The Hunger Games

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 27 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, what do you learn about Katniss's life in District 12, and how does it help explain why Prim's name being chosen is so upsetting?
2. In Chapter 2, Katniss volunteers for Prim. What does this choice show about Katniss as a sister and as a person?
3. In Chapter 3, Katniss says goodbye to people she cares about. Which goodbye seems most important to her, and why?
4. In Chapter 4, Katniss and Peeta begin traveling with Haymitch. How do their first impressions of Haymitch affect what they think their chances are?
5. In Chapter 5, Cinna helps Katniss get ready for the opening ceremony. How does he treat Katniss differently from some of the other Capitol people?
6. In Chapter 6, Katniss recognizes the Avox girl. What do Katniss's thoughts about the girl reveal about fear and guilt?
7. In Chapter 7, Katniss makes a bold choice during her private session with the Gamemakers. Why do you think she does it, and what might happen because of it?
8. In Chapter 8, Katniss receives her training score. How does the score change the way others may see her?
9. In Chapter 9, Katniss has trouble showing the personality the audience wants to see. Why is it hard for her to act for the cameras?
10. In Chapter 10, Peeta's interview surprise changes Katniss's situation. Do you think Peeta is being kind, clever, or both? Explain your thinking.
11. In Chapter 11, the Games begin at the Cornucopia. What choices does Katniss make to survive the first day?
12. In Chapter 12, Katniss searches for water while trying to avoid danger. What does this chapter show about the importance of patience and careful thinking?
13. In Chapter 13, Katniss faces fire and the Careers. How does she use the setting around her to stay alive?
14. In Chapter 14, Rue and Katniss begin to trust each other. What makes Rue a good ally for Katniss?
15. In Chapter 15, Katniss and Rue make a plan. How does teamwork help them do something Katniss could not easily do alone?
16. In Chapter 16, Katniss attacks the Careers' supplies. Why is this a smart strategy, and what risks does it create?
17. In Chapter 17, Katniss deals with the results of the explosion and worries about Rue. How does suspense build in this chapter?
18. In Chapter 18, Katniss honors Rue after Rue dies. What message do you think Katniss is sending to the Capitol and to the districts?
19. In Chapter 19, Katniss finds Peeta and hides with him. How does caring for Peeta change Katniss's goals in the Games?
20. In Chapter 20, Katniss must decide whether to go to the feast. What would you have done in her place, and why?
21. In Chapter 21, Thresh surprises Katniss at the feast. What does his choice tell you about his character?
22. In Chapter 22, Katniss and Peeta spend time in the cave. How do Katniss's real feelings and her need to impress the audience get mixed together?
23. In Chapter 23, Katniss and Peeta learn more about who is left in the arena. What prediction can you make about the final part of the Games?
24. In Chapter 24, food and supplies become even more important. How does the danger around food affect the choices the tributes make?
25. In Chapter 25, the rule change is taken back, and Katniss and Peeta choose the berries. What theme or big idea does this moment show?
26. In Chapter 26, Katniss is out of the arena but still not safe. Why does Haymitch warn her, and how does that change your understanding of the Capitol?
27. In Chapter 27, Katniss returns home with Peeta. How has their relationship changed, and what questions are left at the end of the book?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

In Chapter 7, Katniss makes a bold choice during her private session with the Gamemakers. Why do you think she does it, and what might happen because of it?

I think Katniss does it because she feels ignored and angry. She knows she has a skill with a bow, but the Gamemakers are acting like she does not matter. Her choice might make them notice her, which could help her get sponsors. It could also be dangerous because powerful people may not like being challenged.

In Chapter 18, Katniss honors Rue after Rue dies. What message do you think Katniss is sending to the Capitol and to the districts?

I think Katniss is showing that Rue was a real person, not just part of a game. By honoring Rue, Katniss is telling the Capitol that it cannot take away everyone's kindness and love. She is also showing the districts that they can still care about each other. This moment makes Katniss seem brave in a quiet but powerful way.

In Chapter 21, Thresh surprises Katniss at the feast. What does his choice tell you about his character?

Thresh's choice tells me that he is fair and has a strong sense of right and wrong. He could have hurt Katniss, but he lets her go because she helped Rue. I think he remembers Rue and wants to honor her too. This makes him seem more caring than Katniss expected.