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Production on the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is currently underway. The film will take audiences back to Panem, years before the franchise events that made Jennifer Lawrence a star. The original Hunger Games series was a massive success, thanks to its high stakes and brilliant ensemble, including three-time Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson.
Playing the drunken but wise Haymitch Abernathy, Harrelson shined throughout the series. His character was blunt but somewhat charming and one of the shadiest figures in the story. Indeed, these witty and biting quotes are proof that no one messes with Haymitch Abernathy.
"He Made You Look Desirable."
Haymitch To Katniss In "The Hunger Games"
"...which, in your case, can't hurt, sweetheart." Haymitch is blunt and unafraid to tell it as it is. The mentor appreciates Katniss' cynicism but understands it will get her nowhere in the competition. Haymitch delivers this line to Katniss after she attacks Peeta following his love confession during Caesar's interview.
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Peeta's words might be unexpected, but Haymitch realizes they also increase Katniss' appeal by humanizing her to the audience. If a boy as kindhearted as Peeta can see something in Katniss, everyone can too. Haymitch might not always talk straight, but he understands the Capitol and its people.
"You Could Live A Hundred Lifetimes And Never Deserve That Boy."
Haymitch To Katniss In "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"
Peeta is one of the strongest but most vulnerable characters in The Hunger Games. He is kind and thoughtful, thinking about Katniss and her safety before his. And why he isn't as athletic or gifted in the arena as Katniss, he is someone Katniss can trust, which is more important.
Haymitch says this line to Katniss after they find out they will return to the arena. Katniss doesn't deny it, but his words sting hard, especially because she is already confused about her feelings for Peeta. Haymitch doesn't want to hurt her per se, but he does mean every word he says, especially because Peeta is ready to sacrifice himself for Katniss' sake.
"Look At You! Just Killed A... Placemat."
Haymitch To Katniss In "The Hunger Games"
Haymitch's sardonic sense of humor is fully displayed during his early interactions with Peeta and Katniss. He has no time for their innocence or inexperience but is still willing to do his job... as best as he can.
When Katniss sticks a knife on the table to gain his attention, Haymitch is undisturbed but impressed at her bravado. He replies with one of his usual sarcastic quips but starts paying closer attention to her, realizing she has fire inside and can go all the way if only she learns how to control her temper. Katniss is one of sci-fi's great heroines and most capable leaders, and Haymitch is the first to see it.
"You And A Syringe Against The Capitol."
Haymitch To Katniss In "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"
Katniss is logically confused and scared after waking up following the arena's explosion at the end of Catching Fire. She enters defensive mode and tries to attack Haymitch with a syringe needle, the first thing she could find upon waking up.
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Rather than chastising her, Haymitch makes light of it by uttering this line. He understands she is confused but refuses to treat her with kid gloves; that's not his or her style. Haymitch and Katniss share such a deep bond because they both respect each other yet still acknowledge their flaws and aren't afraid to call each other out.
"That, My Friends, Is How A Revolution Dies."
Haymitch To Katniss In "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1"
The Hunger Games have several cringy parts, but the pro-District 13 tv spots in Mockingjay are among the worst offenders. It doesn't help that Katniss is obviously uncomfortable doing them, but the scripts are also laughably bad and over-the-top.
Katniss' first attempts at them are the worst, and Haymitch is the first to point it out. He disregards Katniss' performance, claiming that's "how a revolution dies." Again, their bond relies on their honesty with each other. Rather than becoming angry at his words, Katniss replies with an equally sarcastic line, much to Haymitch's delight.
"Keep This Knife. He Knows What He's Doing."
Haymitch To Katniss In "The Hunger Games"
Katniss' initial attitude at the Hunger Games is one of stoic confusion. She is angry and afraid at her situation, aware that she might die and thus unwilling to become awed by the Capitol's splendor. Unlike her fellow tributes, Katniss isn't there to impress but survive, without realizing the two go hand-in-hand.
Haymitch delivers this biting line to Katniss when they first arrive at the Capitol, and Peeta begins smiling and waving at the crowd. Haymitch's suggestion she keeps the butter knife she just stuck on the mahogany table is the extra touch to make this quote even sassier, but he has a point.
"I Never Said She Was Smart."
Haymitch To Commander Thread In "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"
Catching Fire is the most dramatic and best film in the series. It features tensions between the Capitol and the districts at its highest point, heightened by the Peacekeepers' constant presence. During one memorable scene, Katniss steps up to defend Gale from Commander Thread, forcing Haymitch to intervene and save her.
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For all his unserious behaviors, Haymitch has a gift for people. He successfully de-escalated the situation and even managed to sneak in a little jab at Katniss' expense. Haymitch is a people person, but his sarcastic personality shines through.
"You Call That A Kiss?"
Haymitch In A Note To Katniss In "The Hunger Games"
The 2010s had several badass women in action movies, and Katniss was one of them. She was resilient, capable, emotionally stunted but empathetic, and willing to risk everything for those she loved. Katniss kept things real, which made it hard for her to pretend for the cameras. Her romance with Peeta was their one chance to live, but she had to be convincing enough to fool everyone.
Haymitch encourages their romance and constantly reminds Katniss how important it is for her to sell it. After a particularly lazy kiss, Haymitch sends Katniss an ironic note mocking her attempts at faking love. It's impressive how Haymitch keeps his sharp sense of humor even in the face of death.
"Nice Dress Too. Not Yours."
Haymitch To Katniss And Effie In "The Hunger Games"
Effie Trinket is one of the best characters in The Hunger Games. She's funny and larger-than-life, with a wardrobe that any fashionista would kill to have. Effie and Haymitch share a unique dynamic in the series. He mocks her over-the-top behavior, and she chastises him for his endless drinking. However, the two genuinely care for each other.
When Katniss appears wearing her fire gown in the first film, Haymitch compliments the dress. He quickly anticipates Effie will make it about herself and clarifies he isn't talking about her. It's one of the few moments of levity in the otherwise grim film, and it's much appreciated.
"You're Not Off To A Real Good Start."
Haymitch To Katniss In "The Hunger Games"
For all her strengths, Katniss wasn't the most personable figure in the room. However, that awkwardness made her so popular and relatable among millions of fans worldwide, even if it didn't make things easier for her inside the arena.
As her mentor, Haymitch constantly reminds her how she needs to be more pleasant. He understands she finds it difficult and sympathizes with her struggle but doesn't pretend it isn't a liability. This quote, delivered during their early meeting in the first film, summarizes Haymitch's to-the-point style of guidance. He uses irony to make his point, but at least he gets it across.
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