Of course, no musical would be without some romantic duet. In the Hunger Games, we’re all aware that the main relationship is between Katniss and Peeta. Sure Peeta might be deeply in love with Katniss since he was a young boy. This to the point that when he and Katniss are tributes in the Hunger Games, he figures that he stands no chance of winning because there’s no way he’d be able to kill her. So he might as well do what he can so she can survive. Yet, while Katniss certainly does have feelings for him, she’s most likely not aware of it for a good chunk of the series. This is probably because Katniss swore never to marry or have a family and for two very good reasons. First, she doesn’t want to be a parent on Reaping Day, which is self-explanatory. Because if your kid is reaped there’s a 23 to 1 chance that they won’t come back and you’ll have to see them violently die on national television. And there’s nothing you can do about it. Second, when Katniss was 11, her coal miner dad died in an explosion which caused her mom to break down completely that she had to grow up quickly and provide for her family. And it’s because of this, she believes love is a weakness that she’s so reluctant to admit she’s falling in love with Peeta. Even when the two of them start sleeping together during the Victory Tour and Quell training. She also believes that she doesn’t deserve him.

A good song I thought would be a duet for them would be “This Night” by Billy Joel from his Innocent Man album. It’s one of those love songs which is lovely but not very cheesy to the point of annoyance. Besides, it pertains to two people falling for each other even though they decided not to get incredibly serious for fear that they’d screw everything up. In the Hunger Games version, I had it set with the two of them on the beach during the Quarter Quell in Catching Fire which ends with the two sharing a kiss and him telling her that she’s his whole life. And it really seems to them that this might be the last time they’d be together like this.

“This Night” (Hunger Games Edition)

Sung by Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen

Peeta Mellark:

Didn’t you say

That you weren’t going for romance

Didn’t we promise

We would only be friends

And so we played on

With our charade of a romance

I started breaking my promises

Right there and then

Didn’t we swear

There would be no complications

Didn’t you want

Someone you’ve known long time before

Now that you’re here

It’s not the same situation

Suddenly I don’t remember the rules anymore

This night is mine

It’s only you and I

Tomorrow

Is a long time away

This night can last forever

Katniss Everdeen:

I’ve been around

Someone like me should know better

Falling in love

Would be the worst thing I could do

Didn’t I say

I didn’t want to be like my mother

After my father died you wouldn’t know

What I’ve been through

How many nights

Have I been lonely without you

I tell myself

How much I really don’t care

How many nights

Have I been thinking about you

Wanting to hold you

But knowing you would not be there

This night

You’re mine

It’s only you and I

I’ll tell you

To forget yesterday

This night we are together

Both:

This night

Is mine

It’s only you and I

Tomorrow

Is such a long time away

This night can last forever

Tomorrow

Is such a long time away

This night can last forever

Note: This post contains spoilers. So if you haven’t read the books up to Mockingjay or seen the movies up to Mockingjay Part 2, then you shouldn’t be viewing it. Even if you’re a die hard Billy Joel fan like my mother.

You have to feel for Peeta who doesn’t seem to catch a break. In the first book, he’s reaped for the Hunger Games the same year the girl he’s been completely head over heels for volunteers to take her sister’s place. And even though he and Katniss survive as victors, he’s utterly heartbroken when he finds out that Katniss was just playing it for the cameras. Add to that suffering PTSD and terrible nightmares. In the second book, he goes into the arena again with Katniss (voluntarily), only to end up captured by the Capitol, where he’s held prisoner through part of the third. During that time, he’s tortured, hijacked, and forced to be a mouthpiece for the Capitol. And when he’s rescued by District 13, he ends up attacking Katniss, which breaks her heart. Later, Alma Coin puts him on the Star Squad in hopes that he’d kill her. Luckily by this point, Peeta has recovered enough from the hijacking that he becomes aware on how much he has changed. Yet, he begins to view himself as a mutt and loathes what he’s become. Fearing that he might hurt Katniss or anyone else, he’s now asking the Star Squad to kill him because he poses a danger to the group as well as doubts whether he could heal. But he keeps going.

