By Story Star Publishing correspondent Jane Haynes

No Hunger Games article can be complete without a dedication to the mighty Katniss Everdeen. Whether sporting the daily attire of District 11 or rocking the Girl on Fire look in the Capitol, at each point her style reflects the passion and courage which has inspired readers the world over.

As a District 11 tribute, the hallmarks of a life of necessity are clear from her attire. Sturdy leather boots and a leather jacket form her hunting uniform, a distinctly masculine influence reinforcing her role as the fearless heroine. The choice of earthen tones and colour palettes reflects the nature of necessity to her district clothes; while the shocking shades of the Capitol are reserved for the wealthy, they provide vital camouflage in the forest.

For the wealth of negatives we can level at the Capitol, one thing which must be applauded is their stunning reinvention of Katniss as the ‘Girl on Fire’. In a dramatic overhaul of her modest district image, stylist Cinna captures her courage, passion and that spark of rebellion using a flame-inspired colour palette in her extravagant dresses and make-up. From her striking flame-engulfed get-up at the Tribute Parade to the red and orange resplendent ball gown at her interview, fire symbology truly transforms Katniss into the tribute with an edge.

As the rest of the Trilogy will reveal, Katniss’ Mockingjay symbol takes on an entirely new significance as the story develops, however we get early hints through the use of avian motifs in her styling. Aside from the Mockingjay pin itself, her District token which stays affixed to her clothing throughout the Games, the final frame of the Capitol and the crowning of Katniss as victor also captures an intricate butterfly motif in her eye make-up, similar to that which landed on her hand in the arena.

It seems that everyone wants a piece of Katniss Everdeen and, let’s face it – why the heck wouldn’t they? While she stands as one of the most inspirational literary heroines of recent times, her look and style, whether humble district tribute or Girl on Fire, reinforces her as the independent, courageous and empowered young woman.
While her Capitol outfits are astoundingly beautiful, I for one was quite taken with the earthen, au natural district look.

To emulate her huntress look, opt for understated tones and colour palettes such as neutrals, khakis, browns and rusts, with statement leather and suede pieces or accents. Remember to keep it simple; for example, in a pair of fitted trousers, a loose shirt and some fierce leather boots, with either Katniss-esque laced, knee-highs or some ankle pixie boots. While makeup should be minimal, her trademark braid or a French plait will keep the look striking but natural.

Speaking as one who has been experimenting, I can vouch that getting Katniss’ Capitol look is a whole lot of fun! While this look is infinitely more glamorous, there are simple but striking ways to capture it in your everyday outfits. Incorporate her fire motif into your style with a flaming colour palette, ranging from reds and burnt oranges to bright yellows and golds. Word from Chanel is that the gold and orange colour palettes are key for summer, and so finding the inspiration and resources for Katniss’ fiery look should not prove difficult this season. A great tip to give the maximum salute with the minimum effort is the ‘Girl on Fire’ manicure, just like the one Katniss’ makeup team perfect her look with. Experiment with glitter and crackle-effect nail polishes to get a flaming finish. Tap into the feather trend of the season with jewellery and hair extensions to give a subtle nod to her Mockingjay.

In drastic contrast, Capitol couture in its essence is extravagant and in-your-face. From vibrant colour clashing to wonderfully garish prints, faces adorned with huge, fluttering false lashes and quirky bouffants, nothing is done by half-measures. Capitol style is intended to shock and impress but there is no reason for any fashion-lover not to give it a try. In fact, recreating the extreme style of the Capitol to suit a more reserved era is guaranteed to be a creative, fun challenge. Capitol style is so in-your-face because there is so much going on in a single look – extreme make-up and hair and extravagant and brash clothing. For us folk of 2012, my tip for top Capitol style is focus on your favourite aspect of the style and go wild.

Undoubtedly the most striking aspect of Capitol couture is the phenomenal range of colour. From shimmering pastels to vibrant rainbow shades and metallics, there is a shade and look to appeal to every Hunger Games fan keen to capture the look. Take advantage of the big summer trends, particularly neons and golds, and team with complementary shades or neutrals for an understated take on the look.

Another key aspect to Capitol style is extravagant detail. From form-fitting tailoring to elaborate textures and prints, the rule appears to be – the bigger, the better. The exquisite tailoring of Effie Trinkett and co. can be captured through figure-hugging pieces with elaborate, pretty detail such as the peplum dress, waist-cinching skirts and fitted boleros and blazers in rich fabrics. Silk, satin and voile will give a distinctly Capitol finish to any look and break up the monotony of the typically summery cottons and linens. Embrace the quirky look with loud puffball and rouched shoulders, oversized bows and flowers, and elaborate floral and abstract prints and patterns and a kitsch sky-scraper heel.

When it comes to their magnificent makeup, not everyone will be keen on recreating the heart-shaped Effie lip; but we can take inspiration from her extreme look. The first tip is colour – while most are resigned to their neutral colour palettes and will rarely venture into colourful territory, use this opportunity to experiment. To get a Capitol-inspired makeover, opt for the bright summer shades of the moment, such as greens, oranges and indigos, sticking to one key colour palette or the smoky eye look in complementary shades. Your false eyelashes are a must to seal the Capitol look, and either choose some oversized black or indulge your creativity with some fun multi-coloured sets in floral and glitter designs.

The nails are where you can get really creative. Go wild with every colour of the rainbow. Try sticking to one colour palette and paint each nail a varying shade, or just painting every third finger a complementary shade for a manicure with a Capitol edge. Embrace the look by customising with glitter, crackle and indulge your inner artist with some of your own designs (do not underestimate the power of the nail art pen!)
Finally, get the trademark Capitol bouffant without going to the extremes of the colour rinse. Sectioned hair extensions in vibrant colours or with funky feathering and chain detail are huge right now and will capture the colourful Capitol look perfectly.