The Mockingjay Literary Essay

Intro:
"My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead." Katniss might not realize this but others need her even though she doesn't want herself. In the Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, Katniss becomes less selfless and wants to save more people as more of her loved ones die.

Reason 1: Paraphrase
At the beginning of the book when Katniss is still living in District 13, she agrees to be the rebel's Mockingjay. President Coin knew that eventually Katniss would agree but she didn't come so easily. At that time Katniss wanted good for all of Panem, she wants to give certain Victors immunity from the rebellion, otherwise she won't be the Mockingjay. Normally this would not be anything like Katniss, she was very selfish. But, the Hunger Games influenced her, she saw that the Districts deserve a chance of life, it isn't their fault that the capitol is so cruel. And giving them immunity means that Katniss pities the Victors and thinks that saving some precious lives can make a difference. So, as Katniss speaks with President Coin she now found out that she is changing.

Reason 2: Direct Quote
When the rebellion is coming to a close and the remaining Victors are deciding on wether to make a Hunger Games for Capitol children Katniss sort of is getting revenge on President Snow. Peeta and Annia say no for the Hunger Games. Before her sister and so many of her loved ones died she, too would say no, but she is remembering that the rebellion has to end and she has all of the districts to worry about. To almost get revenge on Snow and the Capitol she says, "I vote yes… for Prim.", and I inferred that Katniss, in her head was probably saying, I vote yes for Prim and everyone I have caused to die, and because of the Capitol, because of everything that has happened to her.

Reason 3: Quote
In her head Katniss always says, My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. It would be best for everyone if I were dead… I think that she is putting al of the deaths that she caused on her, so that no one else can feel the pain. Never in her life has she felt such depression, Katniss realized that she has feelings for all of the Districts and of course her loved ones. She has such emotion for them that she is willing to sacrifice herself for the common good. As the novel suggests, Katniss is dealing with changes and she is growing sympathetic and selfless.

Conclusion:
In the the Mockingjay, Katniss grows love in her heart for people that she touches around her and wants to save more lives as a change for her bad actions. Overall she has been using herself for the common good, and has saved many citizens of Panem. Katniss appreciates the gift of life, liberty and happiness more than she did before the rebellion and Hunger Games.