The Reaping Hunger Games

The Reaping
In the film there are different representations of teenagers/adults through
different things such as Katniss Everdeen. She is the main character of the
movie and is described to be the strongest out of the pack of teenagers.
Starting with her appearance at the Reaping, Katniss is tall with brunette
hair, which fits elegantly into low bun out of her face. The girls around her
all have blonde hair and plaits this makes Katniss look different towards
the rest of the teenage girls just by her hair. By looking at her posture and
the way she stands you can tell she is not afraid and could possibly be
majestic. During the Reaping scene she is portrayed to be the masculine
object to her family partly because her father died when she and her sister
was young so Katniss had no choice but to protect her sister and mother
through all that comes near them. The main shot which is took of Katniss
is the ‘over the shoulder shot’ which views what she is seeing and her
point of view especially when she looks at Gale with some kind of fear.
When Effie Trinket reads out the girl’s name, her heart stops as she
realizes its Prim her sister, the girl whom Katniss promised wouldn’t get
chosen. Katniss immediately felt obligated and charged out of the section
where the teenagers all stood and rushed towards Prim, but the guards
stopped her. This shows that Katniss is rebellious against the adults (Stuart
hall theory) where as all the teenagers just stand there and allow it all to
happen without any rule breaking. Which is an ant-stereotype because
teenagers are usually intrigued on breaking the rules and she is the only
one doing it. A diegetic sound, come from Katniss as she wants to get her
point across to everyone by screaming Prims name, soon after she says
the famous quote ‘I volunteer as tribute’ this created a deafening silence
amongst the crowds of teenagers. Katniss stands strong and open footed
with her head high and shoulders back, with a full body shot showing how
desperate she was to stand forward for Prim. This also sends a confused
look on all the adults, as they didn’t expect a teenager to disobey the
rules, which they created. Close up and 180 shot of Katniss as she rushes
over to Prim with relief. She hugs Primrose, which shows a close
relationship, which they share, this points out an anti-stereotype because
usually sisters argue and annoy each over. Shot reverse shot of Katniss
walking towards the stage where Effie is standing all posh and dolled up,
this shows that adults get more attention and more expensive clothes but
only the rich ones. As she approaches the stage she is made to feel small
because Effie bends down to grab her hand as if she’s a baby. Dutch tilt
shot describing that the world is a bit mad and crazy also that Katniss is
most probably feeling disorientated. As she is placed in position in front of
a sea of dull teenagers, sadness and fear washes over Katniss’s face,
which can mean she is afraid of what she has put herself up too. As
Katniss volunteers she basically becomes a leader towards the young
teens because she is the only courageous one who has ever stood up to
the adults. Non-diegetic sound highlights this, as the whole ceremony is
silent. Anti- stereotypical by the way the camera shot portrays that the
women is the hero in the film.
Training area
On the training area clip a lot happened to Katniss. Two shots of Peeta and
Katniss are shown; Katniss face is on show more than Peeta’s as his is
blurred implying she is more important. Her face holds an emotionless
expression suggesting her mind is set on something, which she can’t
describe. Katniss clutches her hands together roughly, with white printing

