CATCHING FIRE Digital Reading Party discussion

4. When do you think Katniss truly realizes the importance of forming alliances with the other tributes?

This is a hard question. I don't think she figured it out in the first games. And I think the only real reason she figured it out in the second is because Haymitch all but forced her to choose some. And she forms such an attachment to people that are underdogs... that are under estimated.

In the Quarter Quell, where she was very much being targeted for her previous offenses, I think she really realizes the value of alliances.

This IS a hard question and I am still trying to pose my answer. I think she understands that she cannot keep Peeta alive by herself and needs to form the alliances. But when that light bulb goes off I can't be sure.

I think Katniss realizes the importance of making alliances when Finnick brings Peeta back to life after Peeta hits the force field. In the book she even says how she could not keep Peeta alive on her own, how she will forever be in Finnick's debt because he did something she could not, which is keep Peeta alive. In general, I think Katniss's alliance with Finnick is what changes her mind about alliances. Also, when she remembered what Haymitch told her and thought, "Be friends with Finnick. You'll get food" it reiterated her acceptance of the alliance and how important they truly are.