Thinking About Others

Right now I am reading the third book in Suzanne Collins' series, The Hunger Games.  This book is called Mockingjay.  In this book, Katniss, the main character, has survived the Hunger Games not once,  but two times.  Now, she is living in District 13, and a war is raging between the districts and the capitol.

In the beginning of the book, while Katniss was in 13, she was very quiet and distracted.  She didn't follow the schedule, and mainly only came out for meals.  She didn't really care about anything or anyone, except for her family and Gale.  But the rebel leaders wanted her to be more.  They wanted her to be the "mockingjay".  The "mockingjay" would be the symbol of the rebels, she would keep everyone motivated and get everything going.  But Katniss didn't want to do that.  She didn't want to do anything except what she had to, and that was mainly eating and sleeping.  She refused the mockingjay offer over and over.

But, as the book went on, Katniss began to realize her role and importance.  She realized that if she decided to be the mockingjay, she would be helping out her side so incredibly.  As the mockingjay, Katniss could get everybody worked up, and help them realize how they needed to fight.  

Even though being the mockingjay was the last thing Katniss wanted to do, she realized that everything wasn't about her.  There was such a huge difference that she could make.  She could be the deciding factor in the war.  Katniss  became the mockingjay because she realized she should be doing more important things, and she realized how important she could be.

That part of the story has a really important lesson.  It is important to think about how you can help the world before thinking about yourself.  It is important to know that you are not the only person in the world, and if you are given an opportunity to help you should take it, even if it's not your first choice.