As for a song depicting his state of mind at the time, I decided to go with “An Innocent Man” by Billy Joel from the 1980s album of the same name. In the original version, the narrator is telling the girl to give him a chance since he really likes her and thinks love is worth it. But he understands that she’s been broken before, possibly many times. Perhaps to the point she’s suspicious and skeptical of any guy who shows any interest in her. Yet, he insists that he’d never do anything to hurt her and sees no reason why she should distrust him. However, he also tells her that he’s not going to put up with her crap lying down and will dump her if it becomes too much for him. In the Hunger Games version, I have Peeta being skeptical of his own sanity as well as willing to have Star Squad members kill him if he poses too much of a danger. Yet, he also shows the determination to fight off the hijacking and regain his old self, despite his doubts.

“An Innocent Man” (Hunger Games Edition)

Sung by Peeta Mellark

Some people stay far away from my door

If there’s a chance that I’d see a mutt

They think I was this on Snow’s designs

And think that my old self has died

Sometimes I live with the fear of a mutt

And the anger of having been a tool

Can I ever listen to anyone

When nobody tells me a lie

I know you’re only protecting yourselves

I know I’ve acted like somebody else

Someone who’d hurt you

But I’m not above

Being put into cuffs

Though I’m denying I could ever heal

I’m not above doing anything

To restore your faith if I can

Not sure if how I can retain self-control

Before I feel my mind slipping away

Yet, I won’t let my old self die

Because I am an innocent man

Oh yes I am

Not even sure I will ever believe

Another promise I hear in the dark

Because I don’t remember too well

What what’s real or what’s not anymore

Not sure my mind is in any way right

Or whether I am better off dead

Guess it’s not always easier to see one

As a monster before

I know you don’t want to hear what I say

I know you’re gonna keep turning away

But I will fight it and if I can survive

You can keep me alive

As long as I don’t go through it again

I’m not above being cool for a while

If you’re cruel to me I’ll understand

Some people run from a possible fight

Some people figure they can never win

And although this is a fight I can lose

The accused is an innocent man

Oh yes I am

An innocent man

I’m not a guy who’d ever hurt out of spite

I guess I’d rather be a martyr tonight

That’s your decision

But I’m not below

Anybody I know

If there’s a way I can recover my soul

I’m not certain I can go back to the start

To find out where the hijacking began

Not sure if there’s any miracle cure

Or should I just accept my fate as it is

But if you want me to lay down and die

Just know I am an innocent man

I am an innocent man

Oh yes I am

An innocent man

Despite being the most significant character in the Hunger Games after Katniss, I barely did any songs for Peeta to do on his own. Mostly because I haven’t come across any. Sure he may not be the Hunger Games contender Katniss is and he was lucky to survive both times. Yet, he was only a burden for Katniss after he got his leg injured. Because he was fighting Cato off while Katniss was in the middle of a tracker jacker hallucination. Not to mention, Peeta’s confessing his love for Katniss on national television helped her get sponsors as well as eventually allowed them both survive. But for some reason, I find it difficult to do a song parody with him singing. Maybe it’s because of the kind of music I like. Maybe it’s due to the fact that some of the song parodies don’t seem to fit his personality. I don’t know. I guess it’s complicated since it’s easy to dismiss Peeta as a useless weakling despite that he’s not. Or think that confessing his love for Katniss was self-serving and naive when it was neither of the sort. After all, he doesn’t feel he has long to live and probably consulted Haymitch on the matter beforehand anyway. And you really can’t make fun of what he went through at the Capitol in Mockingjay. Well, at least when it pertains to him.

In an attempt to make an appropriate song for Peeta, I’ll try with “Belle Isle” by Bob Dylan. It’s one of those beautiful love songs about a guy falling for some maid in a seaside town. But it’s not one of the artist’s best known. For the Hunger Games version, I have Peeta talking about how he’s been stuck on Katniss since they were little kids. And how he was a goner when all the birds outside stopped when she sang the valley song. He told her this when they were in the cave in the first novel.

