In our society, when you don't follow the rules, you become an outcast to the rest of society. Suzanne Collins' series of novels, The Hunger Games, critiques our society and its demands that people of specific genders act in certain ways and become certain things. Gender stereotypes are prevalent in our society and around the world. However, The Hunger Games gives a very refreshing tone of “mockery” to these stereotypes. Katniss Everdeen is not a typical 16 year old girl, and Peeta Mellark is not a typical 16 year old boy either, especially when they fight every day just to survive. The Hunger Games is a work of social commentary, used to convince us that there cannot and should not be defined "roles" based on gender. A mix of “stereotypical” gender roles within a person and their actions is what people need to survive in our world that changes every day. Well, what is gender and what do we mean by gender roles? “Gender describes the socially constructed roles and responsibilities that societies consider appropriate for men and women” (World Health Organization). Everyone on the planet is affected by gender and the stereotypes surrounding it. A person should be able to choose who they want to be and not be afraid. Things are changing. According to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, “same-sex sexual harassment extends to instances where the victim is singled out for their failure to conform to accepted gender stereotypes” (Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP). It is very important that everyone knows and understands. This allows people to express themselves as they wish, without the anxiety or fear of being harassed for their decisions because of being a certain gender. This is just a middle of paper......people can be swapped and things are still fine. However, I want to combine that having a mix of traits from each gender is also a good thing. Blankschaen, Bill. “The Hunger Games: battlefield of gender wars.” Faith Walkers. Np, June 24, 2012. Web. November 8, 2013. Excellent article to read. Focused on the gender reversal aspects of Katniss in The Hunger Games. It explains how people relate to this topic in today's society (YA girls). However, it focuses on the religious view of this subject. Based on the title of the website (Faith Walkers), one should expect the article to be biased. However, we are also told that Kate O'Brien is the original author in her own words. She is a professor of literature and history in a Christian academy. It is therefore accredited but may be biased. It was an easy article to read. This can be helpful in explaining or understanding an opposing argument.