The Hunger Games: The Star-Crossed Lovers Strategy Romance or Propaganda?

The Hunger Games: The Star-Crossed Lovers StrategyRomance or Propaganda? Evidence Board | Grades 6–10

Is the “star-crossed lovers” story genuine romance, calculated strategy, or both? This no-prep lesson challenges students to investigate how Katniss and Peeta’s relationship becomes a powerful public narrative—one that captures Capitol attention, builds sympathy, attracts sponsors, and blurs the line between authentic emotion and strategic performance.

Students gather evidence from the novel, consider competing interpretations, and build an evidence-based case rather than searching for one simple answer. They also connect the novel to the ways personal narratives can be strategically presented to influence audiences in real-world media and public life.

What’s Included
- Teacher Directions & Overview
- Mini Research Questions
- 5-Step Group Activity
- 3 Student Analysis Pages
- Color & Black-and-White Versions
- Research, Evidence & Planning Organizers

Students Will Explore
- Genuine feeling vs. strategic performance
- Katniss and Peeta’s public relationship narrative
- Evidence that supports multiple interpretations
- Katniss’s uncertainty about her own feelings and actions
- Capitol audience perception
- Sponsor interest and survival strategy
- Authenticity vs. performance
- How one narrative affects different audiences
- How genuine emotion can also become strategically useful
- Why ambiguity keeps an audience invested
- Real-world uses of personal narratives in media and public life

Why Teachers Love This
- Designed for 1–2 class periods
- No complicated prep
- Moves students beyond plot summary
- Encourages multiple evidence-based interpretations
- Combines literary analysis with media literacy
- Builds argumentation and critical-thinking skills
- Provides substantial student writing and planning space
- Works individually, with partners, or in groups
- Includes printer-friendly black-and-white pages

Perfect For
- The Hunger Games novel studies
- Propaganda & media literacy
- Theme and character analysis
- Evidence-based argument
- Authenticity & public image
- Media manipulation
- Critical thinking
- ELA & Social Studies connections
- Enrichment or sub plans

Part of The Hunger Games: Propaganda, Media & Manufactured Reality Series
This independently created educational resource is not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or sponsored by Suzanne Collins, her publishers, or related rights holders. Students need access to a legally obtained copy of the novel; the novel is not included.