Before Rue's Death:
* Survival Focus: Katniss prioritizes survival, using her skills and cunning to stay alive. Her primary concern is protecting herself and her younger sister, Prim.
* Distant & Reserved: She exhibits a guarded demeanor, reluctant to form close bonds with others in the Games. She sees alliances as temporary and strategic, not based on genuine connection.
After Rue's Death:
* Deeply Affected: Rue's death sparks a wave of grief and rage in Katniss. She feels an overwhelming sense of responsibility for the young girl's demise, as she played a part in drawing the attention of the Careers towards Rue.
* Increased Empathy: Rue's death shatters Katniss's emotional barriers. She realizes the true cost of the Games and develops a profound empathy for the other tributes, particularly the vulnerable ones.
* Rebellious Spirit: Witnessing Rue's innocence extinguished fuels Katniss's defiance against the Capitol. This feeling of injustice pushes her to act against the Games' rules and risk her own life to protect others.
* Symbol of Hope: Katniss's mourning for Rue becomes a symbol of rebellion against the Capitol's cruelty. Her actions, like the mockingjay pin and the flowers placed on Rue's body, ignite hope and inspire defiance among the oppressed citizens of Panem.
* Driven by Purpose: Katniss's desire to protect her sister, Prim, morphs into a broader mission to protect all children and fight for a future where such brutality doesn't exist.
In Subsequent Games:
* Protective Instincts: Katniss's protectiveness extends beyond Prim to encompass others she sees as vulnerable, like Peeta, Johanna, and even President Snow's daughter.
* Tactical Shift: Katniss becomes more strategic and willing to take risks for the greater good, even if it means sacrificing personal gain or safety.
* Symbolic Leadership: Katniss's actions, motivated by Rue's death, evolve into a symbolic resistance movement that inspires the rebellion against the Capitol.
In essence, Rue's death acts as a catalyst for Katniss's transformation. It pushes her from a survivor focused on self-preservation to a symbol of defiance and hope, willing to fight for a better future.