With The Hunger Games’ own scribe Suzanne Collins largely responsible for the film’s scripting, we can count on hearing a few familiar and golden quotes from the source material on-screen next March. Which ones absolutely must make the cut, in this fan’s opinion?

Gale Hawthorne:

“We could do it, you know . . . Leave the district. Run off. Live in the woods. You and I, we could make it.”

It’s a fleeting hope – much like survival in the emaciated Seam itself – but Gale presents Katniss with her first real talk of escape. The two recognize that they’ve taken a small step above the system of Panem and District 12, and they also know that life can be more and that if anyone can do it, it’s them. It’s not so simple for Katniss, though, because she has a young sister to consider even above herself. This is the first instance of many we will see her put Prim first. Gale’s offer, though, certainly gets the wheels turning.

Runner up: “Up you go, Catnip.”

Effie Trinket:

“May the odds be ever in your favor!”

This is pretty much a given at this point. I’d go to Vegas with an emptied bank account betting on the fact that the film will include this quote, and prominently. The slithery expression trickled into the very fabric of the story, really, not to mention the character who spoke it. So it must not, and most definitely won’t, be overlooked in translation.

Runners up:
“At least, you two have decent manners . . . The pair last year ate everything with their hands like a couple of savages. It completely upset my digestion.”
“See, like this. I’m smiling at you even though you’re aggravating me.”
“Well, if you put enough pressure on coal it turns to pearls.”

Katniss Everdeen:

“Listen to me. Are you listening to me? . .  You can’t leave again . . . You can’t clock out and leave Prim on her own. There’s no me now to keep you both alive. It doesn’t matter what happens. Whatever you see on the screen. You have to promise me you’ll fight through it!”

Even as the immediacy and veritable inevitability of death is upon her – she’s going into the Games, and rarely do District 12’s tributes ever come back – she’s the pocket of strength in her family. She can’t be anymore, though. Her words are sober and strong and most importantly selfless. This quote exhibits the anger and distrust Katniss carries for her mother throughout the trilogy and also beckons the slow progress her mother makes, even if it is just temporary.

Runner up: “Thank you for your consideration.”

Madge Undersee:

“They let you wear one thing from your district in the arena. One thing to remind you of home. Will you wear this?”

Though Katniss isn’t quite in the loop as to the significance of Madge’s gift just yet, the symbolism of the pin is known to many. The way Madge presents it hints, in the book at least, that she’s in on something. Her words in the series are few, but these are probably the most important.

Runner up: “But mockingjays were never a weapon. They’re just song birds. Right?”

Haymitch Abernathy:

“Did I actually get a pair of fighters this year?”

It’d take an army to pry Haymitch from his drink, and twenty-something years as the sole District 12 victor has made him jaded by the games. But Katniss and Peeta, he realizes, have the stuff to bring at least one of them back home. I can picture Woody Harrelson delivering this line just so, and I expect we will come March.

Runner up: “Here’s some advice. Stay alive.”

Peeta Mellark:

“You here to finish me off, Sweetheart?”

Broken, beaten, and clinging to a last thread under the camouflage of his one skill other than picking up heavy things, Peeta still has a sense of humor. And he still loves Katniss and is willing to die for her. It’s just such a cute, unexpected line that I would be severely disappointed to not hear Josh Hutcherson speak it for the film.

Runners up:
“She has no idea. The effect she can have.”
“I keep wishing I could think of a way to . . . to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games.”
“Remember, we’re madly in love, so it’s all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.”
“. . . She came here with me.”

Cinna:

“Remember, girl on fire . . . I’m still betting on you.”

Katniss comes to think of Cinna as – well, as much as she can – a friend, and he seems to believe in her. Cinna’s sartorial brilliance has played a big part in her potential success in the arena, when it comes to sponsors and her own confidence. His sincerity is written all over the page with these few words, and they are thusly very important for the movie.

Runner up: “How despicable we must seem to you.”

And, finally, definitive lines that need no explanation . . .

Any The Hunger Games quotes which you must see on-screen?