Catching Fire Chapter 19 Quotes

Catching Fire Chapter 19 Quotes

How we cite the quotes:
(Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote 1

Well, what did I think? That the victors' chain of locked hands last night would result in some sort of universal truce in the arena? No, I never believed that. But I guess I had hoped people might show some . . . what? Restraint? Reluctance, at least. Before they jumped right into massacre mode. And you all knew each other, I think. You acted like friends. (19.47)

It's one thing to act like friends in a time of peace, but how do you keep that up when those same "friends" could turn around and kill you at any minute? In the war the tributes fight in the area, it's everyone for himself. There's no common cause, and there aren't supposed to be comrades. There's definitely no "universal truce."

Quote 2

I owe it to the rebels who, emboldened by Cinna's example, might be fighting to bring down the Capitol at this moment. My refusal to play the Games on the Capitol's terms is to be my last act of rebellion. So I grit my teeth and will myself to be a player. (19.2)

There are all kinds of reasons to compete in the Games and give it your all. Usually, though, staying alive is at the top of that list. Katniss' approach is a little different this time around. She will play – she has to – but she'll do so on her own terms. It's the only way she can think of to honor Cinna, to show the people of Panem what the Capitol is really like, and to take action against them in her own "last act of rebellion."