The Aftermath of the Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a battle for all the tributes, but the real struggle begins for the victor after the games are finished. The mental battle will endure for victors long after their time in the arena is finished. Knowing what her role will be in the coming years, Katniss thinks “[m]aybe in the beginning, he tried to help the tributes. But then it got unbearable. It must be hell to mentor two kids and then watch them die. Year after year. I realize that if I get out of here, that will become my job” (Collins 306). Katniss reflects on how the Games have impacted Haymitch mentally and probably are the cause of his behavior and drinking. The districts know the Games are continuously brought up throughout the year, and there is no escape from them for anyone. This causes victors to relive their time in the arena and triggers PTSD.

Although the victors are promised a life of luxury, their daily life after the Games is not something most people would expect. Living in a big house and never experiencing hunger again does not replace loneliness, guilt, or suffering. Katniss reflects on Victor’s Village and thinks “I’m not really sure who I am, what my identity is. The idea scares me some. I think of Haymitch, with all of his money. I don’t want to end up like that” (311). Although Haymitch has won the Games, he has no purpose in life. Haymitch has no need to get a job or find food because he is promised a life of comfort which leaves him to his thoughts to reflect on all the trauma he has experienced, which the Capital masks by providing him with food security and living arrangements. Haymitch’s life is meaningless due to the effect of the Games.

The victors are left to fight the mental battle that will haunt them for the rest of their lives, wondering if they would be better off if they were killed in the Games.