanks 🙂 I’m glad you liked it!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:22:32
What’s interesting to me is that Suzanne Collins herself was the screenwriter.
I think because of the time constraints, she didn’t have much of a choice but to cut certain things. I think its a shame, because a lot of what was left out was VITAL to the story. I think, perhaps, that they will try to incorporate some of it into the second movie somehow. At least, I can only hope they will. (Or maybe we’ll get a Director’s Cut?)
Having said that, I still really enjoyed the movie and am telling everyone I know to go watch it. *g*
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:46:46
Since she was part of a team with Gary Ross and Billy Ray, it may not have been entirely her choice what to include and what to leave out. I think you’re right that some of what went missing might also have been due to the director’s cut, which the screenwriters really have no say over.
It’s interesting when an author takes part in writing the script, and yet the movie shows differences from the book. J.K. Rowling played a huge creative role in the Harry Potter series of movies, and was quoted in an interview as saying, “It is simply impossible to incorporate every one of my storylines into a film that has to be kept under four hours long. Obviously films have restrictions novels do not have, constraints of time and budget; I can create dazzling effects relying on nothing but the interaction of my own and my readers’ imaginations.”
Either way, I loved the movie too and am hoping they continue on with the remaining books.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:24:33
I hadn’t even thought about the fact that that line was missing! Oh wow, what a good point, Marcy. You are completely right. Katniss not understanding the effect she has on those around her is a theme that runs through the books from start to finish. Now I am sad about that line being dropped.
What a special person you are. I had already figured out from all my interactions with you that you are an incredibly kind person and the story you shared only reinforced that knowledge. Thank you for always being such a great example and for teaching such important lessons.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:33:03
You’re a sweetie, Jess 🙂 I’m glad you liked the post since I know you’re a huge fan the same as I am.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:48:07
Beautiful analogy. And it’s really touching how you helped your class mate. Good thing that you heard you made an impact.
And thanks for linking to the reviews of the movie. I haven’t seen it yet and reading about the film helps the wait.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:34:08
You’re welcome 🙂 I’m the kind of person who will read tons of reviews if I have to wait to see a movie too. I don’t even mind if they have spoilers. Then again, I often read the end of a book when I’m only halfway through too 😉
Mar 29, 2012 @ 12:08:14
I haven’t seen or read the Hunger Games, but it does make you wonder how they can leave out something so key! So much of the time, it is hard to imagine that we can make a difference, especially given our screwed-up political system here in the US where a presidential candidate can win the popular vote and still lose the election. I think this is why we love stories where one person can make a difference. I’m pretty sure the IT guy I worked with several jobs ago never thought he’d make a big difference in someone’s life when helped me learn about the WWW and got my Mac on the Internet – which was not trivial in a company full of PCs, back in the mid-90s. But it led me to a whole new career, and one I find much more satisfying (and lucrative) than the so-subjective graphic design. Great post!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:48:46
What I love too is looking back on how the things that at the time seemed unimportant turned out to be the lynch pin to big changes 🙂 I’m glad that IT guy took the time to help you out!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 13:03:10
Well done – as usual. You’re insight really resonates with people. I have a love/hate relationship with this book/movie right now, but I’ll read the book eventually.
I think this theme was evident in the movie as well – not having been aware of the missing line.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:36:07
It probably would have been different if your girls hadn’t been so crazy over it 🙂 Once your “I’m tired of hearing about it every 10 minutes” feeling wears off, you’ll be able to read the books with a lot more pleasure than if you tried to read them now.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 13:04:28
Another philosophical post, Marcy! And so true.
I haven’t yet seen the movie, but I remember coming away from book one with that same feeling for its theme. These are times when the ubiquitous media constantly reminds us of the rich and famous and powerful, making it hard not to feel insignificant.
As to learning how small gestures can make a difference, one that has changed me is the time I got my elderly neighbor to the hospital when his wife thought he was just sleeping heavily. And it saved his life.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:38:26
Wow, you made a huge difference to him and his wife. That’s awesome!
You’re right about our society focusing on the rich, famous, and powerful. To my thinking, those people aren’t heroes. Heroes are the everyday people doing what they can to make life a little bit better for someone else 🙂
Mar 29, 2012 @ 13:22:33
I love how you discuss books and movies and find a connection to our lives, Marcy. Great perception.
As for the line in the movie: Suzane Collins was listed as one of the screenwriters, so it might have been her choice. Of course, we don’t know how much she was involved in the final shooting script, or in the filming (it might’ve been ad-libbed).
