Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Page 131 Review
Book Review: Comfort and Confinement in ‘The Apartment’
This excerpt from the ebook draws us into a peculiar setting, a temporary apartment reserved for tributes. The contrast between the comforting soup and the unsettling atmosphere creates a compelling tension. Let’s delve deeper into the elements that make this passage so intriguing.
The Disconnect: Décor vs. Reality
The description of the apartment immediately establishes a sense of unease: “The apartment, which has a strange, impersonal quality, has been decorated by someone whose taste runs to fluffy things and burnt orange. The kitten and puppy knickknacks seem at odds with the bars on the windows.” This juxtaposition highlights the artificiality of the situation. The “fluffy things and burnt orange” suggest an attempt to create a homey environment, but the “bars on the windows” shatter the illusion, reminding us of the characters’ captivity. This disconnect serves as a powerful metaphor for the tributes’ predicament – forced into a fabricated reality while facing impending danger.
Finding Solace in Familiar Flavors
Amidst the strangeness, Mags offers a gesture of comfort: “Join us,” Mags says. “Your friend’s in her bath now.” Then “She ladles out a giant bowl of what is, in fact, bean and ham hock soup.” The simple act of sharing a meal becomes a lifeline. Wiress emphasizes the significance: “Mags ordered this specially from the kitchen.” Mags’ response, “I did. It’s comforting, I think,” reveals her understanding of the characters’ emotional needs. The soup evokes memories of home: “It is.” I snuff up the steam, thinking about my twin sisters, and Pa, and Mamaw. And now Louella. I take a spoonful and let the taste of home course through me, strengthening me for what’s to come.”
This moment emphasizes the power of familiar tastes and smells to provide solace and strength in times of distress.
The Illusion of Privacy
The exchange about the apartment’s amenities further underscores the lack of genuine comfort and privacy: “It’s an apartment designed for temporary rentals. They’ve reserved it to hold the tributes this year,” says Mags. “We stayed in barracks last year, all twenty-four of us. This is more private,” adds Wiress. “Wouldn’t call the bathroom private. I hung my towel over the camera.” This dialogue reveals that even the supposed privacy of the apartment is an illusion. The presence of cameras highlights the constant surveillance the tributes are under, reminding them that they are always being watched and judged. This reinforces the theme of control and manipulation.
Conclusion
This excerpt masterfully blends elements of comfort and confinement. The apartment, with its clashing décor and hidden surveillance, symbolizes the tributes’ precarious situation. The simple act of sharing a bowl of soup offers a temporary escape and a reminder of home, providing the characters with the strength they need to face the challenges ahead. The author uses vivid imagery and poignant dialogue to create a compelling and unsettling atmosphere, leaving the reader eager to uncover what happens next. The contrast emphasizes the psychological toll of the tributes pre-game confinement.
Buy full ebook for only $15: https://www.lulu.com/shop/suzanne-collins/sunrise-on-the-reaping-a-hunger-games-novel-the-hunger-games/ebook/product-e7496ww.html?page=1&pageSize=4