“Girl from the Seam”

Sung by Peeta Mellark

When I was a young boy, no older than 5

On the first day in school

You had on a plaid red dress

And your hair in two braids stead of one

My father pointed you out while we were waiting

He said he wanted to marry your mom

And I thought of a goddess to beauty

At this blooming bright star of the Seam

I asked why she married a miner

He said it was because how he sings

He had such a voice of an angel

That even the birds stop to hear

That day in the musical assembly

The teacher asked about the valley song

Your hand shot high up right in the air

As she then stood you up on a stool

Therefore when you sang for the classroom

Every bird outside the windows fell silent

I knew from them that I was a goner

For that beautiful girl from the Seam

Young maiden I wish not to banter

It’s true I waited eleven years

To work up the nerve to speak to you

Until Reaping Day to my tears

I’ve known you’re a maid I love dearly

And you’ve been in my heart all the while

For me there is no other damsel

Than my blooming bright star of the Seam

When it comes to the Hunger Games, you can’t blame the tributes having an emotionally hard time as the Games officially begin. I mean imagine being a teenager who suddenly has to grapple with their inevitable death. Let’s just say you’re better off being either drafted into the military or having a serious illness. Seriously, a teenager has a better chance of surviving a war or cancer than the Hunger Games where the competition is literally deadly. And let’s just say, most teenagers aren’t really prepared to face their own mortality. So it’s not unusual for many of the tributes to be scared. As for Katniss, well, it’s one thing that she had to come close to death in the first Hunger Games. Yet, when she found out about the Quarter Quell being an All-Stars competition, she feels like she doesn’t have much time to live. After all, victors are tougher competition than your peers. Let’s just say she’s facing issues that any normal 17 year old girl shouldn’t be dealing with.

For a good song depicting Katniss agonizing through her own mortality in Catching Fire, I used “Gethsemane” from Jesus Christ Superstar. The original has Jesus praying to God and agonizing about his upcoming crucifixion. You’d think that Jesus knew that he was to suffer a most painful death he’d be more courageous about the whole thing. But it’s not the case, contrary to how biblical movies depict it. After all, facing one’s death is a very scary thing, especially if you’re relatively young. In the Hunger Games version, I have Katniss struggle with a possible death in the arena during the Quarter Quell as well as evaluate how much as changed since she and Peeta won the previous year.

“Katniss’s Lament”

Sung b Katniss Everdeen

I only want to say

If there is a way

Take this cup away from me for I don’t want to taste

Its poison

Feel it burn me, I have changed, I’m not as sure as

When I started

Then I was on fire

Now I’m sad and tired

Listen surely I’ve exceeded expectations tried for since last year

Seems like thirty

Could they ask as much from any other girl?

But if I die

In the Quell will they mourn their Katniss Everdeen

Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me, put me from misery

I’d wanna know I’d wanna know my odds

I’d wanna see I’d wanna see my odds

Why I should die

Would I be more noticed than I ever was before?

Would the things I’ve said and done matter anymore?

I’d have to know I’d have to know the score

I’d have to see I’d have to see the score

If I die what will be my reward?

I’d have to know I’d have to know the score

Why should I die?

Can it ever be now that I would not be killed in vain?

Will dear Peeta live on or will he end up being slain

Show me how it’s worth it if there’s a chance I’ll die

They’re far too keen on where and how and not so hot on why

Alright I’ll die!

Just watch me die!

See how I die!

Then I was inspired

Now I’m sad and tired

After all I’ve tried since last year seems like ninety

Why then am I scared to finish what I started

What they started – I didn’t start it

God, their will is hard

But Snow holds every card

I will drink his cup of poison

Fight in his Quell and break me

Bleed me beat me kill me take me now –

Before I change my mind

Unbeknownst to Katniss and Peeta as they prepare for the Quell at the training center, Haymitch, Plutarch, and half the victors in it form an alliance and a plan to keep them alive. Not to mention, help kick off the rebellion at full speed. Now you have to think whoever thought of reaping surviving victors must’ve not had their head screwed on just right. Having teenagers killing each other is bad enough. But victors being chosen again for the Hunger Games is just incredibly dumb. I mean these are people who’ve had their lives ruined by the Capitol from the moment many of them were reaped to participate in it. Haymitch for instance, would soon lose his entire family, become an alcoholic, and send 46 tributes to their deaths to entertain the masses. And he’s not an unusual case. Some exceptionally good looking victors are forced into prostitution under threat of their loved ones if they refused like Finnick. Not to mention, the victors tend to be friends with each other, having shared the experiences of brutality. And it’s these ties that help half the victors form a conspiracy with Haymitch and Plutarch.

For a song pertaining to such secret conspiracy, I used “The Last Supper” from Jesus Christ Superstar. The original version depicts Jesus sharing one final meal with his disciples and saying that Peter will deny him and someone else will betray him like Judas Iscariot. It’s a rather dramatic rendition. In the Hunger Games version, I have Haymitch and some of the allied victors discuss their plans to break out of the arena the night before the Quell officially kicks off. I know this scene didn’t take place in the books or movies because victors are on 24 hour surveillance in order to deter insurrections. But when it comes to musical numbers, you can’t have Haymitch and the others communicating through bread. Also, the phrase “jaded mandarin” describes Haymitch perfectly.

