Sinister Power Play and the Final Girl: Katniss Everdeen in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games Trilogy

Abstract

In Suzanne Collins’ Young Adult trilogy, The Hunger Games (2008-2010), the homicidal state of Panem acts like the classic psychopath of slasher films. Katniss Everdeen’s refusal to become a Final Girl in the brutal Games inspires the revolution that destroys President Snow’s tyrannical regime. Hailed as a hero, Katniss has, however, no true agency. Overwhelmed by her victimization, she even commits a shocking crime: the political assassination of the new leader, Alma Coin. The love of the Final Boy, Peeta Mellark, is essential for this Final Girl to survive, yet not enough for Katniss to ever cease being a victim.