Claudius Templesmith is responsible for making all the announcements related to the Hunger Games. As such, he kicks off the beginning of the Games, announces any changes introduced in the rules as well as the introduction of feasts in the arena.
Claudius Templesmith Character Profile
- Name: Claudius Templesmith
- Age: Mid-40s
- Gender: Male
- Place of origin: The Capitol
- Physical appearance: Short, stocky, curly blond hair
- Skills: Voice modulation, making announcements
- Strengths: Good on-screen presence, witty banter, and excellent commentary
- Weaknesses: Unknown
- Loyalties: The Capitol
Physical Description
The Hunger Games novels do not describe Claudius Templesmith. In the films, he is portrayed by Toby Jones. The character is short and stocky, with curly blonde hair. Similar to others from the Capitol, Claudius wears garish makeup and gaudy costumes.
Claudius Templesmith in the 74th Hunger Games
Claudius Templesmith acted as a commentator along with Caesar Flickerman in the 74th Hunger Games. The two of them drive entertainment in Panem by discussing previous Hunger Games in the lead-up to the 74th one. Katniss Everdeen watches this broadcast on her way to the Capitol. Claudius gives a running commentary on the tribute’s costumes during the Tribute Parade. In the movies, he also reacts to Rue pointing out the tracker jacker nest to Katniss.
At the beginning of the Games, Claudius makes an announcement, “Let the 74th Hunger Games begin!” after which the 60-second countdown begins. The films, however, do not have this announcement.
On the 10th day of the Games, Claudius announces to the tributes a change in the rules of the Hunger Games. According to the new rules, two tributes could emerge as victors if they belong to the same district and they are the last ones standing. This gives Katniss and Peeta Mellark a great amount of hope as they believe that they have a chance of winning the Games together.
On the 12th day of the Games, Claudius extends each of the remaining six tributes an invitation to a feast at the Cornucopia. He also mentions that the feast will provide each of the tributes with the thing that are essential for survival. The items will be placed inside six different backpacks with the district number distinctly written. The tributes would be able to collect the respective items at dawn the next day.
On the 18th day of the Hunger Games, Claudius Templesmith once again introduces a change in the rules. However, this time, the announcement revoked the previous rule change. As a result, only one tribute could emerge as a Victor. Instead of killing each other, however, Katniss and Peeta decide to kill themselves together by consuming poisonous nightlock berries. Thus, Claudius, after being prompted by Seneca Crane, hurriedly announces in a panicked voice that both of them are the victors to prevent a double suicide from occurring, leaving the Hunger Games with no victors.
Claudius Templesmith in the 75th Hunger Games
Claudius announces the start of the 75th Hunger Games once again in the Third Quarter Quell.
Let the 75th Hunger Games begin!
Claudius Templesmith
He also provides a running commentary of the various events of the Games alongside Caesar Flickerman. He takes special note of Katniss and Peeta’s fiery costumes, stating, “Whoa! Fire in the house!”
The Second Rebellion
Claudius Templesmith’s voice makes an appearance in one of the propos shot by the rebels. Katniss recognizes his voice and questions whether he has defected to the side of the rebels or not. Plutarch Heavensbee then explains that the dialogue is taken directly from the 74th Hunger Games and inserted into the rebel propo uncut and unedited.
FAQs
What does Claudius Templesmith tell Peeta and Katniss?
After Cato’s death, Katniss and Peeta think that they have won the 74th Hunger Games. However, it is at this moment that Claudius Templesmith announces that the previous rule change is now revoked. This means that there can only be one winner in the 74th Hunger Games. As such, Katniss and Peeta were required to fight it out amongst themselves in order to end the Games.
What happened to The Hunger Games announcer?
Claudius Templesmith, the announcer of the Hunger Games, is most likely executed after the Second Rebellion along with the other Capitol elites. It is unlikely that he is allowed to live after being so closely involved with the Hunger Games.
What happened to Caesar Flickerman after the Hunger Games?
After the 74th Hunger Games, Caesar Flickerman (played by Stanley Tucci) continued to be the host of the 75th Games/Third Quarter Quell. Caesar Flickerman’s fate at the end of Mockingjay is unknown. It is possible that he is executed along with the other Capitol elites. However, author Suzanne Collins mentioned in an interview that the character survives the Second Rebellion.
What announcement does Claudius make in Chapter 25?
In chapter 25 of the first Hunger Games book, Claudius Templesmith announces that the previous rule change has been revoked. The previous change in rules allowed two tributes from the same district to emerge as victors together. However, this changed in chapter 25 wherein only one Victor was allowed to survive the Games.
Why was Cinna killed?
Cinna was killed due to his costume design for Katniss in the pre-Games interview with Caesar Flickerman. In summary, the costume design made Katniss look like a Mockingjay, which the Capitol took as a sign of rebellion from Cinna.
What does Claudius Templesmith look like in The Hunger Games?
Claudius Templesmith is portrayed by the actor Toby Jones. He is short and stocky with a squat face and curly blonde hair. He usually wears gaudy costumes and garish makeup. He announces the famous Hunger Games slogan, “May the odds be ever in your favor!”
