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Chapter 11
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Sunrise on the Reaping, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Authoritarianism, Surveillance, and Propaganda
Compliance vs. Resistance
Unity vs. Individualism
Music, Solidarity, and Grief
Dehumanization and State-Sponsored Violence
Summary
Analysis
Haymitch has never heard of a tribute receiving a score of one. The others suggest it might make him memorable to the audience, implying he’s offended the Gamemakers. Haymitch reflects that he did basically call them murderers, to which Lou Lou cries “Yes!” before clutching the ear with her transmitter. All night, Haymitch worries he’s become a liability to Beetee’s plan to break the arena. The next morning, their tokens are returned, including Lenore Dove’s striker. Examining it, Maysilee says her objection to Tam Amber’s mockingjay pin is the bird’s association with jabberjays. Maysilee suggests Lenore Dove dislikes her because she knows one of her secrets, which involves orange paint. Haymitch is confused but Maysilee won’t elaborate.
The others attribute Haymitch’s low score to the way he insulted the Gamemakers, who apparently think of themselves as morally blameless. Though their intent was likely to punish Haymitch by ensuring he receives no sponsors, this strategy could backfire since it makes Haymitch stand out among the large number of tributes. Lou Lou enthusiastically agrees that the Gamemakers are murderers, which is the most authentic reaction she’s had since joining the tributes. She is swiftly punished for this outburst, presumably by the Gamemakers who are monitoring her. Again, Haymitch’s desire to rebel during the Games conflicts with his desire to protect others from the Capitol’s attention. Maysilee’s comments about her inherited mockingjay pin prove once again that she is not as vain as Haymitch assumed; in fact, she is as anti-Capitol as Lenore Dove. Her knowledge of one of Lenore Dove’s secrets unsettles Haymitch, who wonders what she’s been keeping from him.
Active
Themes
Drusilla arrives to prep the tributes for their interviews that night. This is their last chance to make an impression on the audience (and sponsors) before the Games begin. So far, only Haymitch has generated any attention. Lou Lou can only repeat her stolen identity. Drusilla shakes her and Lou Lou screams “You’re murdering us!” Maysilee explains that Lou Lou is a body double, but Drusilla moves on. During his practice session, Wyatt talks about his talents as an oddsmaker. As this is the first time all tributes are allied before the start, he believes people other than the Careers stand a chance of winning, especially Haymitch. Wiress encourages Wyatt to highlight his own chances based on these same skills.
The tradition of holding interviews just before the Games begin emphasizes their disorienting combination of entertainment and violence. Endearing themselves to the Capitol audience is in the tributes’ best interest since it can secure them sponsors who can send them food and supplies in the arena. Drusilla’s indifference to Lou Lou’s distressed state reiterates her belief that tributes are sub-human. Wyatt’s oddsmaker skills portray him as intelligent, though he mostly uses his time to encourage viewers to support the Newcomers.
Active
Themes
Maysilee spends her practice time insulting the Capitol’s absurd fashion sense. Lou Lou’s ear is bleeding, so Mags puts her to bed. During Haymitch’s practice interview, he highlights his low score as a sign the Gamemakers dislike him. Drusilla forbids him from mentioning the reaping and coaches him to appear “naughty, not dangerous.” Suddenly, Prosperina and Vitus arrive in a panic. Magno is violently ill. Assuming he’s made himself sick with toad venom, Drusilla leaves to complain to the Gamemakers. The other prep teams are likewise worried about their grades. It seems the District 12 tributes will be forced to wear their black training uniforms. Drusilla returns, stressed and drunk. Suddenly, a woman with lavender hair arrives carrying bags of clothing.
Active
Themes
