As many of you go into the last Hunger Games movie, it’s important to take a hard look at what entices many people there: marketing. Advertising is a key aspect in getting people to see a movie, and Hunger Games went above and beyond. In Panem, the dystopian setting of the series, the act of 24 children brutally murdering each other is promoted and adored by members of the Capitol. Children wear Katniss’ braid and tell her that they want to volunteer in the Hunger Games just like her. The outfits that the tributes wear before they’re sent out to die are glamorized and loved by the fashion-filled Capitol. Peeta and Katniss’ story of “love” is eaten up by the press.

The way this movie is advertised reflects this. Are you on Team Peeta or Team Gale? There’s a makeup line with a distinct style for each district if you want to look like them. If you want to go all the way, there are “Camp Panems” where you can re-enact and get the “full” experience of the Hunger Games. This is a dystopian movie about children killing each other! Rebelling against a dictatorship and fighting for your life!

Yet we have this: makeup, love triangle arguments reminiscent of Twilight, and re-enactments of the death of children.

When it comes down to it, honestly, the Hunger Games is a tale of propaganda. President Snow engineered propaganda to try to stop a rebellion and to keep people watching mass murder year after year. District 13, as shown in the previous movie, has used Katniss as a tool to incite people against the Capitol. This entire series is a tale of how propaganda can be a vicious tool, and the way that the media reflects the Capitol so clearly should alarm you.

Panem is a dystopia. The Capitol is a controlling dictatorship that uses that to influence its population. Yet our media uses the exact same methods. What does that mean for us?

Think about that when you watch it tonight at the CFAC.