Lessons Learned from 'The Hunger Games'

By Chase Pattison on March 13, 2012

Harry Potter and Bella Swan be warned. The girl on fire just may be stealing your spotlight. Dazzling as the latest phenomenon in American popular culture, Katniss has captured the hearts and minds of readers nationwide. Meanwhile, the books behind her – Suzanne Collins’ immensely popular Hunger Games trilogy – have left other prominent series like Harry Potter and Twilight momentarily by the wayside.

Collins’ novels are set in the post-apocalyptic country of Panem, which is controlled by a strangling, Capitol-centered government. This regime reminds citizens of its power by hosting the annual “Hunger Games,” a televised show of twenty-four Panem teens fighting to their deaths. Sixteen-year-old Katniss finds herself in the arena and surrounded by enemies after she volunteers to take her younger sister’s place.

Despite their futuristic plots, the books are more than just dystopian fantasy. For those in competitive or stressful environments (ahem…sound familiar, college students?) The Hunger Games spell out valuable lessons. Skeptical? Read on. Here are some of those lessons, especially applicable to the trying, sometimes uncertain world of the college student:

1. Recognize your strengths

While training for the Hunger Games, the competitors are instructed to identify ability and hone it. Katniss, a life-long hunter, chooses archery – which serves her well in the long run. For the college student, realizing the qualities that make you unique and the skill sets that separate you from others will also help you in the long run. Whether your next step is graduate school or the job market, recognizing your strengths may give you an edge on the competition.

2. Realize the value of a good mentor

At first, Katniss is dismayed by her mentor, Haymitch, who spends most of his time in a drunken stupor. However, he proves his worth when he saves Katniss in the arena, remaining a loyal ally throughout the rest of the books. In college, it is important to find someone who has “been there, done that” (Haymitch won the Hunger Games when he was young). Think professor, coach, or someone in the field that you wish to pursue. Through cultivating a relationship with this person, you – like Katniss – offer yourself a chance for “safety” in the future. Of course, this “safety” will not likely descend from the sky in a silver parachute. It may, however, take the form of networking or an excellent letter-of-recommendation.

3. Stay true to who you are

Throughout the trilogy, Katniss stands up for what she believes in. Despite facing others’ doubt and exasperation, she ultimately spearheads a rebellion that is based on her own experience of injustice. While I’m not necessarily recommending engaging in such drastic measures, it is important to be true to yourself and your values. For the college students, this might factor into the process of choosing a major or career. It might also allow you to see the larger picture amidst the chaos of finals, job applications, or graduate school tests. Finally, remember that though college may be stressful, it is also full of opportunity. You are allowed to shine. Take it from the girl on fire.