Katniss vs. Careers: Escalation of Violence

The conflict between Katniss and the Career Tributes, especially Cato and Clove, intensifies as the Games progress.

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Initial Avoidance

The Chase The Bloodbath Katniss avoids the initial bloodbath at the Cornucopia. She runs into the woods, trying to put distance between herself and the Careers. She is weak and afraid. She knows they are after her. The Stalk The Careers hunt her. They have night-vision glasses and superior weapons. Katniss uses her knowledge of the woods to evade them. She sets traps and climbs trees. The conflict is one-sided initially. The Tracker Jacker Attack Katniss uses the tracker jacker nest to strike back. She kills Glimmer and the girl from District 4. This is her first major victory. It shifts the balance of power. The Careers are now wounded and angry.

Direct Confrontation

The Battle The Feast At the feast, Katniss directly confronts Clove. She is nearly killed but saved by Thresh. The conflict becomes personal. Clove taunts her about Rue. Katniss wants revenge. The Final Showdown In the final confrontation, Cato attacks with body armor. He is nearly invincible. But the mutts turn the tide. Katniss and Peeta work together to survive. The conflict with the Careers culminates in Cato's long, agonizing death. The Aftermath Katniss has killed two Careers directly and indirectly caused the deaths of others. The violence has transformed her. She is no longer prey; she is a hunter. The escalation of conflict has hardened her, but also traumatized her.

First days of the Games

Later in the Games