I believe the reason the author made the main character of the Hunger Games female is to break stereotypical norms that portray males as heroes. It is a common theme that heroism is defined with hyper-masculinity with superheros such as Superman, Batman, Wolverine, etc. Suzanne Collins tries to redefine heroism by giving Katniss strong maternal instincts. According to “Performing Not-Performing to Authenticate Femininity and Whiteness”, Dubrofsky and Ryalls state “she seamlessly enacts conventional
feminine maternal behavior, behavior presented as essential to her construction as
heroic. She is instinctively maternal (with Prim, Rue, and Peeta)” (11). At different points in the film, we see Katniss caring for these other characters. In the beginning, she comforts her sister who had a nightmare about The Games, then also volunteers in her sister’s place in order to protect her. She exemplifies her own selflessness when she takes care of Peeta, treating his wounds and retrieving medicine for him during The Games. Dubrofsky and Ryalls also state “When Katniss does kill, it is motivated by her care and
concern: one of the final scenes is of Katniss killing Cato, out of compassion, to spare
him unnecessary suffering (already half-dead after an attack by a pack of wild dogs)” (12). Threats to those that Katniss cares about are what spur her to become a more powerful character, and her compassion for others is what becomes her superpower. Katniss’ victory in the Hunger Games represent how maternal and survival instincts can defeat hyper-masculine bloodthirsty foes exemplified by other champions from other the districts.
Toasted Ghost 