Significance of. . .

Significant Elements:

- The Berries

- When Peeta announced his love for Katniss

The poisonous berries that were present during the first Hunger Games was able to help contribute meaningfully to the plot, create conflict or a complication for the main character, establish the theme of the text and setting, as well as contribute to the visual appeal of the text. When Peeta and Katniss are the last two remaining in the Games, forced to kill each other, they decide to eat the berries to protect one another. "I give Peetas hand one last squeeze as a signal, as a good-bye, and we begin counting. One. Maybe I'm wrong. Two. Maybe they don't care if we both die. Three! Its too late to change my mind. I lift my hand to my mouth, taking one last look at the world. The berries have just passed my lips when the trumpets begin to blare." (163)  This contributes meaningfully to the plot because even though they haven't realized it, they have started a rebellion with the capitol by disobeying the rules and letting both of them to survive. This creates a complication for both Peeta and Katniss because they're families may be at risk of death, especially if an uprising occurs between the different districts! The berries were able to contribute to the visual appeal of the text because if Katniss and Peeta had eaten those berries, for the first time ever the capitol would not have a victor for the Hunger Games causing great suspense and tension, yet sadness for the people who cared for them throughout the games. 

The romance between Peeta and Katniss is also very significant to the story as it contributes meaningfully to the plot and creates conflicts and complications. Their love was able to help them survive throughout the Hunger Games which helps contribute to the plot. Without announcing their love, they would not have been able to get sponsors which potentially saved their life, such as the medicine, food and clothing. However it created conflicts and complications because as they began to get closer, instead of protecting themselves they were looking out for each other, so when it came time to kill each other, they were unable to do so.