Among the many haunting images in Suzanne Collins’The Hunger Gamesseries, one of the most unsettling is the presence of people who have had their tongues cut out. These characters represent the cruelty of the Capitol and its grip on power, silencing individuals in the most literal way possible. Readers and viewers often wonder what are the tongueless people called inThe Hunger Games? This question opens up an exploration of the darker aspects of Panem, the Capitol’s punishments, and the symbolic meaning of taking away a person’s ability to speak.
The Avox Tongueless Servants of the Capitol
The official name for the tongueless people inThe Hunger GamesisAvox. The word itself suggests voicelessness, coming from the root vox, meaning voice. Avox are individuals who have been punished by the Capitol for crimes such as rebellion, defiance, or attempting to escape. As punishment, their tongues are cut out, and they are forced into lifelong servitude within the Capitol, usually as domestic workers for the elite.
The Role of the Avox in the Story
The Avox first appear inThe Hunger Gamestrilogy when Katniss Everdeen notices a servant who she recognizes from her past. This moment is deeply unsettling, as it forces Katniss to confront both her guilt and the terrifying extent of the Capitol’s power. The Avox remind readers that resistance comes with devastating consequences, and that silence can be forced upon those who dare to speak out.
Why the Capitol Creates Avox
The Capitol uses the creation of Avox as a method of control and intimidation. By mutilating people and stripping them of their voices, the Capitol not only punishes rebellion but also sends a message to the rest of Panem. It is a reminder that dissent will not be tolerated and that one’s individuality can be erased completely.
Symbolism of Taking Away Speech
The punishment of becoming an Avox is particularly cruel because it takes away the ability to communicate. In a society where rebellion depends on the spread of ideas and the strength of voices, the Capitol silences dissenters in the most permanent way. The Avox serve as walking warnings, visible proof of the Capitol’s absolute dominance.
Avox Versus Other Servants
It is important to distinguish Avox from other types of servants inThe Hunger Games. Not all workers in the Capitol are tongueless; some are regular employees or individuals working for survival. Avox, however, are specifically marked by their punishment. Their silence and mutilation make them symbols of fear, ensuring they are viewed differently from ordinary servants.
Life of an Avox in the Capitol
Avox are often assigned to serve Capitol elites during official functions, parties, or private gatherings. They are expected to work quietly, never drawing attention to themselves. Although they cannot speak, their very presence speaks volumes about the Capitol’s cruelty. They are both invisible and hyper-visible ignored by the privileged, but always noticed by those who fear suffering the same fate.
Notable Avox in the Trilogy
Several Avox appear in the series, each serving as a reminder of the Capitol’s oppression.
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Lavinia– The red-haired Avox girl recognized by Katniss in the first book. Katniss recalls how she saw Lavinia being captured in the woods after trying to escape, an event that fills her with guilt.
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Pollux– Introduced inMockingjay, Pollux is an Avox who helps Katniss and her team navigate through the Capitol’s underground tunnels. Despite his muteness, he proves to be a crucial ally and a symbol of resilience.
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Darius– A former Peacekeeper from District 12, Darius is turned into an Avox after interfering when Gale is whipped. His transformation highlights how even those in positions of relative authority can be destroyed by the Capitol’s cruelty.
The Emotional Impact on Katniss
For Katniss Everdeen, encountering Avox is always emotionally charged. The sight of the tongueless servants fills her with guilt, as she often recalls moments when she failed to act. At the same time, it deepens her hatred of the Capitol and strengthens her resolve to fight. The Avox are constant reminders that silence can be forced, and that rebellion must continue to give voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.
Guilt and Helplessness
Katniss’s guilt over not saving Lavinia symbolizes the helplessness of ordinary citizens in Panem. Even the bravest individuals are often powerless in the face of the Capitol’s dominance, and the Avox embody this tragic reality.
The Avox in the Larger Symbolism of The Hunger Games
The Avox are more than just background characters; they are powerful symbols within the story’s larger themes. They represent the Capitol’s cruelty, the silencing of dissent, and the stripping away of individuality. Their existence raises questions about oppression, freedom, and the cost of rebellion.
Avox as a Warning
Every Avox is essentially a living warning to others. Their mutilation shows that rebellion has consequences, not just for individuals but also for anyone who might witness it. This fear tactic keeps the districts in line, ensuring compliance through terror.
Avox as Silent Resistance
At the same time, the Avox also represent silent resistance. Characters like Pollux prove that even when silenced, individuals can still fight back in meaningful ways. Their actions demonstrate that the Capitol cannot fully erase the humanity of those it punishes.
Why Readers Remember the Avox
Although the Avox are not the central focus of the series, they leave a lasting impression on readers. The idea of having one’s tongue cut out is both horrifying and symbolic, making the Avox one of the most memorable aspects of Panem’s world. They highlight the cruelty of authoritarian systems and the lengths to which they will go to maintain control.
A Powerful World-Building Element
The inclusion of Avox adds depth to the world ofThe Hunger Games. It illustrates the Capitol’s extreme methods of punishment and expands the story beyond the Games themselves. By introducing the Avox, Suzanne Collins provides a chilling example of how power can be abused in ways that strip people of both voice and identity.
So, what are the tongueless people called inThe Hunger Games? They are known as Avox, silent servants of the Capitol whose punishment is designed to intimidate and control. The Avox embody the cruelty of Panem’s ruling class, the silencing of dissent, and the stripping away of individuality. Yet, despite their voicelessness, characters like Pollux show that resistance is still possible, and that humanity cannot be completely erased. The Avox remain one of the most haunting elements of the series, reminding readers of the terrifying consequences of authoritarian control while also symbolizing the unbreakable spirit of survival and defiance.