1. "Peacekeepers": This is a prime example, as the "peacekeepers" are anything but peaceful. They enforce the Capitol's cruel rules with violence and oppression. This oxymoron highlights the dystopian nature of Panem and the hypocrisy of the Capitol.
2. "The Games": The Games are a violent spectacle marketed as entertainment and a "test of skill" but are, in reality, a brutal, televised death match. The word "Games" evokes a sense of harmless fun, starkly contrasting the brutal reality of the event.
3. "Victors": While the "Victors" survive the Games, they are often left emotionally scarred and traumatized. Their victories come at a heavy price, and the term "Victors" feels ironic considering the cost of their survival.
4. "The Capitol": The Capitol, despite being the seat of power and supposed "civilization," is characterized by excess, decadence, and cruelty. This contrast between the name and reality highlights the corrupt nature of the Capitol's leadership.
5. "Reaping Day": This day marks the forced selection of tributes for the Games, yet it is called "Reaping," evoking a sense of harvest or bounty. The name masks the true nature of the event, which is a cruel and arbitrary selection of victims.
While not traditional oxymorons in the literal sense, these examples demonstrate Collins's skillful use of language to create ironic and thought-provoking juxtapositions, further emphasizing the themes of violence, manipulation, and the hypocrisy of the Capitol's power.