The Hunger Games: Chapter 1 (Reaction)

I just finished Chapter 1.  I have come to the conclusion that Panem is similar to Burma (aka Myanmar, for those that support the government), so here we go:

Top 5 Reasons Why Panem is Similar to Burma

Map of Panem

Map of Burma (Myanmar)

#5.  Both Panem and Burma have problems with electricity

From The Hunger Games: "...a high chain-link fence topped with barbed wire loops.  In theory, it's supposed to be electrified twenty-four hours a day...but since we're lucky to get two or three hours of electricity in the evenings, it's usually safe to touch..." (Page 4-5)

From Irrawaddy.org (http://irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=23010):
"Burma is notorious for power blackouts and hundreds of businesses from backyard enterprises to major hotels and factories have to use their own generators fueled by expensively imported diesel..."

A Burmese generator

#4.  Both Panem and Burma have similar types of wild animals.

Collins describes District 12 as having "packs of wild dogs" and "venomous snakes," and the fence is "successful at keeping the flesh-eaters out of District 12" (Page 5).

Burma also has wild dogs and venomous snakes, however instead of being kept out of villages by fences, they freely roam the streets.
 

Pack of wild dogs hanging out in Burma

#3.  Both Panem and Burma take advantage of children

While some children in Panem are forced to become "tributes" and participate in the Hunger Games.  Children in Burma are often forced to join the Tatmadaw (Burmese army) and are trained to become killing machines.

Children are forced to be soldiers in Burma

#2.  Both Panem and Burma have societies with large disparities between social classes

From Chapter 1 of The Hunger Games, we see how families are struggling to survive and often depend on children as a means of receiving tesserae (supplies of grain and oil).  Madge, the mayor's daughter, does not need tesserae because she is well off compared to Katniss and Gale.  Katniss comments that Gale might say, "It's to the Capitol's advantage to have us divided among ourselves" (Page 14).

In Burma there is an extremely large gap between the rich and the poor.  In Yangon (or Rangoon, Burma's capital), it is not uncommon to see a Mercedes Benz being driven past a street filled with malnourished beggars.  You may also see dilapidated, tin-roof houses around the corner from large opulent mansions.

Rich vs. Poor

#1.  Both Panem and Burma have oppressive governments that enjoy showing off their strength

It is evident from Chapter 1 that the Hunger Games are a way of instilling fear and controlling the masses.  Similarly, the Myanmar government use fear as a way of controlling the Burmese people.  The name "Myanmar" translates to "fast [and] strong," which is the image that the government wants to project to the rest of the world.

From The Hunger Games: "...this is the Capitol's way of reminding us how totally we are at their mercy.  How little chance we would stand of surviving another rebellion.  Whatever words they use, the real message is clear.  "Look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there's nothing you can do.  If you lift a finger, we will destroy every last one of you.  Just as we did in District Thirteen" (Page 18-19).

With regards to Burma: Use the same statement above, but replace "Capitol" with "Myanmar government" and "District Thirteen" with "8-8-88 Uprising" (More information on 8888 Uprising: http://www.abitsu.org/?p=32 )

Burmese soldiers keeping civilians under control

During the 8-8-88 Uprising, the government opened fire on Burmese students

Questions that I have after Chapter 1 (SPOILER ALERT):
1) It seems that Katniss does not have a good relationship with her mother.  What is the back story behind this?
2) Katniss' father died when she was 11.  How was her relationship with her father?
3) Is there symbolism behind the section of District 12 that is nicknamed "the Seam"? A seam is the line where two pieces of fabric are stitched together.  Does "the Seam" in District 12 somehow hold it together?
4) Does Katniss and Gale have a strictly platonic relationship? Or is there something more going on between the two of them?
5) How did North America eventually become Panem? What year does this book take place?
6) Are computers and advanced technology still around?  Why are tributes chosen with scraps of paper instead of with a digital program?
7) If Panem is anything like Burma, perhaps the tribute selection process may be rigged? Can we trust that the Capitol selects the tributes fairly?