In ‘Catching Fire’, the second book of Suzanne Collins’ ‘The Hunger Games’ trilogy, Katniss Everdeen does not win the Hunger Games in the traditional sense. Instead, she becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol.
In the climax of the Quarter Quell, Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta Mellark are both declared winners after they threaten to eat poisonous berries rather than let one of them die. This act of defiance against the Capitol’s rules symbolizes their rebellion. However, their victory is complicated by the political turmoil that follows, leading to the uprising in the districts of Panem.
Ultimately, while Katniss technically ‘wins’ by surviving the Games, her victory is bittersweet, filled with the knowledge that a larger fight against tyranny is just beginning.