Class Divide: The Seam vs. Capitol

The stark contrast between the poverty of District 12 and the wealth of the Capitol highlights class inequality.

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The Seam

The Poverty The Living Conditions Katniss lives in the Seam, the poorest part of District 12. They have little food, no electricity, and coal dust everywhere. The contrast with the Capitol is stark. The Hunger Many in the Seam starve. Katniss has to hunt illegally to feed her family. The tesserae system keeps them in poverty. The class divide is a source of resentment. The Community Despite the poverty, there is community. The Hob is a black market where people trade. They support each other. The class divide is not just economic; it is a way of life.

The Capitol's Excess

The Wealth The Opulence The Capitol is a city of colors, lights, and endless food. The people are surgically altered and wear ridiculous fashions. They have no concept of hunger. The contrast is shocking. The Attitude The Capitol citizens treat the Games as entertainment. They cheer for the tributes' deaths. They are oblivious to the suffering. The class divide is also a moral divide. The Anger Katniss is angry. She sees the injustice. The class divide fuels her defiance. The theme of inequality is central to the story. It justifies the rebellion.

At the beginning

Upon arrival in the Capitol