legalistic Panem

About two months ago I finished The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, and it was such an interesting premise for a series, I continued to think about the characters and themes well after I returned the books to a friend.  ***spoiler alert***

One of Katniss Everdeen's most prominent inner struggles is her fear of indebtedness to others--Peeta for the bread which saved her and her family, Thresh for saving her life in the arena, Gale for providing in her absence, Peeta for loving her. Living under the authority of Panem and in the wake of her father's death (who died at the hand of Panem's poor working conditions), Katniss prizes self sufficiency and feels guilty when anyone shows her a measure of kindness she cannot repay. 

Katniss has a classic case of debtor's ethic, conditioned by the legalism Panem promotes by constantly reminding its citizens that they offended the law and must pay via sacrificing their children, their resources, and their happiness. It is a legalism Katniss cannot shake...until she experiences a faithful love.

Enter Peeta. He provides an enduring love for Katniss when she fakes her love for him, uses him for personal gain, and rejects him over and over. Though his character is obviously flawed (and he experiences turbid times under The Capitol's control), he grows into a Christ-like figure in the series as he sacrifices himself for his bride and loves her more than she deserves. 

Panem's legalism reflects the same lie Satan tells us: Christ's sacrifice is not enough. We need to do a little extra to help God along or put ourselves in his good favor; and since we can never repay him, Satan holds us hostage with our guilt and sense of indebtedness. 

It is no surprise Katniss grows to love Peeta again by the end of the third book because he never stops quietly caring for her. She experiences the promise of hope through his steadfast love--a hope legalism can never extend.

"and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."  -Romans 5:5 (ESV)