on her skin by the pressure; she also bounces her leg up and down out of
nerves and anxiety. Her and Peeta are wearing the same uniform, (Michael
Brake theory) this shows that the boys and girls have no differences and
are equal to each over; this also symbolizes their lower status. As Katniss
stands up a tracking shot is portrayed as she walks away, looking back at
Peeta with an over the shoulder shot. Peeta says two words to her, which
makes her, confused but relaxed, ‘shoot straight’. As she walks out of the
waiting room and into a big arena where its only her, it can make her feel
as if she’s leaving her old life as a child and becoming an adult. Long shot
and straight after an over the shoulder shot as Katniss saunters over to
the area where she will perform in front of the higher-class adults.
Establishing shot as she sets in her spot. Katniss is low down wearing dark
clothes so she blends in with the setting and is basically unnoticed by her
judgmental spectators. Long shot of Katniss walking apprehensively
towards her bow and arrow, in her head she feels she has to show her
ultimate strength with no fear as this will distract the adults attention
away from her even though in reality they are not looking anyway. The
only way to be noticed is to deliver violence and strength. Non-diegetic
sounds, music leads her up to her bow and arrow. Her instant reaction to
her bow is to feel it and get familiar to it, it also suggests she enjoys the
thrill and violence which this piece of metal can do. Katniss shouts her
name and district over the loud conversations, which the obnoxious adults
are having, and tracks her actions. Once she has full attention she aims at
her target (over the shoulder shot), which is a human body, this implies
they encourage violence to each over. Diegetic sound of the thump of the
arrow with no other sound around, causes the adults to burst in hysterics
as Katniss then realizes she missed the target. When she is under pressure
she can’t perform as well as the adults expect her to do, this can
sometimes be a Stuart Hall theory. This zooms into Katniss face and
instant embarrassment washes over her, as she has just failed at shooting
a target but when she usually shoots its always on point. Diegetic sound of
bells showing that she could do something bad and a light bulb has just
popped up her head. Zoom and a hand held camera movement shot,
which is not smooth implying the camera is in her eyes and she has gotten
dizzy and confused. This emphasis’s she’s loosing control over her body
and is becoming mentally unstable. A build up of music as she picks up
her second arrow, close up of the arrow suggesting it hit the heart of the
target, all music has stopped as she is proud of her action’s. She looks
towards the adults for approval; but gets nothing but carry on
conversation. Katniss’s inner teenage attitude builds up and her main
focus is on the pig, which is lying on the table with a bright red apple stuck
in his mouth, all the adults surround the pig which makes her have an
idea. As she picks up her third arrow and aims it at the apple a hint of
adrenaline runs through her body and soon enough she shoots the apple
out of the pigs mouth creating a diegetic sound of the thud, meaning she’s
got a lot of violence in her body. The adults expressions turn livid and
surprised and all heads are now aimed at Kantiss as she wished for, anger
rises and out comes the sarcasm as she bows with disgust and says ‘thank
you for your consideration’, soon after she struts to the exit but then
realizes she forgot to put her arrow down and walks back with attitude
quickly storming out of view after she places it back down.
Cornucopia
Katniss face is full of veneration and concern as her chest rises every two
seconds. The countdown begins and as it hits one she runs out of her tube

with a long body shot and hesitates on what route to take, quick shots of
people already killing implying teenagers have vengeance in them for
saving their own life. Katniss soon decides and runs towards to closest
safety bags, she falls over soon after she starts running again and the
music grows louder and more suspense is created. Pace of the music
speeds up indicating that they are all insane and out of control with the
violence. Some would suggest that Katniss’s fall is cliché and the guy
behind her is about to stab her to death but a women behind him kills the
guy (over the shoulder shot) just before he gets the chance, this shows
women power! But then the girl goes for Katniss with little boomerangs
but Katniss quickly dodges it with her bag and pushes the girl off her and
soon after running into the forest where she bumps into a girl, a little
younger then her with fear on her face. This makes Katniss freeze in her
spot as she is uneasy and doesn’t know if this girl will attack her so she
makes a strong expression showing she isn’t afraid which is a antistereotype towards young teenage girls.

