Quote Originally Posted by Ravens_cry View Post
I had a bit of a fridge logic moment on the reasoning behind the Hunger Games.
I have not read the books, but from what I understand, going to the Guv'ment for aid in any fashion, food, supplies, likely even medical care, is done on a system where you get another ballot in the box.
But wouldn't that engender a distrust and a desire for independence from the government as much as possible?
In fact, we see just that with Katniss and her hunting.
It just strikes me as a little Stupid Evil way to run a system, even for a culture that normally sends 23 kids to die every year.
Yeah, MovieBob hangs a rather large lampshade on this very point. Not only are they encouraging all their disenfranchised young people to hate the government, they're also actively encouraging them to get combat training - particularly from the ones that survive the horror and go home to their respective districts.

So yeah, it's not the most brilliant writing around but it gets the job done (entertainment.)