From the moment I picked up the first book in The Hunger Games trilogy, I couldn't put it down. I'll admit that I resisted reading these books for a long time. But once I saw how many of our teenagers were obsessed with the series, I decided it was time for me to see what the fuss was all about. For starters I will say that the books are a good, quick read. There's action, there's romance, there's drama. All things that combined together make for an entertaining reading experience. While at first glance it appears that these superficial elements are all these books have to offer, if you look deeper, there is so much more than meets the eye. I know that there have been tons of Christian writers and bloggers who have shared their thoughts on this series as it pertains to how we as Christians should view these books. And I am sure most of them are much smarter and more well-read than I. However, I wanted to share my thoughts as someone who loves books and loves teens as to how we as Christians, especially ones who have teenagers in our lives that love these books, can approach the Hunger Games series.
Perhaps the most controversial and highly debated aspect of this book amongst adults is the idea of the Hunger Games themselves. While we have no problem watching thrillers like Braveheart and Gladiator, there is something deeply unsettling about watching (or reading about) this same type of violence among children. (The children who are selected to participate in the games are ages 12-18.) On the other hand, kids in this same age range are devouring these books without so much as batting an eye at this gruesome plot line. And yet, I wonder why we are surprised or shocked at this example of the devaluing of human life. Unfortunately this is an accurate picture of the society that we live in today. We are dismayed by a fictions account where this happens and yet turn a blind eye to the reality that this happens every day when a woman makes the choice to have an abortion. Our children are growing up in a society that tells them that life is all about them, and they can get rid of anything or anyone that gets in the way of their pursuit of happiness. While we can't imagine how the Capitol people can be so blind and numb to the taking of human life, we ourselves are much like them (more to come on that). It should come as no surprise to us that the next generation is desensitized to the loss of innocent life when they are growing up in a society where it is the law of the land.
Another interesting aspect of this book is the Capitol people themselves. The movie did a wonderful job of depicting this fake, shiny society. And while they seem utterly ridiculous to us as they cheer on the tributes, even placing bets on their lives, if one looks closely it is hard not to see ourselves. They are self-indulgent in every aspect of their lives, from food, to clothes, to entertainment. They are blind to the suffering of others who live in the districts beyond the Capitol. They are easily entertained at the expense of others. Their passions are unbridled, seeking out and fulfilling any lust of the flesh. They love their comfort and will go to great lengths to protect it. They are totally corrupt, a society without moral code or conduct. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? I also couldn't help but notice that there is no mention of God throughout this series. Not once. And while I am sure the author did not intend this, she has painted an accurate picture of man in the absence of God. Without Him, we are totally depraved, utterly corrupt, and hopelessly lost.
One couldn't discuss the Hunger Games and teens without delving into the secondary plot line of the love triangle between Katniss and her two suitors, Peeta and Gale. Yes, much like the attraction of Twilight, this is what draws most young girls into obsession over these books. I have had many conversations with teens about these books and most just want to know if I'm on team Peeta or team Gale. I am sure that many of you are wondering why this is problematic. For starters, (and I recognize that I am in the minority here-even among Christians) this plot line causes teenage girls to be awakened to thoughts and feelings that they are much too young to have. The dysfunctional relationships that Katniss has with these two boys is not an accurate picture of real life. It causes girls to fantasize about being the object of desire as Katniss is and to have a distorted and unbiblical idea of love. I realize that almost all aspects of secular society promote casual dating as a normal part of adolescence. However, as Christians, we are to be in the world but not of it. This is one area where I am afraid we have bought Satan's lies hook, line and sinker. To me, perpetuating this type of thought line among teenagers is perhaps a more dangerous aspect of this book to teens than the vicious murders taking place.
So while this book/movie may just be a sad commentary on the state of our society, there are some positive themes. Self-sacrifice is an obvious one. We see Katniss willing to sacrifice herself for Prim from the very beginning. We also see Peeta constantly putting Katniss before himself, willing to do anything to save her. Another positive theme is the idea of being anti-Big government. (Ha-the Republican in me had to say that!) It shows how the idea of any one person having absolute power is a dangerous one, highlighted in the characters of Presidents Snow and Coin. There is also the theme of hope. The people of the districts are desperate for hope in the dark world they live in. And while, they find their hope in Katniss, the Mockingjay, they do ultimately find a reason to live and to fight for a better future.
At the end of the series, I found myself more disturbed than when I started. I was so anxious to get to the end, to the happily ever after. After all, so much of the book is sad and troubled. I had hoped that once I finished that there would be a resolution and a peace with the atrocities that had taken place. Yet, it never happened. And while the book does have a happy ending of sorts, one still feels as if the characters are not really happy at all. Too much has happened, they have lost too much, they are scarred too deeply. We are so used to having books and movies end in a way where good conquers evil and everything is all right once more. But these books end in a way that is much more true to real life. Sometimes we don't get a truly happy ending. Some things happen in our lives that will leave us forever changed. And yet, I thought once again how it highlighted our need for a greater hope than this life. Without Christ, we have no real hope. Without Him, the wounds in our lives can never fully be healed. Without Him, we have no hope for a world without suffering and tears. But with Him, we can have a better hope. A hope for a future where He wipes away every tear and all things are truly set right.
There is so much more that could be said about these books, but the bottom line is if you are going to allow your teens to read these books or watch this movie, then engage them in dialog about them. Use it as an opportunity to talk with them about society, their values, relationships and Jesus. Every book, every movie, every song has a message. Its our job to teach our children how to discern what messages are being perpetuated through these various aspects of culture and more importantly to teach them how to weigh these things against scripture to distinguish between Biblical truth and lies.
Like I said before, these are just my thoughts on these books. I encourage you to read them yourselves and form your own opinions. And in the words of Effie Trinket:
"Happy Hunger Games, And may the odds be ever in your favor!"
