Artifice In Empire Of Illusion, By Peeta And Katniss

According to 'Empire of Illusion', Chris Hedges states, “The most essential skill in political theater and a consumer culture is artifice” (prompt). Artifice, in other words, deception, which is used by several individuals in their daily lives. Artifice is a characteristic that politicians thrive off of day in and day out. Politicians look to have a story that causes them to connect with citizens. Most of the time these stories are not exactly true, but do help the politician receive an abundance of votes. Politicians are not the only ones that thrive off of artifice, several other individuals such as popular actors, professional athletes, and other famous individuals. People love a story that is consistent and emotionally appealing,
This can easily be seen in The Hunger Games, in the instance of Peeta and Katniss when they are going into the games. Peeta and Katniss create a story that they are both in love with each other in hopes they will be able to both make it out of the games alive. The plans ends up working as they are sent several medicines and other supplies throughout the games to help them survive. Eventually, they both make it out of the Hunger Games alive because of their made up story. Peeta and Katniss were able to make the public believe that they were in love with each other. This angered the leaders of the Hunger Games, but excited the crowds who watched the games. Peeta and Katniss were eventually able to draw sympathy from the crowds, which helped them out substantially. Through Peeta and Katniss using deception by creating a fake love story, they were able to succeed and survive a difficult situation. If Peeta and Katniss did not create this fake love story, they probably would not have survived the Hunger Games. Peeta and Katniss using deception to their advantage is what enabled them to succeed and ultimately save their lives. In hazardous and crucial situations, artifice is key for one’s success and