Haymitch Abernathy Quotes

"And what exactly were you trying to accomplish?" Haymitch asks in a very measured voice.

"I'm not sure. I just wanted to hold them accountable, if only for a moment," says Peeta. "For killing that little girl." (17.18-19)

Here Peeta demonstrates great courage simply by painting a picture of a little girl who died. Doesn't sound like a great act of bravery, does it? But standing up for other people and taking ownership of your voice is one of the most dangerous things you can do in Panem.

"Even if you pull if off, they'll be back in another few months to take us all to the Games. You and Peeta, you'll be mentors now, every year from here on out. And every year they'll revisit the romance and broadcast the details of your private life, and you'll never, ever be able to do anything but live happily ever after with that boy." (3.73)

Here Haymitch helps Katniss realize exactly what she sentenced herself to with her Games strategy. Sure, pretending to be in love got her and Peeta through the Games – that was kind of a miracle in itself. But in order for the strategy to continue to work, they have to keep up the charade for as long as the Capitol watches over them. In other words, forever.

Haymitch ignores him and pulls me to my feet roughly. "Oh, excellent." His hand locks under my chin, lifting it. "She's got a photo shoot next week modeling wedding dresses. What am I supposed to tell her stylist?" (8.5)

Here Haymitch uses the importance of Katniss' appearance as an argument for why the new Head Peacekeeper should stop beating her. The way Haymitch explains it, it doesn't matter what Katniss has done or not done to deserve a beating. What matters is her presence at "a photo shoot next week" where she has to look the part "modeling wedding dresses." Of course, Haymitch is using appearances as an excuse to save Katniss, but in a way, her life does depend on her looking the part.