Now that Halloween is over, I can go back to business as usual. So until Christmas comes around, no more posts about costumes, treats, crafts, or other stuff associated with special occasions. Okay, I’m wrong. Because during the next two months, two major science fiction franchises will dominate the big screen once again. One is an epic ground breaking franchise that changed the reputation of visual effects and science fiction movies in general as well as entertained generations for nearly 40 years. The other is based on a trilogy of young adult novels that were released less than 10 years ago. One is said to be a ripoff from a Japanese movie while the other actually is that even the creator admits it. One franchise will have its next installment after years of mediocre prequels and will unite 3 members of the original cast. The other will release its final installment based on the second part of the last novel. One takes place a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. The other takes place in a dystopian post-apocalyptic society in North America. One franchise involves a rebellion fighting against an evil empire in the midst of outer space and involves droids, jedi, aliens, and intergalactic battles. The other revolves around a rich capital exploiting its districts of resources and retaining control of them by forcing 24 teenagers from these districts in an annual fight to the death on live television. Still, they both involve headstrong heroines in mortal peril having to choose between a scruffy looking, dark, and handsome nerfherder who gets tortured/frozen and a sweet but seemingly wimpy light haired guy who’s not as lame or defenseless as he looks. But only one of these franchises involves a moment of incest. So to celebrate both movie franchise premieres, I have decided to attract both fan bases with my posts for Nerdvember.
Since Mockingjay Part 2 will be released in theaters on November 20th while Star Wars: The Force Awakens won’t come out until December 18th, I might as well start with The Hunger Games first. Now for those who are unfamiliar with the books or the movies, let me explain. It’s based on a trilogy of young adult novels by Suzanne Collins. The story takes place on a dystopian post-apocalyptic society in North America called Panem with a rich and technologically advanced Capitol exploiting resources from 12 districts to varying levels of poverty that it controls with iron rule. And in order to show who’s in charge, the Capitol punishes these 12 districts for a past rebellion by selecting 2 kids in each district between the ages of 12-18 to battle in a fight to the death on live television everyone’s forced to watch. Our protagonist 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen is from District 12, the poorest of these districts and and has lived in dire poverty since her father died in a mining explosion when she was 11. But unlike most Hunger Games tributes in her district, she volunteers so her 12 year old sister, Prim won’t have to go (her name was picked on the Reaping Day lottery for the girls). However, at the same time, her fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark has been in love with her since they were kids, though Katniss didn’t take notice until he admitted it on national television (though I have to admit, Peeta’s actions aren’t as dumb as they seem). Themes consist of socio-economic inequality, media manipulation, government corruption and incompetence, lack of agency, violence as entertainment, war, exploitation, imperialism, and bread and circus style politics. And despite the books being catered to kids as young as 11-13, they contain elements like public nudity, decapitation, suicide, torture, mutilation, child prostitution, being buried alive, and other psychologically and emotionally disturbing content. I am not kidding about this. Seriously, read the books and/or watch the movies to see for yourselves. So let’s just say this isn’t a family friendly franchise we’re talking about here. So if you have children under 11 or children under 13 who haven’t read the books, you might want to have them watch Star Wars instead.
Now as you might see from this glorious picture of Jennifer Lawrence from Catching Fire or almost anything Effie Trinket wears, a significant chunk of the series revolves around fashion. Of course, the poorer districts don’t get a lot of elaborate outfits. But once you get to the Capitol, yeah, you see all kinds of wild and crazy outfits that you’d think you were in the middle of a Lady Gaga music video. Katniss and her fellow tributes themselves even have their own fashion designer and stylists once in the Capitol so they can look pretty on the cameras for interviews. This comes especially for Katniss and tributes from the poorer districts since they basically don’t have the time to worry about their looks or basic hygiene in that matter. Yeah, they have much bigger things to worry about like eating and other basic needs. And yes, tributes do get put in a lot of ridiculous outfits as you might see. Still, the Hunger Games does have its share of fans dressing up as various characters for nerd conventions, Halloween, or their movie premieres. For girls Katniss Everdeen and Effie Trinket are usually popular choices while Ceasar Flickerman and Seneca Crane are the ones I most often see for guys. So for this post I decided to feature costumes from the movies but worn by the fans. Many of these will be DIY just because it more or less shows the creative spirit. So without further adieu, I present a treasury of Hunger Games fans in their costumes. And may the odds be ever in your favor.
