Katniss' strengths and weaknesses in the games

     Katniss Everdeen is a complex person with many strengths and weaknesses, making her an intriguing and compelling character. One of Katniss' most notable and beneficial strengths is her survival skills. In the beginning of the novel, the reader gets a glimpse into her life before the games. Growing up in District 12, Katniss learns how to hunt and forage to provide for her family. Once her father passes away, the burden to provide is placed on her shoulders, making her the main source of food for her family. As a hunter, Katniss is a skilled tracker and archer, giving her an advantage over the other tributes in the Games. She is able to quickly adapt to new environments and situations in order to stay alive. Katniss has had to be hungry and fight for her life in District 12, so all of these skills translate well into the arena. These strengths are recognized by the public, including Peeta's mother. Before sending Peeta off into the games she states, "She's a survivor, that one" (Collins, 90). Her skills are admired by those in her district, providing them with hope after Katniss volunteers as tribute. 

    A second strength of Katniss' is her loyalty. She is fiercely protective of her loved ones, particularly Prim, and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Therefore, this bond with her sister constantly acts as a motivating factor for her to win the Games. Katniss fights harder, making her a selfless and courageous character. She finds Prim in her eventual ally, Rue. Rue reminds Katniss so much of Prim that she says, "[b]ut if this is Prim's, I mean Rue's last request, I have to at least try" (234). This relationship with Rue aids Katniss in harming the Careers with tracker jackers and proves to the rest of Panem that she has a heart, earning her some bread in the end. Though some people may think that it was not smart of Katniss to pair up with Rue, I think it was a good choice. Rue is a skilled survivalist just like Katniss, as she knows how to silently travel among the trees and identify edible plants. Rue also provides Katniss with shared experiences of an underprivileged district and the reminder of her family. Their relationship highlights the power of empathy and human connection, even in the most difficult situations.

    As for weaknesses, Katniss struggles in many social situations. She has grown up independent, paranoid, and disadvantaged. Therefore, when she is thrown into the Capital and the Hunger Games, she is unsure how to interact with others in a sociable way. Despite being a skilled hunter, Katniss often struggles to control her emotions, resulting in reckless decisions. Her temper can often get the best of her, demonstrated often while they are preparing for the Games. For example, after Peeta declares that he has a crush on Katniss in his interview, her temper gets the best of her: "Peeta has only just stepped from his car when I slam my palms into his chest. He loses his balance and...lands in the shards, and blood immediately flows from his hands" (134). Aside from her temper, Katniss has immense trust issues. Growing up with nobody to rely on aside from herself provides solid reasoning for this lack of trust. Before and during the Games, Katniss consistently doubts Peeta's motives. When he is declaring his feelings, waving to the crowd, pairing with the Careers, and telling her to run from Cato, she feels that he would never do that with positive intentions. Despite these weaknesses, Katniss' strengths prevail. Her hunting and survival skills paired with her determination to win the Games for her loved ones allows her to outsmart and outlast her opponents.