3. The Mutts Are Not The Tributes
Not only do the mutts not get a chance to torture Cato, but theyre also not made in the image of the tributes. No wonder they didnt extend their screen time. In the novel, these vicious mutts are created in the likeness of the fallen tributes. However, the film completely ignores this. Instead, the mutts are simply added to drive the remaining tributes together and hurry an end to the Games. Once again, I cannot stress how important the struggle to maintain identity is in the novel. Katniss and Peeta constantly battle against the Gamemakers and Capitol as they try to control their image. In both the novel and the film, Peeta tells Katniss his only goal going into the Hunger Games is to avoid being changed by the Gamemakers. Its a weighted statement, but the tribute-mutts are a literal depiction of his fear. The tribute-mutts are physical manifestations of revenge; the Gamemakers create them to suggest the Districts are naturally against one another. Theyre pieces to organize the Hunger Games. Removing the tributes images from the mutts diminishes Katniss and Peetas efforts to remain in control of their identity. This moment could have highlighted Capitols strict control over the perception of the Districts. And I cant help but feel that this moment could have also highlighted the talents of the make-up crew as well. Not only is this scene important to the story, but its also filled with some really interesting visuals. Readers were deprived of the excitement of this scene, and now theyre the only ones looking for revenge.