- In Panem, you always need Peacekeepers to tame the masses, especially at Comic Con.
Now Peacekeepers are the Hunger Games equivalent to Imperial Stormtroopers. Yet, their main function is maintaining order and suppress dissidence through coercion and brutality.
2. Now you can dress up like Katniss Everdeen as the Mockingjay.
Of course, this might mean being a figurehead for the Rebellion headed by someone who doesn’t really like you. But still, the outfit is badass.
3. If you have two daughters, remember that it doesn’t cost a lot of money to dress them as the Everdeen sisters.
I’m sure Katniss’s parents didn’t buy most of her costume, especially the bow and ripped up pants. Still, that’s an adorable picture.
4. Remember, it’s never too early to give your daughter archery lessons.
Now this is an adorable Katniss costume, which seems like an easy costume to make. Still, while Katniss Everdeen is a great role model for girls, I’m not sure if she makes a great toddler costume.
5. Now Effie Trinket just has to look her best on Reaping Day.
Now you’ll see a lot of Effie Trinket in this post for obvious reasons. And yes, it’s probably just as fun of a costume to make.
6. Hey, I didn’t know that Effie and Haymitch were a couple.
I’m sure Haymitch didn’t spend much time or money on his costume, save maybe for the wig. Still, the glass is appropriate since the guy is an alcoholic. But you can’t blame him.
7. Be the “Girl on Fire” with this Katniss Everdeen costume.
Now this costume is from the first movie. But for safety’s sake she had to use a cape of orange cloth and Christmas lights.
8. Of course, if you’re a guy who likes the Hunger Games but don’t want to dress in drag, you can always go as Caesar Flickerman.
Now Caesar Flickerman is a talk show host for the Hunger Game who’s played by Stanley Tucci. Of course, he’s best known for his blue wig and dazzling smile.
9. Of course, you can make an Effie Trinket costume from just about anything, even newspapers.
Let’s just say this would be Effie Trinket if she were promoting an environmental message. Well, if she wasn’t too busy selecting tributes for Reaping Day and prepping them for a televised teenage death match.
10. Of course, a shiny blue dress and green wig will make the perfect Effie Trinket costume.
Of course, you might notice that Effie Trinket is a popular costume. Yeah, as long as you have a puffy silk dress and a funky wig, then you can have your own Effie Trinket costume.
11. If you survive the Hunger Games, you’re bound to end up with some scrapes and bruises.
However, all this isn’t nearly as bad as the lifetime of PTSD that you’d be dealing with. By the way, this is supposed to be Katniss.
12. Who knew that Effie Trinket could look so good in pink?
Guess Effie Trinket from the Hunger Games has given a new life to 1980s prom dresses everywhere. Let’s just say if you want to dress up as her, it’s best to go DIY.
13. Who says that Hunger Games cosplay should just be reserved for humans?
Of course, I’m positive that this canine Katniss doesn’t need arrows to kill squirrels. It’s has stuff to do so like teeth.
14. Effie Trinket or Jean Harlow?
Now this is another incarnation of Effie Trinket. But your grandparents might think it’s the 1930s platinum blond bombshell who died at 26 of kidney failure.
15. Not sure if Effie’s going to tolerate Haymitch’s drinking at this party.
Still, you can’t blame Haymitch Abernathy for being alcoholic since he’s the last guy from District 12 to win the Hunger Games prior to Katniss and Peeta. You can guess what he had to deal with.
16. Just a couple of Peacekeepers patrolling the area. Nothing to see here.
Now these guys certainly made their own costume as you can tell by the batting helmets and football shoulder pads. Doesn’t hurt that they have toy police stuff, too.
17. Guess this is a group picture of Katniss with the Capitol prep team.
Weird to see Cinna without gold mascara. Not sure if the Asian girl in the dress is supposed to be Effie though. Still, you can see how fun it is to dress up as someone from the Capitol.
