* The "Star-Crossed Lovers" Act: Haymitch orchestrated the romantic narrative between Katniss and Peeta, focusing on their "love story" to garner public support and sympathy. This strategy worked because it appealed to the Capitol's fascination with romance and drama. He also encouraged them to show affection, which gave them the appearance of a genuine couple.
* Using the Games' Rules to His Advantage: Haymitch understood the rules of the Games better than anyone and used them to his advantage. He encouraged Katniss to focus on gathering resources and survival, reminding her that the Games were not simply about fighting, but about outsmarting the Capitol and the other tributes.
* Manipulating the Sponsors: Haymitch was skilled at manipulating the sponsors, persuading them to provide crucial resources and even playing them against each other to get what he needed for Katniss and Peeta. He also used his knowledge of the Capitol's social hierarchy and the sponsor's desires to his advantage.
* Playing the Capitol's Game: Haymitch understood the Capitol's desire for entertainment and used it to his advantage. He staged dramatic scenes, like Katniss's threat to commit suicide, to keep the attention of the audience and create pressure on the Capitol.
* Utilizing the Power of Symbolism: Haymitch understood the power of symbolism and encouraged Katniss to use it to communicate with the districts and challenge the Capitol. He knew that the Mockingjay pin would become a symbol of rebellion and that Katniss's actions would inspire hope.
Overall, Haymitch's ability to outsmart the Capitol relied on his understanding of their motivations, his manipulation of the Games' rules, and his strategic use of the media and symbolism. He used his knowledge of the Capitol's weakness to create a narrative that challenged their control and ultimately helped fuel the rebellion.