‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’: All Your Burning Questions Answered

A: Keep It Loose: Yeah, we’re not exactly sure about this one. They keep Katniss alive until they can extract her, something they could have done at any earlier (easier) point before the Arena. Once there, Plutarch kept up appearances by trying to kill her as much as possible. Then while Beetee tried (unsuccessfully) to short-circuit the Arena with his wire wrapped spear, Haymitch and Heavensbee air-lifted Katniss out.

Except, the spear didn’t work, so what exactly would they have done if Katniss hadn’t blown the dome? Get the ship into the Arena, while the whole world watched, blowing their cover and guaranteeing the Capitol would destroy them? Cool plan, dudes.

Q: How Did Gale Join The Rebellion?
At the end (again) Katniss finds that Gale is working with the Rebellion along with Haymitch, Heavensbee, and Finnick. So how’d he hook up with them?

A: Because Of District 13: In the books Gale manages to leads a group of 800 people out of District 12 before it’s destroyed by the Capitol. They wait safely in the woods, which Gale of course knows better than anyone except Katniss, until District 13 finds and rescues them.

Q: Wait, District 13?
Haymitch and Heavensbee mention they’re heading to District 13, something that’s been underplayed a bit in the movie series. Nuclear bombs destroyed District 13 during the first rebellion, an event that led directly to the creation of The Hunger Games. Reportedly no life can exist there, and it’s left empty as a reminder to the other Districts to keep in line.

A: Yup, District 13: It’s real, and it’s spectacular. And other than that we’re not saying anything else for fear of some serious “Mockingjay” spoilers, but suffice to say you’ll find out a lot more about District 13 then.

Q: Why Did Snow’s Drink Turn Red?
It’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment, but during the party at the President’s mansion, Snow’s drink turns red. You could write it off as a trick of the light, but was it something more?

A: It’s Blood: We’ll tread lightly here, as there’s some potential for big “Mockingjay” reveals. But all is not right with President Snow, and what you saw in his drink was blood leaking from sores in his mouth. Worst backwash ever.

Q: Who Was The Lady With The S&M Gear?
Another little detail you might have missed if you weren’t looking for it, but in the background of the scene where Peeta, Katniss, and Haymitch eat dinner before the Quarter Quell is a woman wearing what looks like white S&M style headgear.

A: She’s An Avox: This is a detail that’s been removed entirely from the film series, but played heavily into the books. To punish traitors the Capitol would rip out their tongues and then force them into slavery. Those slaves are called Avoxs, and though its not referred to, that’s probably what they look like in the movie. In the books, they’re one more giant motivation for Katniss to fight back. You know, kind of like the house-elves in “Harry Potter.”