This lesson challenges students to think critically about the moral landscape of The Hunger Games, focusing on the ethical conflicts Katniss faces as both a survivor and a symbol. Through guided annotation, structured debate and collaborative analysis, pupils evaluate the “berries scene” as an act of political defiance, investigate the morality of killing for survival versus entertainment, and debate the shifting boundaries between heroism and villainy. A worksheet is included to support key vocabulary, ethical reasoning and analytical writing.

• Evaluate the ethical conflicts Katniss faces in the arena by analysing moments where survival clashes with morality.
• Analyse the ‘berries scene’ as an act of political defiance through exploring symbolism, rebellion and Capitol control.
• Investigate the morality of killing for survival versus sport by comparing character motivations, context and ethical frameworks.
• Debate the blurred lines between hero and villain using evidence to challenge assumptions about morality in dystopian settings.

This lesson includes peer and group work, key vocabulary, and in‑lesson tasks that encourage students to grapple with complex ethical questions and develop nuanced, evidence‑based interpretations of Katniss’s actions and the Capitol’s oppressive system.

Some visuals in this resource were made with AI to help bring ideas to life and support student understanding.