These Hunger Games Character Deaths Are Still Devastating - CBR

Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games series heavily focused on death in the nation of Panem during a dystopian/post-apocalyptic future. The Hunger Games followed 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who volunteered as tribute for her 12-year-old sister Primrose after she was chosen to compete in the 74th Hunger Games as the female tribute for District 12. The local baker boy Peeta Mellark was chosen as the male tribute, and Katniss witnessed her fair share of death with him throughout the film series.

It's been seven years since Mockingjay - Part 2 was released in theaters, and many character deaths from the series have stuck with viewers even longer. Katniss and Peeta lost many friends, and even relatives, throughout The Hunger Games. Although, they eventually found their happy ending together, unlike many characters. With the drop of the first trailer for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, here are the most tragic deaths throughout the series before the prequel film's 2023 release date.

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Pollux Was Devastated by Castor's Death in the Tunnels

Viewers were first introduced to Castor in Mockingjay - Part 1 alongside his brother Pollux. Castor and Pollux were a part of a camera crew who filmed Katniss for District 13's propaganda for the war. When Katniss' Squad 451 was chosen to embark on a mission to the Capitol, the camera crew followed to document it.

During their underground trip to the Capitol, President Snow sent lizard muttations that brutally attacked Castor. Castor died a quick death, but what really resonated with viewers was his brother's devastating reaction to his passing. Castor's death showed how a character doesn't have to have ample screen time to affect viewers.

Katniss Was Forced to Watch Cinna's Capture

Acclaimed musician Lenny Kravitz portrayed Cinna starting with The Hunger Games' first installment. Cinna acted as Katniss' stylist for both the 74th and 75th Hunger Games. Cinna's "girl on fire" costume was a huge hit with the crowd, and he helped Katniss be herself during the interview process. In addition to styling Katniss, Cinna also assisted in her establishment as a political symbol for the rebellion.

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Due to his involvement in the rebel movement, Cinna was captured by three Peacekeepers after he said goodbye to Katniss in the Launch Room. Viewers were heartbroken as they watched Katniss scream and cry when Cinna was beaten up with spiked gloves. It's more even more tragic knowing Katniss couldn't save him because they were separated by a glass tube.

The World Was Too Cruel to Finnick for Many Reasons

Image via Lionsgate

District 4 native Finnick Odair was declared the victor of the 65th Hunger Games at only 14 years old; this made him the youngest victor in the history of the Hunger Games. His trident, combined with his charming good looks, made him a formidable opponent. Finnick had his fair share of hardships, from his forced prostitution to watching his future wife, Annie, deal with post-traumatic stress from her experience in the Hunger Games.

During the 75th Hunger Games, Finnick and Mags formed an alliance with Katniss and Peeta. Finnick was later decapitated by lizard muttations during a mission to the Capitol. Finnick's death struck a chord with both viewers and Katniss considering how much they bonded over their various struggles.

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Mags Sacrificed Herself To Save Finnick, Peeta and Katniss

Image via Lionsgate

Mags Flanagan was the 80-year-old woman who volunteered as tribute in place of Annie for the 75th Hunger Games alongside Finnick. Mags had previously won the 11th Hunger Games at 16 years old and became both the first victor from District 4 to win and the first to move into Victor's Village. She was unable to speak clearly, which Katniss attributed to a possible stroke in the past.

During the second day of the 75th games, Mags heroically sacrificed herself when she walked into a poisonous fog to save Finnick, Katniss, and Peeta. Katniss later discovered Mags was part of a bigger alliance that had vowed to keep her and Peeta alive. Finnick's reaction to his mentor's death was devastating, considering his long silence in grief for Mags. Her death was impactful because she wasn't even supposed to be in the Hunger Games since she volunteered for Annie.

Maysilee Donner Pleaded With Haymitch to Win The Hunger Games

While she didn't appear in the Hunger Games films, Maysilee Donner was Madge Undersee's aunt and the female District 12 tribute in the 50th Hunger Games. Maysilee was also the original owner of the Mockingjay pin. Her combat skills closely resembled Katniss', and she was actually close friends with Katniss' mother. Maysilee eventually became allies with Haymitch Abernathy (played by Woody Harrelson), but she was fatally attacked by pink birds.

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Her death caused her to place fifth in the Games. As she lay dying, Maysilee pleaded with Haymitch to become this year's victor as she held his hand. Maysilee's death was an example of how an alliance could go wrong if people became separated. This easily could have been how Katniss and Peeta's story ended.

Prim Really Didn't Have to Die in The Hunger Games

Image via Lionsgate

Katniss' younger sister Prim was supposed to be chosen as the District 12 tribute in The Hunger Games, but Katniss volunteered in her sister's place. Katniss had a very special relationship with her younger sister, which made her death even more tragic. 13-year-old Prim traveled to the final battle at the Capitol as a medic to assist with injuries.

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Katniss was unaware of Prim's involvement until their reunion at the Capitol. After a second wave of bombs detonated, Prim and several other medics were killed from the impact. All Katniss wanted was to protect her sister, so when she failed to do so, it caused Katniss to temporarily lose her voice out of pure devastation.

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Rue's Death Forever Stayed With Katniss

Rue was only 12 years old when she was selected as District 11's female tribute in the 74th Hunger Games. Katniss was drawn to Rue because of her shared similarities of age and innocence with Prim. Rue's resemblance to Katniss' younger sister gave Katniss a sense of home while she was apart from them during The Hunger Games.

Rue was ultimately killed by one of District 1 Tribute Marvel's traps, but the surrounding danger didn't stop Katniss from giving Rue a proper memorial. Rue experienced the last few moments of her short life covered in flowers at Katniss' side while she sang to her. While it was the first of many of Katniss' friends' deaths, Rue's forever stayed with her.