InThe Hunger Gamesseries, the12 districts of Panemare separated based on the main resource they produce, which directly correlates to how wealthy the district is as a whole. Coming from the poorest district, Katniss, played byJennifer Lawrence, initially feels out of place as she travels through the others to reach the Capitol. She notices that each district differs not only from their attitudes towards the people in the Capitol, but also with their clothing. Those who are a part of the wealthier districts have better quality clothing, the people in the Capitol have extravagant and avant-garde wardrobes, and the higher level districts seem to have dull outfits that are more for practical purposes.
Clothing, as Katniss quickly learns, displays people’s statuses and rankings among one another. Though Katniss couldn’t care less about what she wears, she is constantly forced to look a certain way since the day she volunteered as tribute. Here are Jennifer Lawrence’s best outfits as Katniss Everdeen throughoutThe Hunger Gamesseries, ranked.
10First “Girl on Fire” Outfit (The Hunger Games)
When Katniss first meets her stylist, Cinna, inThe Hunger Games, he tells her that he wants her opening ceremony outfit to make a statement. She has to represent her district’s product (coal), but he wants her very first outfit to leave a lasting impression on the members of the Capitol. Thus was born her slick and shiny pleather-looking ensemble. From the unflattering hairstyle to the cheap looking material, Katniss truly did make a statement in more ways than one. The fire aspect of the costume was unique and sent a clear message to President Snow, but the outfit itself was definitely not one of her better ones.
9Victory Tour Dress (Catching Fire)
After their Victory Tour inCatching Fire, Katniss and Peeta attend a gathering at the Capitol with Effie. They are styled in outfits that once again represent their district, but instead of looking fierce and confident, Katniss looks sad and out of place. Her dress resembles that of the gowns worn by women in the Capitol — bold and exaggerated — but it simply does not suit the District 12 victor. From the overdone pattern on her top half to the sheer bottom that exposes her legs, this dress should have gone back on the rack. Then there are the shoulder pieces that are meant to bring a pop-of-color effect, but instead, they look like fake feathers pointing in different directions.
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8The Crowning Ceremony Dress (The Hunger Games)
Katniss has a very determined look to her, but at the end of the firstHunger Gamesmovie, she is made to look like a porcelain doll. After creating thisepic love storythat saved her and Peeta’s life, Katniss now has to play the part of the sweet and smitten girl. With a light yellow dress, bows for sleeves, and a tull skirt, she is able to fool the audience that she is dainty and loving. To add to the soft look, Cinna chooses to keep Katniss' hair down, giving her a more girlish appearance. While she looks beautiful, anyone who knows Katniss is fully aware that she is putting on a show.
7Reaping Day Dress (The Hunger Games)
To look her absolute best while people from the Capitol come to their district, Katniss' mother chooses this vintage-looking blue dress for her eldest daughter to wear. Though it is not her style at all, Katniss does look like a well-behaved and orderly young woman who does not cause trouble. Her mother even goes as far to make sure Katniss scrubs away all the grime from her body and puts her hair into a respectable up-do rather than letting it fly in the wind with a loose braid down her back.
6Flaming Red Dress (The Hunger Games)
Katniss' very first interview dress inThe Hunger Gamesis a showstopper. The bright red color not only makes her stand out from the crowd, but the details that Cinna put into it are incredible. Subtle crystals cover her left shoulder, and they continue down her back for several inches. Knowing that she will have to twirl to get the flames to light up the hem of her gown, the glistening gems will catch the light just right to create a beautiful illusion. Though her hair and makeup is a bit more on the plain side, Cinna did a great job at creating yet another statement piece.
5Girl on Fire Chariot Dress (Catching Fire)
After being “selected” to compete once again in The Hunger Games inCatching Fire, Peeta and Katniss find themselves on yet another chariot ride where they are to parade around and get admired by people from the Capitol. Katniss emerges in a pitch black gown with gold flecks on it that make her look stunning yet fierce. From her perfect makeup that complements her bold look to her long hair flowing in the wind, Cinna’s creation certainly got everyone’s attention.
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475th Hunger Games Uniform (Catching Fire)
In an interview withE! News, Lawrence got very real about her time spent in the wetsuits during the second half ofCatching Fire. She admitted that the uniforms were surprisingly comfortable, and since the actors spent a lot of time in the water, going to the bathroom was pretty easy. As for looks, Lawrence’s character seems to be right in her element. She is in dark colors and pants, and the whole outfit is more for functional use than looks. Paired with her fresh face and signature braid, Katniss appears natural and content.
3Casual District 12 Outfit (The Hunger Games)
When Katniss first appears inThe Hunger Games, she is jogging through her town to go hunting in the woods. Her outfit is more for practical purposes than looks. She has on neutral colors (mostly different shades of brown and black) that help her blend in with her surroundings. With a light brown leather jacket and laced up tall boots, Katniss looks like she is ready to spend her time outdoors on an adventure rather than sitting down inside making polite chitchat with others.
2Battle Outfit (Mockingjay Part II)
In the final film ofThe Hunger Gamesseries,Mockingjay Part 2, Katniss gets dressed in an all-black uniform that makes her appear as if she is going into battle. In reality, she is preparing to execute Snow in front of thousands of people. Katniss walks into the center of the square with all eyes on her and her trusty arrows in tow. From shoulder pads that resemble armor to knee-high boots that look like the ones from back home, Katniss means business even in one of the most fashionable outfits.
1Dual Wedding Dress (Catching Fire)
After Katniss found a way to cheat the system inCatching Fire, President Snow makes it a point to dilute her image to the public. Instead of being a defiant rebel, Snow makes Katniss portray herself as a young woman in love. During the interviews before the 75th games, Snow has Cinna make Katniss a wedding dress. Katniss then comes across as a person more obsessed with her love story than with what is truly happening in their society. To Snow and everyone else’s surprise, Katniss' beautiful crystal and fluffy gown turns into a jet black dress with wings making her look like thesymbol of rebellion, a mockingjay. This dual-meaning dress is by far Cinna’s best piece of work.