“The Last Meeting”

Allied Victors:

Look at all my trials and tribulations

Sinking in a gentle pool of wine

Don’t disturb me now I can see the answers

Till this evening is this morning life is fine

Never thought that I’d be a Games victor

Knew that I had to make it to survive

Thought we were retired before this Quarter Quell

But they’ll still talk about us when we’ve died

Haymitch:

The end…

Is just a little harder when brought about by friends

For all you care Peeta could be my son

For all you care Katniss could be my daughter

The end!

At the arena’s edge

There is a large force field wall

Blow it up and help them escape from the Quarter Quell

I must be mad thinking this will work out – yes

I must be out of my head!

We all suffered so badly! I’ve lost my whole family

Had 46 tributes now dead!

They’ve made our lives hell

Now they’ve got this Quell –

Allied Victors:

Oh, shit! How could? Impossible!

Haymitch:

Plutarch will help us, he is on our side

There weren’t many takers – but that’s not all we need

One of you here dining, one of the 12 allies

Who knows electricity –

Beetee:

Cut out the dramatics! You know very well who –

Haymitch:

How will you go do it?

Beetee:

You want me to do it?

Haymitch:

You’re the brains here

Beetee:

If you knew why I do it…

Haymitch:

I don’t care why you do it!

Finnick:

You know how they watch you, what if they just kill you?

Plutarch:

They’re fools – I’ve played them

Johanna:

You want me to do it!

What if I just stayed here and ruined his ambition?

Snow he deserves it!

Haymitch:

Hurry you fool, hurry and go

Save me your speeches, I don’t wanna know – GO!

Allied Victors:

Look at all my trials and tribulations

Sinking in a gentle pool of wine

What’s that in the bread it’s gone to my head

Till this morning is this evening life is fine

Never thought that I’d be a Games victor

Knew that I had to make it to survive

Thought we were retired before this Quarter Quell

But they’ll still talk about us when we’ve died

Johanna:

You sad pathetic man – see where you’ve brought us to

Our ideals die around us all because of you

And now the saddest cut of all –

Someone has to save your kids

You’re washed up champion, and a sloshed up has been

A jaded mandarin

A jaded mandarin

A jaded jaded faded mandarin

Haymitch:

Get out! They’re waiting! Get out!

They’re waiting for you

Johanna:

Every time I look at her I don’t understand

Why she let the things she did get so out of hand

She’d have managed better if you’d had it planned –

Allied Victors:

Look at all my trials and tribulations

Sinking in a gentle pool of wine

Don’t disturb me now I can see the answers

Till this evening is this morning life is fine

Never thought that I’d be a Games victor

Knew that I had to make it to survive

Thought we were retired before this Quarter Quell

But they’ll still talk about us when we’ve died

Haymitch:

Will no one save those kids for me?

Beetee? Jo? Finn?

Can some of you work with me?

Beetee? Jo? Finn?

In District 12, there’s a place called the Hob which is an old warehouse that serves as a black market. Since hunting is illegal in Panem with stiff penalties, Katniss often sells her game there. Yet, since District 12 is the poorest in Panem with most people struggling to get by or desperately starving, the Peacekeepers are relatively lenient than elsewhere as well as turn a blind eye on poaching and black market trading. Possibly because practically everyone in town does some sort of business at the Hob, including the Peacekeepers. Such arrangement helps Katniss tremendously, since the Peacekeepers are mostly corrupt with their head Cray usually requesting certain favors of a sexual nature. Let’s just say if Katniss didn’t learn to hunt, she would’ve lost her virginity much sooner. Items sold there are poached game, alcohol, and other banned items. Plus, it’s open at times other places won’t be like on Reaping Day or late ate night. Of course, the Capitol can always get new Peacekeepers to torch the place.

