When I saw this trailer for the first time, I got all emotional.
It struck a major chord.
Especially that scene. The one where Prim’s name is picked.
All of a sudden, she’s destined to go to the arena and fight to the death.
And we see this little girl – this skinny little bit of a girl – and we know she doesn’t stand a chance. She’s not strong enough. She’s going to die.
Then comes that emotionally charged moment.
When Katniss, Prim’s older sister, screams, “I volunteer!”
You see, somebody has to go. A tribute is required. Prim is destined.
But Katniss takes her place.
And all of a sudden, there is hope. Because while Prim was weak and didn’t stand a chance. Katniss is strong. We know she could win.
Katniss takes Prim’s place.
Katniss sacrifices herself so Prim can live.
Does this sound familiar to anyone else?
Let’s Talk: Have you watched or read The Hunger Games? Does that scene make you as emotional as it makes me?
Katie, great post! Isn’t it amazing how we can be reminded of Jesus everywhere we look! I think sacrificial love is God’s most awe-inspiring quality. Why would He want to come down here, endure the pain of rejection, and the pain of the cross? Of course, the answer is love. Love for us.
Katniss wasn’t trying to be like Jesus, but when she sacrificed like He would, it resonates within us. And this is how we reach others, by following Jesus’ example, showing the same sacrificial love.
I read the book and saw the movie. My most favorite books ever. Awesomest movie ever also.
Loved reading all your comments! Sacrifice….our hearts our attuned to it.
I didn’t think of it as a “Christ-like” moment as you did, but that moment in the book did tell me alot about Katniss and her character.
That scene was when I began to really like the character.
I’ve just finished the book, but haven’t seen the movie. Sacrifice. Gets you in the heart every time.
I haven’t read it yet, but it’s on my Kindle waiting. I keep meaning to! Your post makes me want to drop my day job today, head home and read. 🙂
There’s something so powerful in a sacrifice. How often do we truly have to sacrifice ourselves for others? Do we recognize it when we see it? I hope so. I so often forget that Jesus came of his own accord. But he loved us that much.
I read the book saw the movie, and teared up in both! Nothing moves me like sacrifice. 🙂
Haven’t read the book yet (or seen the movie, of course, because I won’t see the movie until I read the book), but I will. I have a tween daughter who wants to do both. But we’ll do both together.
And, yes, I see the parallel.
I wonder how many others do … and how many others don’t.
Sadly, I think there are many who do not recognize it. Yet, it is a theme hard-wired in us like no other. There is so much in the simple words, “I volunteer.” Particularly today, on this Good Friday.
Great thoughts, Katie – themes like this appear time and time again! It’s no wonder, really 🙂
Yes. And the word volunteer hits hard.
Thanks for posting this. I feel like it’s the message of my entire life.
~ Wendy
I knew the scene was coming, and both the book and the movie reduced me to tears when District 12 saluted Katniss for taking Prim’s place.
I love sacrifice as a theme. An awful lot of my writing deals with characters who make sacrifices so others don’t have to suffer.
So true. Sacrifice is a very powerful emotion and one I see often. That’s one reason I love the Mark of the Lion Series because of the sacrifices Hadassah makes for Julia.
that is an emotional scene!
I’ve read the book, but I haven’t seen the movie yet. I definitely see the parallels! Interesting post!