When The Hunger Games came out in 2012, there was a worldwide frenzy. There had already been the success of novel to film adaptations, as demonstrated by the Harry Potter series. And anticipation was high that The Hunger Games could equally deliver.

Readers were flocking to the cinemas to watch as Lawrence, Hutcherson and Hemsworth embodied the characters they love. Upon the successful release of the film, the subsequent instalments of Catching Fire and Mockingjay Part One and Two. The support for The Hunger Games soared, due to its flawless ability to combine romance, action, dystopian and drama.

If I’m being totally honest with you, I was also part of this fandom as 13-year-old me had a fan Instagram account dedicated to the series (with a whopping 1,000 followers). As shocking as it seems, the films were released ten years ago. So what is the lasting legacy of this franchise? And how can we apply the concepts of the films to 2024? This is what I plan to explore for you in this rewind.

When I first watched the films, all I was really focused on was the games themselves and the relationship between Katniss and Peeta. However, when I rewatched the films recently, I was more attuned to the fact that all the characters were highly traumatised by the treatment from the Capitol as well as understanding the risks they took to achieve equality in the districts.

Don’t get me wrong, I was still focusing on the love triangle and the concept of the games too, but I began to rationalise certain characteristics of the protagonists in the decisions they make within the film. So, as the original fans of this franchise mature, perhaps they are also beginning to look into the political landscape of the suppression of the Capitol.

As a dystopian film, we are always expecting everything to seem futuristic and almost over the top. The technology, fashion and livelihoods of those in the Capitol is a life that seems almost absurdly different to our own. Particularly when it is juxtaposed with the lives of those in the districts, who are struggling with suppression, hunger and terrible living conditions. Perhaps this is an exaggeration of the class divides still seen in society today.

The contrast of the Capitol and the districts forms the driving force of the story. This powerful elite group in the capitol must be overcome to allow the districts to finally be free, and for there to be true equality. These aren’t immediately concepts that appear in your mind when you first watch these films, but it’s interesting to reflect upon how the film portrays these political ideas whilst also keeping a captivating story.

To view the films in a less political way, I want to draw upon the fashion in the capitol. To apply this film to the present day, I believe I must mention the vast speculation on social media that the capitol clothing looks like met gala costumes.

I did some research into these claims, and can confirm that the flamboyant nature of met gala outfits worn by celebrities have striking similarities to the outfits worn by those in the Capitol. But I will let you do some research and come to a conclusion if this is valid or not.

To conclude this rewind, I encourage you to rewatch The Hunger Games, and think about the political message of the film, the met gala outfits and, crucially, the love triangle.