We don’t think anyone was more excited about the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 than the YouTube community.
But do you ever get the feeling the world of Panem feels a little bit too relatable? Think of it this way: separated by rank and status, all 13 districts are just a bit (A BIT!) like the YouTube community, aren’t they? Those with high-spec cameras, fancy lights and regular upload schedule are closer to the Capitol, whereas those with a penchant for iSight cameras and phones are more District 12 material.
Do you see it? No?! Well, to prove our theory, we’ve dissected the main players of The Hunger Games, and the YouTubers who most likely fit each mould.
LET THE FIRST EVER YOUTUBE HUNGER GAMES BEGIN!
Good luck, and may the subs be ever in your favour.
President Snow = YouTube
One powerful overlord that controls us all. Able to change the rules with the slightest amount of notice. Willing to sacrifice those under their rule *cough* animators *cough* for glamour and fame. No one outside the Capitol is safe.
And while everyone in the districts has their own worth, across the years it becomes increasingly difficult to break through their defences. To elevate themselves, aspiring citizens are forced into a regular routine (upload schedule) in order to maintain relevance to the Capitol. But that’s enough about YouTube…
The Capitol = The Gleam Team
Full of colour and vitality, the Gleam Team is living the life of luxury. Always popping up at glam parties and always the best dressed, they’re our very own Capitol citizens.
With Tanya Burr recently appearing on the cover of Glamour magazine, Jim Chapman being voted GQ’s best dressed, Caspar Lee and Joe Sugg smashing records with their DVD, and Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes getting their own waxworks, we envy their lifestyles and dream to be one of their kind. (Seriously guys, were our invites lost in the post?)
Effie Trinket = Louise Pentland
Despite having a base within the Capitol, Louise Pentland and Effie are not afraid to branch out to the districts and give their lives a little bit of extra sparkle. With an infectious and ever-positive attitude, she is always a spectacle to behold and knows just what to say to make even the darkest things seem brighter. She does this while always looking fabulous, and making sure we do, too.
Haymitch Abernathy = Khyan Mansley
Once a heavy duty contender in the Games, Khyan Mansley has gone through it all and come out the other side alive. Returning to his former life, Khyan, like Haymitch, now works more behind the scenes and aids those who are involved, and is often persuaded to do so with a drink or two at the bar.
Finnick Odair = Jack Howard
Finnick and Jack Howard both hold ties to the Capitol without ever really becoming one of them (but still know all the secrets!). Much more than just a pretty face (though we have to admit, it is a really pretty face!) Finnick and Jack are showmen whose hearts are, more often than not, what guide their actions. And both will remain loyal to those they care about no matter what.
Caeser Flickerman = Ben Cook
Between being known for his crazy hair colours (at one time, anyway), his presenting abilities (when he feels like it) and the ability to charm audiences with an ever-present smile on his face (meh), Ben Cook would make the perfect master of ceremonies as our own Caeser Flickerman.
Plutarch Heavensbee = Ciaran OBrien
Expertly weaving himself into the lives of the elite, as well as the districts of YouTube, Ciaran OBrien, like Plutarch, is often in charge of what we end up seeing on screen. Knowing the ins and outs of the Games is their forte, as well as how to beat it. With a history of being in cahoots with Haymitch (Khyan, remember?), he would play a central role in the rebellion. If he could be bothered.
Prim Everdeen = Rebecca Brown
Rebecca Brown started making YouTube videos at just 14. That, coupled with her love for her cats, makes her a dead cert for YouTube’s very own Primrose Everdeen. For the past nine years, we’ve watched Rebecca grow, especially in the face of adversity. Like Prim, who had to step up and help care for her community in the wake of destruction, we know that Rebecca has fight in her. Plus she’ll always have the latest Lush product to tend to any ailment.
President Coin = Hazel Hayes
Cool, calm and collected, President Coin is a woman with a plan. Intelligent and a strong leader to those loyal to her, she is unafraid to do whatever it takes to get what she wants, and is prepared to get creative in order to get there, working with the brightest stars on her side to get her point across.
To be fair, we don’t see the lovely Hazel Hayes having a darker side to her the way Coin does. Despite dabbling in scary filmmaking, we reckon Hazel would share a glass of wine (or five) with her allies instead of starting a rebellion. But, you never know… *shifty eyes*
The Careers = Niki N Sammy
Much like the careers of Districts 1 and 2, Niki and Sammy Albon are honed in their craft, and so good at the whole YouTube thing, it’s like they were trained to do it from birth. Of course, we’re not suggesting they’re about to start flinging spears and tridents all over the place (seriously guys, don’t get any ideas), but they do seem to have risen rapidly in a short amount of time.
Johanna Mason= Emma Blackery
Johanna and Emma Blackery are cut from the same cloth. Both are feisty, fiery and unafraid to speak their mind. Behind this passion is a sensitive soul whose well-meant intentions may often be misunderstood.
Johanna has become one of the Games’ most-loved faces, who is never afraid to get angry in the face of adversity to make a point. Both know what to do in the name of the greater good, and are prepared to lose their heads (well, Emma’s hair) if needs be.
Gale Hawthorne = Daniel J. Layton
Once left behind the scenes by those around him who entered the games, Daniel J. Layton and Gale have both been given the unique gift of living both in and outside the world that the Games has created. Toying with the idea of participating to be by the side of the ones he loves, it is not until recently that he has thrown himself into the ring completely as a warrior within his own right.
Now, he is a force to be reckoned with (and will most likely have an amazing Janet Jackson soundtrack playing while he does it).
Peeta Mellark = Dean Dobbs
Often seen as the other half of a famous duo, Dean Dobbs has a charm and selflessness that stands out on its own. He says what everyone else is thinking, damned of the consequences. (Did you SEE that vid of him talking about Carter Reynolds on stage at VidCon? Or, like, ANY of his Twitter feed?!)
Compassionate, artistic and a master of words, there is no better Peeta Mellark than Dean Dobbs.
Katniss Everdeen = Carrie Hope Fletcher
Like there was ever a doubt. Carrie Hope Fletcher has an ever-growing team of followers, and everyone within the Panem/YouTube community has grown to truly admire her. Honorary big sister to many, she has a habit of protecting her little sisters to the bitter end, much like Katniss has done with Prim. She unintentionally ignites a spark within her audience to question what we take as the norm, and to believe in our ability to change it.
Plus, with a name like Fletcher (someone who makes arrows, if you didn’t know), being the bow-toting heroine is practically in her blood! Carrie has what it takes to be the leading lady in our rebellion (coz TenEighty is obvs District 13). She will take down the entire Capitol if she has to.
Ladies and gentlemen and non-binary persons, we have our Mockingjay!
Want more?
Then why not check out
- If YouTubers Were Game of Thrones Characters…
- 13 Shows That Need YouTubers On Them
- If YouTubers Remade Band Aid…
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Words by: Tilly Pearce, Lizzi Michael and Lydia Snapper