18. Is it just me or am I seeing 3 Katniss Everdeens in this one?
I’d watch where they put the arrows if I were a couple of those girls. You never know where you might shoot somebody’s eye out.
19. Which will she choose her hunting buddy or the boy with bread?
Of course, you have to like Peeta’s costume in this as well as his death glare to Gale. Yeah, the baker’s boy isn’t as docile as he looks.
20. As we all know, Katniss Everdeen is the Mockingjay.
And if you’re familiar with the events of Catching Fire, you should know that Cinna gets in big trouble for this outfit. Like getting brutally beaten as Katniss enters the Quarter Quell.
21. When you’re dressed up as Finnick Odair, make sure you have plenty of net.
Finnick Odair appears in Catching Fire as a victor from District 4, which specializes in fishing. Still, he’s not a popular costume due to dress code rules like no shirt, no shoes, no service.
22. Even girls can dress up as Effie trinket if there’s a white wig involved.
Now that’s an adorable costume. Still, I’m sure it didn’t cost much to make assuming that she had that outfit to begin with.
23. If you’re going as Caesar Flickerman, make sure your hair matches your suit.
Now the hair may not have the character. But the glittery suit definitely makes the costume in this case.
24. Of course, only in the Hunger Games are the more outlandish fashions behind the scenes.
Of course, one of Katniss’s prep team members has her skin dyed green. It’s not evident in the movies. Still, you have to admit that Seneca Crane does have an awesome beard.
25. If you’re a blond guy and your girlfriend’s Katniss, make sure you two are wearing matching windbreakers.
Of course, Katniss is wondering why Peeta isn’t wearing a backpack. Still, if you’re from the same district, it pays to match.
26. As doggie Effie Trinket says, “May the paws be ever in your favor.”
Still, I don’t think Effie wears the Mockingjay pin as I remember. But yeah, that’s sure in the real Effie Trinket spirit.
27. Even in drab, Effie Trinket is still a fun costume.
Just have some old denim clothes and you’re all set. Still, in the books, remember that Effie Trinket doesn’t defect to District 13, at least in the beginning.
28. If you want to dress as Katniss, it help if you have a fire dress.
Of course, it’s hard to tell which dress she’s wearing since she had a few outfits that caught fire. Then again, it might be the wedding dress.
29. If you’re Effie Trinket, you can’t have enough butterflies on your dress or hair.
This is modest than what Effie wore in the movie. But it’s still quite clever to say the least.
30. Of course, it’s hard to create your own Katniss wedding dress.
Let’s hope this isn’t a Hunger Games themed wedding picture. Seriously, I may like the books, but I don’t think a Hunger Games wedding is appropriate at all.
31. Of course, you can’t rock as Effie Trinket without orange and black.
From what they said about this picture, the woman dressed as Effie is supposed to be a school principal. Let’s hope it’s for a high school, shall we?
32. Let’s have some tea and a chat for President Snow.
For those planning on dressing up as President Snow for the Hunger Games movie: You’ll probably have no trouble looking for Santa Claus beards this time of year. Still, they don’t call Snow “Evil Santa” for nothing.
33. Over in the playpen, let’s turn to our very own Caesar Flickerman.
Now that’s so adorable. You have to love this costume for God’s sake, especially the blue hair and fake microphone.
34. Did I tell you that Effie Trinket really likes Monarch Butterflies?
Now that’s a butterfly dress I’m talking about. Well, at least in Effie Trinket’s case. Chances are it took a long time to make this costume.
35. Just because she’s dressed in fishnet stockings doesn’t mean she’s a hooker. She could just be dressing as Effie Trinket.
For some reason, I don’t see Effie Trinket in fishnets as very surprising. In fact, I don’t think it’s a surprise to see her in anything.
36. When you’re Effie Trinket, always make sure the right dress goes with the right hair.
And I’m sure Effie has plenty of wigs for all the dresses she wears. Yeah, it’s kind of a thing at the Capitol. Don’t ask.
