Mockingjay

“Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!”

Part I: The Ashes

Katniss Everdeen wakes up in the underground District 13, which was believed to be destroyed. She learns that her home, District 12, has been obliterated by the Capitol, though Peeta Mellark and other victors were captured. President Coin, leader of District 13, pressures Katniss to become the “Mockingjay,” the symbol of the rebellion. Reluctantly, Katniss agrees but demands immunity for the victors and the right to kill President Snow.

District 13 prepares for war while Katniss films propaganda messages to inspire the districts. Meanwhile, Peeta appears on Capitol broadcasts, seemingly brainwashed, urging a ceasefire. Gale, now a military strategist, supports the rebellion, but Katniss struggles with guilt over Peeta’s suffering.

Part II: The Assault

The rebels begin liberating districts, starting with District 8. Katniss witnesses the brutality of war firsthand when a Capitol bombing kills many, including children. She becomes more determined to fight but is haunted by Peeta’s deteriorating condition. A rescue mission is launched to retrieve Peeta and other victors from the Capitol.

Peeta is rescued, but he has been hijacked—conditioned to see Katniss as a threat. He nearly kills her before being restrained. Finnick Odair, another rescued victor, reveals President Snow’s secrets, including the Capitol’s manipulation of the Games. The rebels plan an assault on the Capitol, with Katniss assigned to a special unit.

Part III: The Assassin

Katniss’s squad, including Gale, Finnick, and Peeta (still unstable), infiltrates the Capitol. They face deadly traps, and Finnick dies in a sewer attack. Katniss is separated from the group and witnesses a Capitol bombing that kills medics—including her sister, Prim. Devastated, she blames both Snow and Coin.

The rebels win the war, and Snow is captured. Katniss, disillusioned, votes for a symbolic final Hunger Games using Capitol children. During Snow’s execution, she kills Coin instead, realizing Coin is just as power-hungry. Snow dies laughing, and Katniss is sent back to District 12.

Epilogue

Years later, Katniss lives in District 12 with Peeta, who has recovered from his conditioning. They have children, but Katniss remains haunted by the war. She writes a book to preserve the memories of the fallen, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Key Ideas

• The cost of war on individuals and society
• Propaganda and manipulation in revolutions
• The moral ambiguity of leadership
• Trauma and recovery after violence
• The cyclical nature of oppression