There have been many posts crediting President Snow for his “genius” decision having the tributes being previous winners for the 75th Hunger Games, however, I think it is probably the biggest mistake he makes in the series... And Plutarch’s smartest move.
The main rule in the Hunger Games is that there is always one winner. Not only is the winner awarded a fancy house and a large sum of money, but they are paraded around the capital. Their status is elevated and their home district views them as a celebrity. It is the only ticket to “rise up” in society. We as the reader know that being a Victor is still a terrible fate (body sold to capital citizens, used as a prop, forced to be a mentor), however, they symbolize a win for the district as a whole and enforce the hatred districts have for each other.
In the 74th Games, Crane makes the decision to change the rules and allow two tributes from the same district to win the games. Whether this is purely for drama to make the romance element sell better or a clever way to introduce false hope, all tributes believe this rule is real. There is a chance Katniss and Peeta can really win together. When the rug is pulled out from under them, they are forced to choose who will win causing all hope of their dual survival to be lost. Both Katniss and Peeta want the other to win, however, they know the toll it will take emotionally on that individual to be the lone survivor (survivor’s guilt). With no hope of a fair life, they are both willing to die together creating an all or nothing situation. Crane is forced to let both of them win, knowing that if no one wins the games, the districts might realize that “their sacrifice” was for nothing. He believes two winners are better than none (And honestly he’s lowkey right), and it costs him his life.
During Snow’s conversation with Crane he states, “Fear does not work as long as there is hope”. Katniss and Peeta winning together is not inherently revolutionary, it was not done to spite the capital, but Snow cannot let go of the idea that they broke the carefully constructed rules of the games, and, therefore, must be punished. He forgets that Katniss and Peeta are not universally liked, especially in districts where they had to kill their tributes (district 1 and 2). Snow blames Crane for even introducing the idea of two winners in the first place, the rules of the Hunger Games have been solidified for good reason. Ironically, the ending of the games is not what brings on the rebellion, it is really Rue’s relationship with Katniss. The kindness Katniss shows shows during Rue’s death unites the Districts for a moment, and creates a connection between District 11 and District 12.
This push for fear and punishment blind Snow when Plutarch becomes the game maker. Although all the districts know the 75th Games will have a twist, deciding to draw tributes from the existing Victors is a critical mistake. Yes, it allows Snow to “punish” Katniss for bending the rules, however, Snow forgets that the Victors symbolize hope to a necessary degree for society to function. The districts need to feel like they can win something, they need some distraction of power to stop them from realizing they are constantly being manipulated. Taking two of the golden children away from every district unites the efforts of rebellion. It is the clearest way to say “no, you are all losers at the end of the day”. This blatant reminder is not needed, and spreads anger throughout the entire Panem system.
Snow’s weakness is he doesn’t understand that fear cannot work without the idea of mercy. There must be some possible reward to work for, or hopelessness will take over and people will act without care for their lives. If both options bring death and torture, why not rebel? The additional scenes in Mockingjay Part 1, demonstrate this notion perfectly (the dam in District 5 and the bombs in District 7).
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Hey making my return just for this
Grian told Cleo and Etho “If we turn red today, I’m sticking by you. That’s the deal. It’s not over until it’s over.” Which, first of all, is such a big deal because he’s known for going wherever is continent (“I’ve never seen a man drop a pair of sunglasses so fast” - Scott) and he actually stayed loyal to them and kept his word. Etho and Cleo knew he wasn’t trustworthy and still welcomed him with open arms.
At the end of Secret Life for Etho, he died by saying “I’m going home everybody, I’m dying in my home.” The place that he made with Grian and Cleo, and he called it home.
Now, keeping all of this in mind, I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if the roomies had won. I mean all of the odds were against them, but just imagine for a moment. It would be Desert Duo at the sand castle all over again. None of them wanted to win without each other, but there could only be one.
Grian having to relive the cactus circle all over again? Etho finally being present in what he called a family and having to make the decision to die or to kill? Cleo being comfortable and accepting these idiots, and now she has no choice but to do the unspeakable? It’s not like all three of them can win. In their minds it would always be the three of them, but in the Watcher’s minds, there can only be one.
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our deal | just friends | part two [ln4 smau]
pairing: williams driver!female!reader x lando norris
idea: not really part two, but our deal as told by social media posts, watch them interact as fans speculate 👀
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lando.jpg
liked by carlossainz55, mclaren, and 238,209 others
lando.jpg just part of the day job 🧡
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fan1 CLOSE UP CARLOS HAND + BRACELETS
fan2 mISS RABBIT HAS FAINTED
youraccount none of me, huh? i see how it is.
-> daniel.jpg none of me either and i'm his favourite
-> landonorris @youraccount every photo I've ever taken of you you cover your face
-> landonorris @/daniel.jpg and you're not even here??
alex_albon @/georgerussell63 paparazzi
-> georgerussell63 @/alex_albon he's our biggest fan
-> landonorris @/georgerussell63 @/alex_albon you wish
fan3 we get carlando !! and landoscar !! AND 2019 rookies !! wow war is over
fan4 (y/n)'s comment lmao, lando took that PERSONALLY on his story
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youraccount
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youraccount looking forward to getting back on track, but until then... books and beach 📖
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fan5 i am jealous on a biblical level
landonorris what, so no invite?
-> youraccount @/landonorris truly didn't know you knew how to read
-> landonorris @youraccount you know THAT one hurt my feelings
lilymhe not to sound like lando but... no invite?!?!?!
-> youraccount @/lilymhe alex wouldn't let me he's afraid of us hanging out without him
-> lilymhe @/alex_albon hmmmmmmmmmm?????
-> alex_albon @/lilymhe @youraccount not true (kinda true)fan6 okay but what is she reading??? i need to know
-> youraccount @/fan6 people we meet on vacation by emily henry :)
fan7 (y/n) book club when???
fan8 maybe she should stick to reading instead of racing...
-> fan9 maybe you should stick to not getting any bitches
williamsracing
liked by alex_albon, youraccount, and 30,293 others
williamsracing peace signs up if you're excited it's finally race week again ✌️ ✌️ ✌️
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youraccount ✌️ ✌️ ✌️ ✌️ ✌️
alex_albon ✌️ ✌️ ✌️ ✌️ ✌️ ✌️
-> youraccount @/alex_albon one up me again
-> alex_albon @youraccount 🤷♂️ 🤷♂️ 🤷♂️
fan10 nothing but respect for MY favourite driver duo ✌️
fan11 its 👎 until you get rid of the publicity stunt
-> williamsracing 🚪 there's the door
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fan12 WILLIAMS ACCOUNT PROTECTING OUR GIRL WE STAN FOREVER !!
albon_pets go big brother alex and (y/n) !! 🐾
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