37. Of course, all the Effie Trinkets will have to wait in line.
Caption: “Members of the public turn up at London’s Marylebone Station dressed as Effie Trinket as part of ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Capitol Costume Competition in which the winner gets to attend the ‘Mokingjay: Part 1’ premiere.”
38. When you’re Effie Trinket, it helps that your hair matches your outfit.
So I guess Effie’s at some sort of tea social. Wonder what she’ll talk about there. Still, very clever.
39. Of course, to Effie Trinket, this is business casual.
Yeah, she tend to dress way more elaborately than that. Trust me. This is quite toned down, but not that much.
40. Remember if you’re in the Hunger Games, it pays not the mess with Katniss.
That doesn’t mean you won’t be killed though. Because we all know that in the Hunger Games, the competition is deadly, literally.
41. As long as it looks like flame, you’re good to go with “Girl on Fire.”
Now this is a very cool Katniss costume. Love the flame cape here. Not realistic, but what can you do.
42. If you have an afro wig, it helps that you dress up as Rue.
In the story, Rue is a tribute from District 11 who befriends Katniss. She’s about 12. Still, she doesn’t last.
43. When it comes to baby costumes, it’s easy to dress as Finnick.
He may not have a 6 pack but he’s certainly adorable. Just watch that he doesn’t hurt anybody with the trident.
44. Of course, you don’t want to steal baby Katniss’s rattle.
Not sure if I’d trust a baby with a bow and arrow. But you have to admit, this costume is adorable.
45. As we all know, the family that does the Hunger Games together, stays together.
You can see this is a mostly boys group here. Not sure what the person in red supposed to be. Johanna? An Avox? One of Katniss’s prep team?
46. Yes, Peeta, rest your weary head on Katniss’s flaming dress.
Of course, that’s not real fire. But still, the idea of Peeta resting on a flaming dress kind of makes me uncomfortable.
47. We all know how Effie Trinket tends to glimmer in gold.
Not sure if Effie Trinket wore such outfit in the movie. But I wouldn’t be surprised if she has something like this in her wardrobe.
48. When it comes to seeing the Hunger Games, make it a family affair.
Actually don’t unless your kids have read the books. Still, you have to love the parents’ costumes in this one.
49. When it comes to being the “Girl on Fire” using Christmas lights helps.
Now this looks quite cool as I do say so myself. If you’re not familiar with The Hunger Games, you wouldn’t get this.
50. Don’t know about you, but it seems that Katniss is a bit creeped out about Seneca Crane and Effie Trinket.
Still, while Seneca Crane doesn’t play a big role in the boos, he’s loved by the fans nevertheless. Probably because of his beard.
51. Who says you can’t wear a wedding dress more than once?
Well, Katniss’s wedding dress didn’t really have a veil. But still, now that she’s made it look like it’s burning, she’s bound to wear this for many occasions.
52. You wouldn’t know this but Seneca Crane is said to be a hit with the ladies.
Enjoy being a chick magnet while it lasts, Seneca. Because I’m positive that you won’t last beyond the first book. Awesome beard or not.
53. Seems like Effie Trinket is in her Sunday best.
Yes, that’s Effie Trinket. But still, a bit more toned down than other examples. Yet, I’m sure the pattern does make my eyes sore.
54. Like Katniss, a girl’s best friend is her bow.
And by “bow” I mean the one you shoot arrows with to hunt critters or tributes. Katniss knows her way around with that.
55. Now Effie Trinket has a large closet. But she’s in the mood for blue today.
Yeah, I know I’ve been showing a lot of Effie Trinket lately. But still she has a lot of outfits and looks as you can see.
56. From District 7 for the Quarter Quell, you have Joanna Mason.
Like Finnick, Johanna first appears in Catching Fire. Her district specializes in lumber. Still, she does make quite an entrance in her intro.
57. Looks a bit short for a Katniss wedding dress, doesn’t it?
Then again, perhaps a tutu is all you need in this situation. Or all you can afford. Still, pretty though.
58. With a Katniss wedding dress, you can’t have enough feathers.
Now that’s probably the closest I’ve seen to pertaining to Katniss’s wedding dress in the movie. Still, very beautiful though.
