The Hunger Games series, based on the young adult novels, became a global phenomenon that catapulted its cast into super-stardom. Those who had not read the books could experience the powerful story of rebellion through cinema.
However, once we saw the games themselves in live-action, it became clear that a number of elements just didn't add up. We're taking a look at 10 things that don't really make sense about the actual Hunger Games themselves.
LETTING FRIENDS ENTER
It seems odd that the creators of the games would allow friends to enter with one another, or that they would allow alliances to occur. Of course, it might be good television to see the betrayals but it could affect the games themselves.
We saw what happened when two people who cared for each other entered the games; they had to choose two winners for the finale, breaking tradition. It seems odd therefore that in the following year they made a point of allowing friends to enter!
ALLOWING VOLUNTEERS
The other strange thing is that volunteers can enter as well. Supposedly Katniss was the first person to volunteer in its history, a baffling fact by itself, but what's more strange is that this is even in the rules. It could have severe consequences.
Where would it end if people could volunteer? The selection process could take weeks if the ballots actually mean nothing and anyone can step forward to take part instead. It could also result in others pressuring people to volunteer such as criminals or the homeless.
HOW PEOPLE WATCH
We know that there are shows in reality that are filmed nonstop and then edited down into watchable moments, but it seems odd that there's anything watchable about the games themselves. Surely content can't be taken from it every day?
People can probably tune in at any point or watch the catch-up, but if no one is killed on a day, what is even shown? Just some personal drama or people trying to survive? It's amazing they manage to fill the air time every day.
NO LARGER RESISTANCE
What's also odd is that a larger resistance hasn't already started due to the games. The games themselves are clearly a very useful political platform to propel oneself. It's incredible that this kind of revolution didn't happen sooner, therefore.
We know there's the looming threat of the type of force that has happened in other districts, or indeed the violence of the peacekeepers, however, that hasn't stopped people historically in the past; surely most people realize kids killing each other isn't right!
CORNUCOPIA AT THE START
Another strange choice with the games is to have the cornucopia of weapons right at the start. Sure it allows for some quick action and a bit of a bloodbath at the start of the series, but this kills off a lot of people pretty quickly.
Plus allowing people to have the types of weapons they get, makes the games far less interesting surely. If this is supposed to be a form of entertainment they are essentially quickening the whole process; it's an odd choice from the game makers.
TACTICS
So many of the fighters' tactics are seriously flawed. For starters, why would anyone form an alliance when the likihood is that they will be turned against very soon. What's more, why did so many people run straight into the bloodbath at the start?
There's plenty of other times people lacked the common sense to actually win the games. Using land mines in obvious places was a silly decision as was not burning down the trees Katniss was caught in. There's plenty of odd tactics throughout the games.
NO OTHER ENTERTAINMENT
It's odd that in this relatively advanced place, that there are no other forms of major entertainment that could still keep people in line. We understand it's a fear tactic and part of a tradition, but couldn't a few reality shows and drama entertain the main districts.
Societies can probably be kept in check just with the peacekeepers in this universe and the games themselves actually fuel the fire of rebellion. They would have been better off with some action films rather than this horrible blood sport.
EVERYONE COULD DIE
It's clear that the games have to have a winner since there's one every year and they'd rather have two winners in Peeta and Katniss than none at all. Yet, they set up situations where everyone could die instantly.
Whether it's unleashed the weird hounds or by allowing people to immediately enter these games with weapons. Everyone could run for the Cornucopia or people could be shot at the same time. There's plenty of ways that no one would survive, which doesn't make much sense.
ADDING IN OTHER THREATS
The games are all about the personal feuds and having some kind of 'hero' survive in the end. There's plenty going on in terms of action from the people themselves so it seems odd that the game masters would add in other threats to kill them.
Sure it could solve the problem of filling the air time if nothing has happened for a while, but some of these threats could actually really backfire and kill a favorite of the higher-ups or even kill everyone, going back to our previous problem.
POOR TRAINING
So many of the people in the games must have been really poorly trained. Even the people who had been training their whole lives to be in these games barely lasted through the opening bouts. There were so many examples of just poor training.
One girl spent her whole time learning about poisons and then died from a poison berry. Others could barely even climb up a tree even though they had been proficient on ropes. There is a lot of head-scratching moments!