Futuristic settings, plausible science and technology, existence of another possible dimension and even a new and different kind of social system, these are some of the imaginative contents when talking about the genre of science fiction or what commonly known as sci-fi.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a science fiction. The movie takes us to a futuristic world that can possible be the future of our present universe. It makes the audience easier to believe that the setting is in the futuristic world with the presence of the ultra-advanced technologies. Technology in Panem is very advanced and utilises such things as the High-Speed Capitol Trains that travel at an average speed of 250 miles per hour and are often used to transport tributes to the Capitol for the Hunger Games, the Hovercrafts that are equipped with some form of cloaking ability, since they are often described as "materializing" and the presence of Forcefields which Katniss Everdeen used to destroy the forcefield arena.
Some people believe that Hunger Games: Catching Fire is not merely a science fiction but more of a dystopian fiction as well. According to readwritethink.org (2006), dystopia is a futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system. The movie tackles issues like severe poverty, starvation, oppression, and the effects of war among others which prevalently exist in this day and age in almost all parts of the globe. It is a commentary not just on what our future world will look and be like but also showing the present situation which we have to be aware and concerned about.
In the end, the science, technology and society in the world of the 13 Districts faced both failure and success. Failure for the the brutal social hierarchy that even they make range of technological advancements just to lord and oppress other people, there will come a point that loopholes will be discovered that will eventually weaken their power. On the other hand, it will be a success for the people of the 13 Districts because after all the failed uprising against the Capitol many years earlier, people now become more firm and vehement in fighting for their rights with the presence of the mockingjay that is the symbol of rebellion and hope among the districts.
Dhalal M. Maaño 12.05.13
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