For a good song on the Hob, I went with “The Temple” from Jesus Christ Superstar. The original version of this song depicts Jesus chasing out the money lenders and vendors as well as overturning tables in the Temple of Jerusalem. Because you know, these guys turned a house of prayer into a den of thieves which makes Jesus super pissed. In the Hunger Games version, I have it set in Catching Fire in which Gale Hawthorne goes to the Head Peacekeeper’s cabin with a turkey. Unfortunately for him, he finds out the corrupt lecher Cray has been replaced by the hardliner Thread who soon has the Hob torched as well as Gale tied mercilessly whipped on a post that he has to be rescued and treated. I also have the people of District 12 turn to Katniss for help, in which she wants none of that.

“The Hob”

Merchants:

Roll on up District 12

Come on in District 12

Sunday hang out at the Hob

Live in me District 12

Here you live District 12

Here you breathe District 12

While our dear Hob still survives

You at least are still alive

I got things you won’t believe

Name your pleasure I will sell

I can fix your wildest needs

I got heaven and I got hell

Roll on up, for my price is down

Come on in for the best in town

Take your pick of the finest wine

Lay your bets on this bird of mine

What you see is what you get

No one’s been disappointed yet

Don’t be scared give me a try

There is nothing you can’t buy

Name your price, I got everything

Hurry it’s going fast

Borrow cash on the finest terms

Hurry now while stocks still last

Romulus Thread:

Hello, I’m your new chief Romulus Thread

And you’ve made this place a den of thieves

Get out! Get out!

These crooks are almost through

Little left to do

Now let’s go and burn this shithole

Whip the guy trying to sell turkey

Crowd:

What the fuck have they done to Cray?

How the hell could the torch the Hob?

There’s not much dough in mining coal

Now I think I might have to rob

Can’t they leave us in District 12

Why the hell is the Hob aflame?

Now everything has gone to hell

See my purse I’m a poor poor man

Can you help us and save us Kat

Can’t you tell them where it’s at

Please help us and clear us Kat

Won’t you kiss won’t you pay me Kat

Katniss:

There’s too many of you – don’t push me

There’s too little of me – don’t crowd me

Help yourselves!

Note: This post contains major spoilers. So if you haven’t read the books or saw the movies up to Mockingjay Part 2, best not see this. It might ruin it for you.

As president of District 13, Alma Coin was the defacto leader of the rebellion who set herself to unite the other districts against a common enemy. Then again, she was probably the one who assumed leadership of the rebellion once Katniss accidentally sparked one. And it had more to do with the fact she was the leader of a district that the Capitol pretty much left alone due to a mutually assured destruction pact. Nevertheless, throughout the years, Coin has been there for District 13 thick and thin. Yet, as Alma means soul and a coin has two sides, she’s always had a rather two sided nature. At first she might be the kind of strong competent leader who’d bring Panem to an era of peace and prosperity. But as you get to know her, she’s a power hungry woman who’s willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants like bombing children and framing it on Snow. Since Prim was killed in the bombings, Katniss is utterly devastated and heartbroken.

As for a song on Coin relishing in her moment of triumph, I decided to go with “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,” from Evita. It’s the part in the musical when Eva Peron is bearing farewell to the people of Argentina as the country’s first lady. Nevertheless, the musical portrays her in a very negative light akin to one would be if a musical on Barack Obama was based on his Conservapedia page. For the Hunger Games version, I have Coin give her speech on the balcony saying farewell to the people of District 13 as she assumes the interim presidency of Panem. But little does she know….

“Don’t Cry For Me, District 13”