59. Looks like this little Peeta Mellark loves to smile as much as baking bread.
Of course, you can tell it’s Peeta because he’s a boy and his shirt says “12.” Other than that, he might as well be from a different district.
60. Seems like it’s just another day at the Capitol.
And it seems like President Snow had to put in the least amount of effort in his costume. I mean that white beard looks totally real.
61. Here we come to Seneca Crane about to hail a cab.
Yes, Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane has an awesome beard. Unfortunately, that doesn’t help him in his situation.
62. Remember to spread your wings like the Mockingjay.
Man, those are very big wings. Must take a lot of feathers. Hope a condor didn’t get killed to make that costume. Because it’s an endangered species.
63. In tribute parades, they always make sure the girl and the boy from each district have matching outfits.
Now this is supposed to be Katniss and Peeta from the tribute parade in the first movie. Yeah, the flames really don’t look real in this.
64. For anyone dressing as Peeta, it always helps if your suit has flames.
I don’t know about you. But this looks less like Peeta the “Boy with Bread” and more like Peeta the Used Car Salesman. Not sure why.
65. Of course, you can’t have enough ruffles if you’re Effie Trinket.
No, that’s not someone you’d see in Whoville. That’s supposed to be Effie Trinket. But yeah, she does dress like that.
66. If you’re dressed as Prim, chances are you’ll have a rather easy costume.
All that’s required are a skirt, white shirt, pigtails, shoes, and not much else. You can get most of that stuff anywhere.
67. If you like red, then a “girl on fire” dress might be your best bet.
Now Katniss wore the red dress in the first movie. But like the one in the second one, it did catch fire. Yet, it did not transform.
68. For the Quarter Quell tribute parade, you might want to go with a sleek evening dress.
Like the outfit from the first movie, this one, too caught on fire. Still, not sure if I like this outfit better.
69. Guess the critters better hide, Katniss is out hunting.
Technically Katniss is poaching for rodents. But since District 12 is so poor, the laws aren’t enforced as much. Well, at least at first.
70. What do you mean you can’t shoot arrows in a red dress?
Of course, Katniss didn’t shoot any arrows in a red dress. Well, as far as I know. But it’s nice to imagine.
71. Take a tip from Katniss and don’t shoot arrows until you see the whites of their eyes.
Now this is her wearing a wetsuit from Catching Fire. Yeah, kind of looks dumb but they were aiming for practicality there.
72. Looks like Peeta isn’t too scared being alone in the woods.
Still, Peeta’s not as much adept to wilderness survival as Katniss. But his main strength has more to do with PR.
73. Yes, I’m sure these people have come with some police escort.
Yes, they’re dressed like you’d see people in the Capitol. And yes, they look ridiculous. But that’s kind of the point.
74. Who knew Caesar Flickerman didn’t just wear blue?
Now this is what Caesar Flickerman looked like in Catching Fire. Yes, he’s wearing black and his wig is lavender.
75. Let’s just say you don’t want to get Katniss angry.
Of course, they don’t call her “the Girl on Fire” for nothing. And yes, she can kill if she has to. I mean she did survive the Hunger Games.
76. Of course, it’s said the Katniss looks quite nice in red and black.
This might be the only Katniss outfit I haven’t shown this far. Still, don’t really know what to think of it.
77. If you’re the Mockingjay, it’s best that you flaunt your wings.
Except if you’re in the Capitol during the rebellion. In that case, you better be igcognito and remain so.
78. Seems like Katniss and Peeta are taking a rest.
Well, they better not rest long. Because you know, everyone is basically trying to kill them.
79. Of course, you never know what Effie Trinket is going to wear next.
Now while I may think this look might be ridiculous to normal eyes, Effie might thing it’s great. Of course, Capitol fashion can be weird like that.
80. As you might know, you can tell that Katniss and Peeta make a cheap couples costume.
Now when Katniss and her family were starving, it was Peeta who gave her a loaf of burnt bread that his family can’t sell. Sure Peeta was better of than she was, but not that much.
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 
Good costumes. I can see why Effie Trinket would be the most popular one. I like that dog costumes too!
That one costume, i think was Lara Croft instead of Katniss