Name Symbolism in The Hunger Games

1. Name Symbolism in The Hunger Games

2. Katniss • An aquatic plant from the genus “Sagittaria” • The word “Katniss” means “belonging to an arrow” in Latin and refers to the shape of the plant’s leaves. • In North America and East Asia, the tubers of the plant are harvested for food.

3. Prim (Primrose) • “Prim” is an adjective used to describe someone who is proper and has good etiquette. • “Primrose” comes from Latin meaning “first rose.” • Primrose flowers are one of the first to blossom in the springtime. • In some places, like the U.K., these flowers are so popular that it is actually illegal to pick them!

4. Rue • “Rue” means regret. • It is also called “Herb of Grace” or “Herb of Repentance” • Rue is a drought-tolerant plant and has attractive little yellow flowers. • It has also been called “Plant of Patience” or “Plant of Endurance” because one rue plant can live for hundreds of years, even in the worst conditions. • Rue has often been associated with innocence and young girlhood.

5. Peeta • Pita is a type of bread • Bread is important sustenance for most diets around the world • There are many idioms and rituals involving bread • “My bread and butter” • “Breaking bread” • “Amish Friendship bread” • PETA is an acronym for the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals

6. Gale Hawthorn • “Gale” is Hebrew for “strength of God” and “father’s joy” • “Gale” means “a strong force or wind” or “loud outburst” • Hawthorn is a type of thorny bush with clusters of flowers and red berries • (Nathaniel) Hawthorn was an American writer from the 1800s who wrote about romance and love triangles

7. Effie Trinket • “Effie” is Greek for “well spoken” or “eloquent” • “Trinket” refers to a tiny item • of little monetary value • that’s decorated/intricate • that’s sentimental • That’s ornamental (like jewelry)