"Mockingjay" Reading Response

          In "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins, a rebellion is being staged against the opressive government of Panem. Many lives are lost, and there is much sacrifice in the war. The main character, Katniss Everdeen, and her group of friends and her group of friends and allies, have to help make many important decisions on actions in the rebellion. Throughout the book, in many instances, the needs and wants of the many are chosen over those of the few, and sacrifices are made. The decision not to benefit certain individuals often is impactful and essential to the plot.

          In the book, one of the characters, Peeta Mellark is with Katniss and her group while on a mission. Peeta is suffering from mental trauma after having been tortured and brainwashed previously, and doubts his ability to stay sane. He tells the group many times that he wants to be left behind, and sometimes that he wants to die instead of completing the mission. But the group knows that he is a valuable member and friend, and refuses to let him die. In one instance, Peeta begs, "'Leave me,' he whispers. 'I can't hang on.'" But the group forces him to, and he provides emotional support, and helps gain the group help along the way. Not letting Peeta fulfill his death wish ends up benefitting everybody in the group.

          Elsewhere in the book, characters are debating how to overtake an army base on a mountain, nicknamed "the Nut." There are various plans on how to overtake the base, one of which including trapping all of the people inside, not all of which are enemies, some just menial workers. Katniss is against this plan, as she puts it, "'It'd be like causing a massive coal mining accident.'" It is agreed, with her coercing, that there should be given a chance for workers to flee the building. In letting more survive, they are looking out for the needs of more of the people, and helping all of mankind, since populations are relatively small.

          In District 13, which houses many refugees, there is a very strict policy on the distribution of food. An excerpt from the passage shows some of the rules: "For instance, if you don't finish something and want to save it for later, you can't take it from the dining hall." At another point in the book, Collins writes, "The people from [District] 12 are already getting slightly larger portions than the natives of 13 to bring us up to weight." These sections of the book show that the laws on food in District 13 had in mind the benefit of the whole society, and worked for all of the citizens,

          In "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins, the rebellion that is occurs is a major event that results in many deaths and monumental decisions. But over the course of the book, the characters often decide in favor of the majority, and abandon their selfishness. this contributes to their well-being, and helps them overtake the Capitol, the oppressive government. Collins shows that in times of extreme difficulty, it is best not to act only for yourself to make it through a problem.