 Donald Brake from The Washington Times and pastor Andy Langford state that the story has Christian themes , such as that of self @-@ sacrifice , which is found in Katniss ' substitution for her younger sister , analogous to the sacrifice of Jesus as a substitute for the atonement of sins . Brake , as well as another reviewer , Amy Simpson , both find that the story also revolves around the theme of hope , which is exemplified in the " incorruptible goodness of Katniss ' sister , Primrose . " Simpson also points to events similar to the Passion of Jesus ; in the Games , " Christ figure " Peeta Mellark is stabbed after warning Katniss to flee for her life , and is then buried in the ground and placed in a cave for three days before emerging with a new lease on life . Further , she finds that the Christian image of the Bread of Life is used throughout The Hunger Games ; in the story , Peeta gives Katniss a loaf of bread , saving the girl and her family from starvation . 