Peeta
The Reaping
When Peeta’s name was called out by Effie the small boy froze on the spot, all the
other teenage boys started to makes a path for him to walk out of and each of
their faces held relive. Peeta is described and portrayed as weepy, timid and
vulnerable, as he collects himself and walks out of the audience and nervously
walks towards the stage. The guards behind him are tall and armored making
Peeta look tiny and targeted. As he reaches the stairs he tenses and takes a deep
breath as he rises up the steps. As he slowly stepped next to Effie he looked like a
little princess full of weakness and no capability to protect himself. Next to Katniss
he holds a slouched posture which makes him look helpless, this is a stereotype
because most teenage boys are strong and look older then they are and also
courageous, but right now Katniss and Peeta have got the wrong roles. As him and
Katniss shake hands he instantly realizes that she was the helpless weak woman
who slept on the streets, starving to death. And Peeta gave her bread, this shows
that the tables have turned and Katniss has grown stronger and braver.
The training area
Peeta sits and copies Katniss’s actions with the clutching hands and nerve juts,
this shows that he is fearing everything and doesn’t really know what to do with
himself, this shows another stereotype because usually women are helpless and
afraid and the men reassure them but in this situation nobody is reassuring
anyone. Pan upwards shot (unrecognizable hands) this shot is indescribable, as
you don’t know if it is a women or man siting down because they’re uniforms are
both the same which leads back to the Stuart Hall theory. There is an equal
amount of fear shared between Katniss and Peeta as they are fresh meat to the
world and don’t really know how it is going to turn out. Non-diegetic sound
emphasizes more tension and suspense to their feelings and emotions. The air is
thick and clustered as their breaths are hot with nerves and Peeta’s last words to
Katniss is ‘shoot straight’ this shows an anti-stereotype because they are meant
to hate each over as they have to kill each over, but Peeta has grown more
confidence towards Katniss and is wishing his best for her, which can show
affection towards her too. Stereotypically Peeta is known to be the princess but
now he is slowly becoming more braver and can stand on his own two feet by
himself but then again whilst Peeta was speaking a white light shone over him
implying innocence and purity. Restrictions on teenagers include which also goes
right back to Michael Brake’s theory. When Peeta comes up the tube and out to
the battle field, full body shot of Peeta and over the shoulder shot of Katniss as he
shakes his head at her, implying that if she runs the to the center where the
safety bags are and weapons sit then she would possibly be killed instantly. He is
advising Katniss and supporting her even though they cant like each over. Peeta’s
actions towards Katniss shows that he has courage and is sensible/smart towards
the games, he has a clear understanding of the rules and expectations of what is
expected. Once the countdown hit one, Peeta sprinted in the opposite direction as
he is taking the sensible route, saving himself but showing no courage or bravery
as he ran away.
Gale
The Reaping
During the speech which Effie held Gale and Katniss kept eye contact every once
in a while which can imply they have history especially love interest, this is a
common stereotype because every man needs a women to be with in life or death
movies. When Katniss volunteered as tribute, Prim refused to leave Katniss’s site
and screamed for her to come back. Tracking shot of Gale ripping Prim off Katniss
and taking a weight off of Katniss’s shoulders, implying he’s the father figure and
is just trying to support her and her family. Gale throws prim over his shoulder and
takes her to her mother when she is seated with the poor adults who also have no
say in society, as they are poor and weak. Gale is represented more as man
because he has broad shoulders, muscular and has manly features where as

Peeta looks completely different than Gale, he looks wimpy and afraid where as
Gale is described as if he could battle through anything. This is a stereotype
because most boys want to be massive and Hench like Gale but some are
vulnerable and princess like. Long body shot of Gale taking Prim away and over
the shoulder shot of Gale looking at Prims scared face.

Prim
The Reaping
When prim attended the Reaping with Katniss you could instantly tell the
difference between them, Katniss is described as majestic and fearless. Whereas
Primrose looks innocent and full of purity just by her appearance. Her hair is
blonde and two plaits lay on both of her shoulders, a bit like Goldie locks because
she is vulnerable as well. Her skirt is a pleated and long sock to her knees, with
her little shoes and blouse tucked into her skirt. Prim is a princess who needs to
be protected from everything; she needs guidance especially from her sister
Katniss. When her name is selected from the box all eyes was on her and the
teenage girls looked at her stepping away as if she was full of diseases and non of
them liked her. Prim held an unsure expression but it became steady as she slowly
walked towards the stage. Soon enough her big sister Katniss saves the day and
Prims breath hitches with relief. The guards block them from being together which
shows that adults are cruel and forever in control. Prim looks small and fragile
amongst the whole crowd and especially the guards, which stand behind her. As
soon as Katniss volunteered they ran into each over and hugged as if there was
no tomorrow, this shows they have a huge bond. Katniss told Prim to go find her
mother and to stay safe, but she disobeyed and screamed implying she didn’t
want to leave Katniss, a diegetic sound came from Prim as she whaled for Katniss
to stay. Soon enough Gale dragged her off her where Prim hit Gales back with
anger and sadness that she might never see her sister again. Courage and
bravery strikes Prim as she quickly separated from her. The two sisters are binary
opposite because Katniss has brown hair whereas Prim has blonde, and Katniss is
strong but Prim is weak. I think that Prim makes Katniss look like a hero.
Effie
The Reaping
Effie’s appearance is very interesting and in that world of the hunger games she is
described as the rich kind of women, so she enjoys the games because she
doesn’t have to do it. She wears a full pink dress with frills and all the pretty
details, her face is as pale as a sheet of paper, as well as her hair it’s a light
blonde near enough white too. A massive pink flower, which matches her dress, is
placed on her head. Effie’s makeup is pink as well this can mean she is also
innocent and girly, maybe she even has an evil side. When Effie goes to the girls
box she takes her time just to make the teenagers more tense and nervous.
Swirling her hand around the bowl she snatches the paper up with such attitude
that she doesn’t even care that this could change people’s lives if they even make
it. Long shot of Effie as she reads out the names and over the shoulder shot as
she views the crowd from her perspective. The adults are representing more to
teenagers because she is wearing bright clothes and lots of makeup, which is an
anti-stereotype because teenagers do this. High angle shot looking down on the
teenagers and the selected people when they walk up the stairs. Effie looks
powerful and strong as she looks down at Katniss with such happiness. Once
Katniss gets on the stage, instantly Effie forces her to the center as if the
ceremony is all rushed. I think that Effie holds a energetic attitude which can
come across as sarcastic to some people.
Guards
The Reaping
The guards and all adults and go with the rules, which they are told to do by other
adults, they are also in control even though they are guards. Their postures are
high and strong with shoulders back and arms by their sides. With the whole
crowd being dull greys, I think that the guards stand out most because of their
bright white armor, which looks futuristic as its very clean and robotic looking. On

