Character List and Analysis
Katniss Everdeen
Katniss is the story’s protagonist and narrator, a 17-year-old girl with straight black hair and gray eyes from impoverished District 12. She is the Capitol’s greatest enemy, serving as the spark that ignites a rebellion after defying the Capitol in the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games with Peeta, using the nightlock berries to allow them both to live, and then again in the Quarter Quell when she shot out the force field.
Throughout the trilogy, Katniss, “the girl on fire,” has remained the face of the rebellion, even though it’s a role she didn’t ask to fulfill. In her final role as Mockingjay, she often doubts her ability to rally Panem against the evil powers of the Capitol. Katniss struggles with her identity, especially as she recovers from the traumatizing events of her past. Her priorities, however, remain constant, and those are protecting her sister, Prim, and her mother; Gale and his family; and Peeta. Katniss would die in order to protect the ones she loves.
Still, Katniss continues to struggle with certainty about her love for Gale and Peeta, and she does so amidst a revolution in which she feels increasing guilt and inadequacy as so many around her die for the cause. Katniss’ challenge is to transform and grow into the Mockingjay, as well as to find her voice and confidence so she can lead the rebellion and find true freedom.