Lessons from the Hunger Games

I'm one of those crazy Hunger Games movies fan member. I did not read the book but I loved the movie series. It may be one of the most powerful depiction of a dystopian society. But it pretty much is realistic and if you look beyond the frills and fancies you might see various countries in form of districts and the tributes in the form of thousands of soldiers that die in war from each of the countries. And for what? Of course for peace and brotherhood, just like in Hunger Games. But since John Lennon's "Dreams" have a very long way to go, it is a debate we will not dwell into for now.
Two movies released so far has taught me three most crucial things in life.
1. Have a powerful skill
2. Have a lot of alibis
3. Know your enemy

The first on the list is developing a skill.Katniss Everdeen had her bow and arrow- well you don't need that skill so much, but you do need to learn and excel what you're truly good at, just like every tribute in the Hunger Games arena. If you look at how we all proceed with our life, you may find out that from the day you step in school and right up to your retirement, you never stop inculcating and working on your one skill  that ensures your plate is never empty and your wine glass is always filled. Not just that, this "skill" that you have and work on everyday gives you your identity and a respectable position in society. So if you are a bank manager, a mechanic or campany CEO; you must have some specific skills like ability to repair and make electronic items, or people management or extensive knowledge and experience with numbers. This skill will determine how long you survive.
This brings us to the next thing we all need to survive and move ahead in life. Alibis. Even though Katniss was the best archer, that alone could have never saved her. Even she needed sponsors and alibis. I never realized the importance of having many "connections" and "friendships" until now. This is not just a matter of status, it goes much beyond that. It determines how effectively you could use your "skills" and how long you could survive the notorious blows that life casts on you. We are naturally social animals and we know this. But merely being social is not enough. Being social with "right" kind of people is what makes and breaks you.
And the third one. This is a little tricky, but interesting. The "Capital" designed and managed the hunger games in such a manner that none of the districts or tributes ever realized that the true enemy was never the one they fought with in the arena-it was the ruthless Capital itself. And when people started realizing this- there were revolts and anarchy. Very often we're tricked in the illusion of believing something-while the illusionist cast a sly smile from behind the curtains. Now this illusionist can be your parents, friends, someone close to you, a minister, your government or even your own mind. But we're people and not robots so we will all find ourselves in this illusion trap sometimes. The real trick is to identify this and kill it or run away.
Hunger Games is definitely an impressionable movie. And the starcast is the most apt one.
Looking forward for the next movie to come. Till then, "Let the odds be ever in your favor!