I really, really like this blog! 🙂
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:27:04
I wondered if it wasn’t perhaps due to scenes always needing to be cut to keep movies a reasonable length. We won’t know until the DVD comes out with deleted scenes 🙂
Mar 29, 2012 @ 19:09:32
My daughter tells me (and I consider her an imminent authority on all things Hunger Games related) that Suzanne Collins wrote the first draft of the screen play. fwiw
Mar 29, 2012 @ 13:32:30
Well, Marcy, I’m glad that you were able to pick out the important themese in the book, or absent from the movie depending on how you look at it. A lot of people miss the point entirely.
And what a touching story about your classmate would confessed to not being able to read. I’m glad he trusted you enough to share his vulnerability. That speaks a lot about his character and yours.
And, with regard to Jessica’s archery videos, I think your husband should definitely let you explore your new passion. Maybe you guys could learn together?
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:39:58
Haha. He definitely would if he could, but we’re saving up to potentially send him to law school, so our budget will have to expand some before I get my bow.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 15:55:28
I agree with the others in their praise of your ability to pluck a thread from the tapestry to show how it connects. Not easily done, and so quite valuable. 🙂
Couldn’t agree with you more about touching someone’s life without realizing it. In school, I tried to always smile, say hello, and make eye contact with others, even when we barely knew each other. I did it because I knew how much it meant to me for someone to *notice* me with a smile or hello. I liked friendly faces! Years later, my mother was told that one of those people I always greeted (and that was about all I ever did) named her first daughter after me b/c she said it was a name which always made her smile.
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been touched so much by a compliment.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 16:36:56
I’m so glad I’m not the only one INCREDIBLY missing this line. It was essential for me in the books. Not only proving that one person can make a difference for change on a large scale, but of it’s importance to Peeta. She changed him forever.
I’m afraid to admit this out loud, but I think the adaptation is only about 50% there. I enjoyed the movie a ton, but really felt it was lacking in several areas. I know some people always feel this way about adaptations, but I almost never do. It could be from working in Hollywood that I understand all the issues that book to screen films can cause. I just wanted soooo much more from it as a reader, a fan, and a filmmaker.
Your story about your classmate almost gave me tears (I am a sap lol). What an amazing thing you did for him.
Peeta says that line again in either 2 or 3..here’s hoping they put it in next time!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 17:17:08
Hey Marcy,
Great post. You are so right about not realizing the little things that can make such a difference in another person’s life.
I have seen many people from my life who have gone on to work with kids with special needs, I know that many of them were do to knowing my sister and wanting to help people.
I love the story about helping a boy to read.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 18:53:04
Marcy, I love your school story! Very inspiring.
For me it’s also easy to sink into that insignificant feeling–and then there are those who have a huge sense of self-importance. I guess it’s yet another thing to try and achieve balance with! 🙂
Mar 30, 2012 @ 12:10:58
What a great blog topic. Haven’t seen the movie or read the books yet, but more inclined to do so after reading about the theme of making a difference. I love the line about how Katniss doesn’t see her potential. Often, that seems to be true. We don’t see in ourselves the gifts others see in us, which is why we need other people. And I loved your story about the classmate you helped. It’s amazing how the things we think of as small can be so big to other people. 🙂
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Mar 30, 2012 @ 13:38:40
[…] Games begin. It’s very important for many reasons but … it’s not in the film. In The Missing Hunger Games Line, Marcy Kennedy explores this strange omission. (Via […]
Mar 30, 2012 @ 17:50:49
Maybe it’s the random punctuation that put them off that line? Unless the whole book is punctuated. Like that. In which case. How does anyone get through it?
Mar 30, 2012 @ 18:32:57
Haha. Fortunately, the punctuation found in that line isn’t the norm.
Mar 31, 2012 @ 15:12:01
Marcy, to be honest, I haven’t seen the Hunger Games. But I hate when movies leave the best parts of a book that can really change the story. And when you loved the book, that messes with your head. That said, I love your heart Marcy. You extend yourself to others without expecting anything in return and that’s a admirable quality. The blessing is the feeling you get when you see how that person thrives. Do I ever struggle with the feeling like what you do doesn’t matter? All the time. You’re not alone Marcy! Thank you for this post! 🙂
Mar 31, 2012 @ 18:44:05
I love this Marcy! I absolutely believe one person can make a difference without even knowing it. Happens all the time, for good or bad. That’s why we have to be so mindful or our actions and words. Never know who they might affect. I’m going to see the movie tonight… can’t wait!
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