The Capitol

The Capitol is home to the wealthiest people of Panem. It is the only place in the nation where the children are exempt from taking part in the Games. Its inhabitants have incredibly different priorities to those in the districts.

 

The Hunger Games film presentation of the Capitol.

The Capitol’s residents seem to have very little idea of what life is like in the districts, as they have no notion of hunger or starvation. This is shown in Katniss’ and Peeta’s visit to the Capitol in Catching Fire; Katniss wants to try every dish available as all the food looks so good, better than anything she could eat in 12. Obviously she starts to get full and tells her prep team she couldn’t possibly eat another bite. Her prep team tell them about a little purple drink, which will cause them to vomit so they can eat more.

A scene from The Hunger Games film, showing the Capitol party annd really highlighting the excesssive nature of the Capitol.

Katniss and Peeta are outraged, there are so many people starving in 12, and yet in the Capitol there is so much food going spare that it is acceptable practise to throw up your meals just so you can eat more. This overconsumption and excess that we associate with the Capitol is what really sets them apart from the districts. They literally want for nothing. Parents never have to feel the fear of their children being reaped for the Games, and they see it as an event to be celebrated, something to enjoy. They also never have to worry about going hungry, as there is such an excess of food. The food in the Capitol is exotic and extremely rich. Katniss enjoys dishes such as;

- Creamy Pumpkin Soup- Frothy Raspberry Soup- Goose Liver and puffy bread
-Chicken and oranges in a creamy sauce with flower shaped rolls- Lamb Stew with dried plums, which is her favourite! 

An example of the lamb stew which can be found at fictionalfood.net as well as many other recipies for the food in The Hunger Games!

This luxurious, well prepared food is obviously very different to what Katniss would be eating back home. The food of the Capitol definitely highlights the differences in class between its own residents and those of the lower districts. Every meal is like a feast to Katniss and Peeta, there is always so much food left over after meals.; this kind of luxury could never be afforded in 12.