Sung by President Alma Coin

It won’t be easy

You’ll think it strange

When I try to explain how I feel

That I still need your love

After all that I’ve done

You won’t believe me

All you will see

Is a girl you once knew

Although she’s at the luxurious Capitol

Instead in the old bunker with you

I’ve taken the burden

And honor

Of declaring myself as Panem’s president

As we’ve won a great victory

But at a great cost of our lives

It won’t be easy

Creating a future that’s right at our door

Rebuilding all we have lost

So we can live life anew

Don’t cry for me District 13

The truth is I never left you

All through my wild days

My mad existence

I kept my promise

Don’t keep your distance

I bid you welcome to a new Panem

On the Avenue of Tributes

We’re all gathered to witness

A great moment of justice

Today, our Katniss

Our friend of the revolution

Will fire the shot

To end all wars and tyranny

And usher a new era in bloom

Don’t cry for me District 13

Don’t cry for me District 13

The truth is I never left you

All through my wild days

My mad existence

I kept my promise

Don’t keep your distance

Mockingjay

There’s nothing more I can think of to say to you

But all you have to do

As your heart is so pure

So shall your aim be true

For a long time in Panem, it was supposed that victors of the Hunger Games would never have to go back into the arena again. Katniss thought the same even though the idea of mentoring tributes for the rest of your life isn’t great either. And then there’s the Quarter Quell which takes place every 25 years which is a special  Hunger Games featuring a unique twist to the rules. These were said to be supposedly prescribed at the end of the Dark Days to serve as a reminder of some aspect of the first rebellion. One Quell could have tributes chosen by popular vote from the districts. Another could have twice as many tributes reaped from each district as usual (which was the year Haymitch won his Games, by the way). But who the hell knows what inspires the rule changes anyway? The Capitol could’ve just made such stuff up. Nevertheless, unfortunately for Katniss, the third Quarter Quell rule just happened to state that the tributes of each district that year would be selected among the 59 surviving victors. And Katniss just happened to be the only female victor from District 12, which means she’ll have to go back automatically. You know what that means.

For the song expressing Katniss’s reaction to the news, I decided to go with “Damned for All Time/Blood Money” from Jesus Christ Superstar. The original version depicts Judas Iscariot going to the chief priests and making a deal that he’d rat Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. For the Hunger Games version, I decided to go with Katniss running to Haymitch’s place after hearing the news of the Quarter Quell rule change as well as the two along with Peeta trying to decide what to do about it. Now I know a scene like this isn’t 100% to the books or the movies, but I hope it just captures the idea.

 
“Damned for All Time” (Hunger Games Edition)

Katniss: Now they just announced the Quarter Quell

They’re reaping victors and now I don’t feel so well

I’m 12’s only girl victor, I don’t know what to do

I weighed the whole thing up before I came to you

I really think that Snow really wants me dead

I really thought that I wouldn’t be in arena again

Just don’t say I’m

Damned for all time

I came because I need to get a freaking drink

Another Hunger Games I’m just dreading to think

And what about Peeta will he go there, too?

I thought my biggest worry was just saying “I do”

Right now our wedding doesn’t seem so bad

Despite the Capitol is making all the plans

Just don’t say I’m

Damned for all time

{Instrumental Break}

Haymitch, you’re a friend a worldly man and wise

Peeta, my friend I know you sympathize

Why is this year victors? Why are we the ones?

Who have to kill those who’ve previously won

I think I might just have to write my will

Cause I think my survival odds are down the till

Just don’t say I’m damned

For all time

Peeta: Cut the protesting forget the excuses

Let’s see some victors we’re up against

Haymitch: You’re a hunter but your people skills are appalling

We know public relations – you know the bow

Peeta: I’ll volunteer as a tribute if you are selected

Haymitch: Let me handle the victors-I know them well

Not sure if I can kill my friends in the arena

Peeta: But with our charm and connections

Haymitch: Then we can’t fail

Katniss: What the hell are you saying?

Haymitch: Oh, pardon me sweetheart, it’s just talk man-to-man.

Katniss: Please don’t let Peeta in there!

Peeta: But it’s just too late now that you’re going back

Haymitch: Now we need to think about our strategy

I think Peeta has a very good point

We need to do training and we should get started

Don’t worry dear sweetheart, let’s say nothing,

Say nothing, say nothing more

Katniss: I don’t know if I can’t sleep soundly on this night

I just wonder if it’s the only way for Snow to have me dead

Choir: Poor young Katniss

Why screw Katniss

Note: This post contains spoilers. So if you haven’t read the books or seen the movies up to Mockingjay Part 1, you shouldn’t be viewing this. Might ruin it for you, even if you enjoy Simon and Garfunkel.

When Katniss and her compatriots arrive at District 13, they find themselves in an austere but welcoming atmosphere. After all, District 13 is the headquarters for the rebellion which is headed by their President Alma Coin. And it’s especially accommodating to escaped victors like Katniss, Beetee, Haymitch,and Finnick. I mean such people make great propaganda pieces against the Capitol. Of course, Coin ends up asking Katniss to be the Mockingjay, which she accepts with some demands. Still, while Coin might be a warm and fuzzy type nor seem fond of Katniss, initially, she at least appears all right enough for the two to get on. And as she agrees to be the Mockingjay, Katniss’s relationship with Coin seems to resemble an uneasy but working alliance. That is, at first.

