Depressants are drugs that slow body functions and depress the activity of neurons. Alcohol is one example of a depressant drug. It slows the sympathetic nervous system and hinders motor skills, speech, coordination, memory, perception, and judgment. Many people around the world have an alcohol addiction, which is a “compulsive craving of drugs or certain behaviors despite known adverse consequences” (Module 10). In Catching Fire, Katniss and Peeta’s mentor, Haymitch, has had a severe alcohol addiction since his participation in the Hunger Games. Extensive time frames without an alcoholic drink send him into a withdrawal, “discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior.” In one part of the novel, Katniss even purchases some liquor for him in case he runs out because his withdrawals make him extremely …show more content…
For example, if you were drowning your need for air would take priority over your need to satisfy hunger or complete a chore. Once you had air again, you could move up a level. Maslow organized the priority level of general needs: physiological, safety, belongingness and love, esteem, self-actualization, and self-transcendence needs. (Module 33) Most of the citizens in Panem are nearing or at starvation because of the government. They are trying to satisfy their physiological needs of hunger and thirst. Katniss, on the other hand, has been taught a skill that enables her to satisfy her physiological needs, so she is able to focus on higher needs like self-actualization needs, the “need to live up to our fullest and unique potential,” and self-transcendence needs, the “need to find meaning and identity beyond the self.” Katniss is able to express these needs and inspire the nation of Panem to change. Recommendation: The entire Hunger Games series are full of suspense. This book is a great book to read if you don't ever want to put it down. There is a shocking amount of violence in the books, but it helps the reader relate to the struggles of the protagonist. However, I would not recommend this book for elementary aged children, but it is a great read for teens and adults. It also has many underlying themes, including government corruption and