There were many memorable scenes from the Hunger Games trilogy, but there one scene that stands out among all others for me and it provide answers to our current racial tensions.
At then end of book three, the rebels from district 13 have finally overcome the capital and the evil Snow is in jail. Without warning Katniss is called into a secret council with the other victors to discuss a yet to be disclosed issue. Coin recommends having a new Hunger Games event with the children of the capitol. As I read these words, as we read these words, our collective hearts sank. We asked how they could possibly want to reinstitute the very thing they had rebelled against?
Peeta is the voice of reason and grace, vehemently opposing the idea.
Katniss thinks: Was it like this then? Seventy-five years or so ago? Did a group of people sit around and cast their votes on initiating the Hunger Games? Was there dissent? Did someone make a case for mercy that was beaten down by the calls for the deaths of the districts’ children? The scent of Snow’s rose curls up into my nose, down into my throat, squeezing it tight with despair. All those people I loved, dead, and we are discussing the next Hunger Games in an attempt to avoid wasting life. Nothing has changed. Nothing will ever change now. I weigh my options carefully, think everything through. Keeping my eyes on the rose, I say, “I vote yes . . . for Prim.”
At this point I was apoplectic. After all that, how could Katniss vote for the Hunger Games to continue? Did Katniss’ mom never teach her that two wrongs don’t make a right! The vote carried, and the victors left to execute Snow.
But on the way, something changes in Katniss mind. Maybe she remembered life lessons from old. Maybe she just heard herself thinking that nothing had changed. Maybe she just woke up. Maybe maybe maybe.
Somehow, she realized that her vote for the death of innocent children would not bring back Prim, and that the path of violence they had just chosen would plunge their country into a new darkness.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. – MLK
So when the long awaited opportunity came to execute Snow, she executed Coin, the new evil.
She saw that healing can never come from more violence and revenge. It can only take us down deeper in to a chasm of pain.
The Dallas Officers were innocent. Their families were innocent. Theirs deaths make the problem worse, not better.
Let us stand together behind our police and support them. They do a wearisome job for our sake. Thank them and respect them. If you have a business, how can you encourage them? If you know their kids, how can you bless them. Be a constructive, rather than divisive voice.
Likewise, let us lovingly help those citizens that feel disenfranchised to heal.
Whatever problems we have will not be solved through violence; they can only be solved through our words tempered with grace and the Golden Rule:
Do unto others as you would have them do to you. – Jesus
Collins, Suzanne (2010-08-24). Mockingjay (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 3) (p. 368). Scholastic Inc.. Kindle Edition.
Since 2006, Tom has been the driving force behind IR.Tools, dedicated to delivering top-notch infrared solutions to the military, law enforcement, and sportsmen communities.
What began with a single infrared patch has blossomed into a comprehensive store featuring hundreds of IFF patches, vehicle IFF, an extensive suite of thermal training targets, and tools for drone pilots.
Beyond his innovative products, Tom is passionate about educating users on infrared technology and showcasing how advancements in IR can enhance their operations.
Tom holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Regents University.
