1. The Reality TV Obsession: Collins was concerned about the growing obsession with reality television, particularly shows that exploit and often dehumanize their participants. She wanted to explore the potential dangers of such entertainment, especially when it becomes normalized and accepted.
2. The Iraq War: The war in Iraq was ongoing when Collins began writing, and she was troubled by the violence and the way it was portrayed in the media. She wanted to create a fictional world where war and violence were not just distant events but a constant threat, impacting every aspect of life.
3. Ancient Roman Games: Collins was also inspired by the Roman gladiatorial games, where people were forced to fight to the death for entertainment. She wanted to create a similar scenario in her story, where children were forced to compete in a deadly game for the amusement of the ruling class.
4. The Greek Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur: This myth, with its themes of sacrifice and the need for rebellion against tyranny, provided a blueprint for the story’s core conflict and the protagonist’s journey.
5. Personal Experience with Loss and Fear: Collins has stated that she also drew upon her own experiences with loss and fear in writing the series. She wanted to explore the impact of trauma on individuals and the ways in which people cope with adversity.
In summary, The Hunger Games was written as a cautionary tale about the dangers of violence, oppression, and the exploitation of human beings for entertainment. It explores themes of survival, rebellion, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.