If it's true, why do they leave us to live like this? With the hunger and the killings and the Games?" And suddenly I hate this imaginary underground city of District 13 and those who sit by, watching us die. They're no better than the Capitol.
Interpretation
The quote expresses frustration with inaction in the face of suffering and injustice.
In this quote, the character reflects on the harsh realities of life, questioning the morality of those who observe the struggles of others without intervening. It highlights a deep sense of betrayal and anger towards both the oppressive systems in place and those who remain complacent, drawing parallels between the oppressive Capitol and the seemingly sympathetic District 13.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about social justice to emphasize the importance of taking action against injustice.
But Mockingjays were never a weapon," said Madge. "They’re just songbirds. Right?" "Yeah, I guess so,” I said, But it’s not true. A mockingbird is just a songbird. A mockingjay is a creature the capitol never intended to exist. They hadn’t counted on the highly controlled jabberjay having the brains to adapt to the wild, to thrive in a new form. They hadn’t anticipated its will to live.
Okay, listen to me, you're stronger than they are. You are. They just want a good show, that's all they want. You know how to hunt. Show them how good you are.
You're still trying to protect me. Real or not real," he whispers. "Real," I answer. "Because that's what you and I do, protect each other.
The ones I loved fly as birds in the open sky above me. Soaring, weaving, calling to me to join them. I want so badly to follow them, but the seawater saturates my wings, making it impossible to lift them. The ones I hated have taken to the water, horrible scaled things that tear my salty flesh with needle teeth. Biting again and again. Dragging me beneath the surface.
My time in the arena made me realize how I needed to stop punishing [my mother] for something she couldn't help, specifically the crushing depression she fell into after my father's death. Because sometimes things happen to people and they're not equipped to deal with them.
Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!
It is probably true to say that the largest scope for change still lies in men's attitude to women, and in women's attitude to themselves.
Things bloosom in their time. They bud and bloom, blossom and fade. Everything in its time.
Average working people need more fresh starts. Big corporations, banks, and Donald Trump need fewer.
Great changes start with individuals; the basis of world peace is inner peace in the hearts of individuals.
The present Arab uprising didn't stem from Israel. The old guard is trying to keep down the young chickens. The old guard is better organized. They may win elections, but unless they have a solution to poverty, to corruption, to oppression, they will not last. I am with the young people.
We have a normal. As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal.
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