their heads are helmets that cover their whole face as if they had bowls on of
their heads; this suggests that the government do not trust society on their
actions so they need guards who have full armor. This shows that adults have
more power over teenagers. When Katniss moves towards the stage the guards
both put a hand on her lower back to put more pressure on her and to move
quicker. High angle of the guards over looking the sea of teenagers.

Seneca Crane
The training area
Seneca sits on a stage, which has been designed to look like a living area that
parties go on at. He rests on a single sofa chair, which is a leather material that
looks expensive. Wine and food in each hand he sits with an un-amused
expression as he speaks to all the men who look rather rich, he is dressed in rich
clothes, implying he is modern and uptight. Seneca laughs with his colleagues and
doesn’t even acknowledge Katniss’s presence until she speaks out. His eyes
focus on Katniss as he is slumped on his wealthy chair, jump cut back shot to the
adults all engrossed with Katniss’s actions until she fails miserably and all of a
sudden Seneca bursts into fits of laughter with such disrespect. Not a care in a
world that she could have felt embarrassed because at the end of the day he isn’t
going out on a battle field to be killed, all he sees this as is entertainment. He
carries on his conversation and questions people about who brought the big pig in
a joking manner; in his voice he held a selfish/attention-seeking attitude. Seneca’s
eye line matches the camera implying he’s staring at her after Katniss shoots the
arrow into the apple. His reaction is surprised mixed with anger because nobody’s
ever disobeyed the rich. The diegetic sound is deafening because all was heard is
Katniss’s sarcastic side take over as she walks out.
Adults
The Reaping/training area/Games
During the Reaping Katniss’s mums face was shot on the camera and she looked
depressed and angry that Prim was chosen, but she knew she couldn’t say
anything, as her mother had no power over the rich – restrained -. Adults are in
control of adults. The poor adults look with sympathy as Prim was chosen and
some of the adults whom stood next to Primroses’ mother stared at her because
obviously they know it’s her child. On the stage was what looked like observers,
all in black sitting down. They looked rich and classy and the games gave no
effect on them by the look on the their bland expressions. The adults sat on the
stage un-amused just like Seneca, observing everything around them. Bright
red/pink lights shone on them as if they had some kind of power over everyone.
Adults sit on the comfy seats looking down on the teenagers who perform for
training as if they have a higher status. The adults are wearing sophisticated
outfits, which imply they are wealthy and have enough money to treat themselves
to such luxury. They sit and laugh about the conversation, which they are having
whilst eating fresh food and cold wine enjoying the atmosphere. The diegetic
sound is echoing with laughter, which radiates the whole area. All of the adults
are oblivious to Katniss’s existence and carry on with their ‘party’. Katniss is being
disregarded as if she is not important enough for their attention. The most
noticeable thing is that women are serving the men drinks and food; this implies
that men are in control and make all the decisions. Most of the men are grey
headed and wrinkly suggesting they are obviously old men who are moody and
stuck up because they have more money then everyone else. This could lead to
argument with parliament, as they are all old men that work there too. (Mis en
scene) – men all have neat hair with curls and fancy products mixed in, meaning
they are always dressed up for each occasion. Once Katniss got all their attention
they then focused on her every move, diegetic sounds of adults laughing
hysterically at her failure of her shot. Soon after they go back to their
conversation and eat way too much, they show that they don’t take life very
seriously as the games go on. But as soon as Katniss hits the apple all their
attention was back onto her with jaw-drops and instant confusion on how she had
the guts to do that. The control room was full of adults in white, which were all
controlling the activities, which occurred during the games, also the countdown
which a man was saying through a speaker. (Michael Brake theory). Quick shot of
adults wearing bright coloured clothes, laughing with excitement as the