For a good song about Coin’s welcoming disposition toward Katniss, I decided to go with “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon and Garfunkel.The song is famous for being featured on the 1967 film The Graduate, which is about a guy who’s fresh out college getting sexually entangled with a middle aged married woman who has all kinds of issues. In the Hunger Games version, I have Coin trying to be accommodating to Katniss after she agrees to become the Mockingjay. Well, in her own special way at least. She’s really not known for being affectionate or warm, in that matter. But compared to Snow, she seems like a reasonable authority figure, well, as far as we know.

“Here’s to You, Katniss Everdeen”

Sung by President Alma Coin

And here’s to you, Katniss Everdeen,

Peeta loves you more than you will know.

God bless you, please Katniss Everdeen.

It’s great that you’re now the Mockingjay,

Hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey

We’d like to know a little bit about you for our files

We’d like to help you learn to help yourself.

Look around you all you see are sympathetic eyes,

Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home.

And here’s to you, Katniss Everdeen,

Peeta loves you more than you will know.

God bless you, please Katniss Everdeen.

It’s great that you’re now the Mockingjay,

Hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey

13 is the hiding place where the Capitol never goes

Though within our pantry there’s no cupcakes.

It’s a little secret just the Rebellion’s own affair.

Most of all you’ve got to hide it from old Snow.

Koo-koo-ka-choo, Katniss Everdeen,

Peeta loves you more than you will know.

God bless you, please, Katniss Everdeen.

It’s great that you’re now the Mockingjay

Hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey

Here’s a little job for you awaiting for you soon.

How about appear in District 8.

Laugh about it, shout about it

When you’ve got to choose

Every way you look at this you lose.

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio,

Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

What’s that you say, Katniss Everdeen.

Jolting Joe has left and gone away,

Hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey

While Katniss becomes a beacon of hope for the rebellion as the Mockingjay, it’s not exactly a role she’s comfortable with. For one, at this point in the story, she’s an emotional wreck. She’s suffering from PTSD after having to participate in the Hunger Games 2 years in a row. District 12 has been bombed and Peeta is being held prisoner by the Capitol. Second, she doesn’t particularly care for the rebellion and only agrees to be the Mockingjay so Alma Coin wouldn’t do anything to Peeta. Well, that along with a desire for revenge against Snow (like wanting to kill him herself) as well as that she can’t just remain neutral and live her life. I mean she helped orchestrate the escape from the arena by shooting an arrow into the force field. With her hometown being destroyed, she has nowhere else to go but District 13 and what she might want might not matter as far as Alma Coin is concerned. Also, in some way she was responsible for starting a revolution, whether she intended to or not. But as a Mockingjay, she’s basically a pawn of Coin who she doesn’t really get along with.

A good parody describing her state of mind as the Mockingjay would be “Carry On, Wayward Son,” by Kansas. The original version describes a soldier’s thoughts as he questions the moral legitimacy of his actions in war. In the Hunger Games version, I have Katniss viewing herself as a revolutionary symbol for a cause she’s basically dragged in and doesn’t have much interest in. Well, other than personal perks like having Coin grant immunity to the imprisoned victors at the Capitol as well as the privilege to kill Snow herself.

“Carry On, Mockingjay”

Sung by Katniss Everdeen

Carry on you Mockingjay

There’ll be peace when it’s on its way

Lay your weary head to rest

Don’t you cry no more

Ah

Once I rose above the noise and confusion

Just to get a glimpse beyond the illusion

I shot an arrow in the arena, but it knocked me out

Though my eyes could see I still was a blind girl

Though my mind could think I still was a mad girl

I hear the voices when I’m dreaming,

I can hear them say

Carry on you Mockingjay

There’ll be peace when it’s on its way

Lay your weary head to rest

Don’t you cry no more

Masquerading as a girl with a reason

My charade is the event of the season

And if I claim to be a wise girl,

Well, it surely means that I don’t know

On a stormy sea of moving emotion

Tossed about, as a tool for their motives

I play their game to free my Peeta,

But I hear the voices say

Carry on you Mockingjay

There’ll be peace when it’s on its way

Lay your weary head to rest

Don’t you cry no more

Carry on,

You will always remember

Carry on,

Nothing equals the splendor

Now your life’s no longer empty

Surely Peeta waits for you

Carry on you Mockingjay

There’ll be peace when it’s on its way

Lay your weary head to rest

Don’t you cry,

Don’t you cry no more,

No more!