countdown begins. It’s a bit like the countdown to New Years Eve but this is
different because it’s like a countdown to death. Adults in the control room are all
wearing white implying purity and innocence but they are manipulative towards
teens with their horrid actions. Quick shot of district adults watching the TV’s with
respect and sadness telling us that the adults are not all the same and the poor
ones treat the teens with respect and obey the higher class adults. The capital
adults were laughing and wearing rich outfits whilst eating and drinking with a
care in the world. They clearly don’t take it at all serious and watch with
entertainment. Modern society is set up like a reality TV show and all it is a fake
show. Katniss’s mum sits and watches with prim with sadness and

Teenagers
The reaping/the games/the training area
All the teenagers are standing with dull grey uniform on implying that they all
follow the rules. They all stand in line most probably in alphabetical order by the
differences between them all. It’s fairly obvious that life is looking rather boring
and dreary by the colours of the buildings and the colours of the people’s outfits.
Everybody is standing not talking this is a stereotype because usually kids go wild
at the chance to talk and sometimes even bullying others. Katniss breaks out from
the crowd to stop Prim from leaving, which is going against what the adults are
expecting, this makes Katniss rebellious against all the other teenagers. It’s clear
to see that the teenagers are allowing be pushing around and forced to do things
they don’t want to do, they know they have no power which is why they don’t
rebel. Non-diegetic sound as Katniss goes on stage, Effie tells people to applaud
her but instead every single teenager raise their three fingers in the air in some
sort of respect, which is basically rebelling because they have not been taught
this way. This may have happened because Katniss is looked as a savor and hero
for her younger sister and the only person who actually stands up to the adults.
Anti – stereotype because usually teenagers show no respect to other teenagers.
At the start of the games when they stand on their little platforms, it gives the
audiences a minute to analyze their appearances such as the dark uniform, which
they are all wearing, the colour contrasts are green/camouflaged which would
help to hide in the forest, so this is kind of an advantage. The camera zooms into
all their faces when the countdown starts, showing fear and pain on their faces.
When the siren goes off to alarm the games have started there is no hesitation for
the teens to run to collect their weapons and bags, which is an anti-stereotype
because most kids are lazy and don’t really care on what they do. Teenagers start
killing each over as soon as possible implying that they have no fear of killing
others and are generally violent people. Mis en scene on the blood, which is
spluttering out of bodies and violent actions in every shot the camera catches.
The props, which they use, are breathtaking as they are – knives, samurai swords,
bow and arrows and other indescribable weapons. There were some teenagers
which run straight to the center to collect weapons and safety kit without killing
anybody out of fear and innocence. Funeral knell – Katniss heard the screaming
diegetic sounds and at the end there is jump cuts of bodies after bodies dead with
blood spread everywhere. The music in the background ware bells but not happy
bells this suggest death and fear also suspense, which builds up tension. Crane
shot of all the teenagers swarming the center just to get any weapon they can
find, in desperation and panic of being suddenly killed. Shots jumping every time
there’s a heartbeat creating an instant panic to rise in the scene. No diegetic
sound as the horn comes over all the voices and the scene as if Katniss has just
been hit in the head and earache takes over. Silence is death and the strongest
have survived and already moved on. Cross angle shots which intensifies the
violence, two lads protect each over as they are in the same district just like Peeta
did to Katniss a he shook his head, signalizing it was too dangerous. Shot reverse
shot as fights start to occur and each victim runs into the forest. Phallic symbol as
one of the boys finds a big sword containing different little knifes on the ends, this
suggests that men want bigger and better things, then anybody else. Five quick
shots of dead teenagers and close up to one of there face which ends the scene.
And before all this happened a full body shot of Gale sitting on a field staring into
the distance, where al the tension breaks and the countdown stops, suggest he’s
thinking mainly about Katniss.

worry, which creates sympathy.