Plutarch Heavensbee is later revealed to be a part of the rebel network in Catching Fire. He becomes one of the leaders of the rebellion in District 13 and acts as an important aide to President Coin.
Plutarch Heavensbee Character Profile
- Name: Plutarch Heavensbee
- Gender: Male
- Place of origin: The Capitol
- Physical appearance: Middle-aged, large, with blond hair and blue eyes
- Skills: Planning and operations, strategizing, communication
- Strengths: Excellent leadership quality, highly intelligent
- Weaknesses: Power-hungry, callous
- Loyalties: Rebel
Personality and Physical Description
Plutarch Heavensbee is a highly calculative and intelligent man. As Head Gamemaker of the Third Quarter Quell, he designs the gameplay and the arena in Catching Fire. As such, President Snow considers Plutarch to be one of his closest allies. However, Plutarch is extremely deceptive as he is simultaneously a part of a rebel network that is plotting against the Capitol. Thus, he is able to fool the most powerful man in the nation. President Snow himself describes Plutarch as “brilliant”.
Although Plutarch switches to the undercover group of the rebels, many people question his motives for doing so. This is because Plutarch views the rebellion as merely a game, and the people that take part are simply the pawns required to win the game. He does not show any empathy towards the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives while executing any of his plans.
Plutarch is also hungry for power. While he held an extremely prestigious position in the Capitol, he occupies an even more powerful position in District 13, which might be another reason he decided to switch to the rebels’ side. His thirst for control is evident when Katniss’ prep team from the Capitol is discovered by Katniss and Gale, locked and chained mercilessly in a guarded room.
Plutarch is simply described as being a “large man” in Catching Fire. He is portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, who has blond hair and blue eyes.
Biography
Plutarch Heavensbee is a native of the Capitol. He works as a Gamemaker in the 74th Hunger Games. During her private training session with the Gamemakers, Katniss Everdeen angrily shoots an arrow at the apple in the pig’s mouth, causing Plutarch to fall into the punch bowl in fright. At the end of the 74th Hunger Games, Seneca Crane, the Head Gamemaker is executed for his follies, and Plutarch is appointed Head Gamemaker instead.
It is not known when Plutarch decided to switch allegiances or why. However, one can assume that he began working on a new propaganda within the rebel network several years before the 75th Hunger Games, and finally put his plans into action during the Third Quarter Quell.
Third Quarter Quell/ 75th Hunger Games
Plutarch meets Katniss officially during a feast at the Capitol. Katniss does not understand any of the discreet hints of rebellion he gives or the hints about the design of the arena (he shows her a pocket-watch that momentarily shows a Mockingjay to her). She and Peeta think that he is merely an obnoxious crony of the Capitol. He is, therefore, unable to win Katniss’s trust.
However, Plutarch is constantly working to keep Katniss alive in the arena. He has designed the arena like a clock and devised a plan of his making with some of the tributes to destroy the Capitol forcefield. The plan is successful, and Katniss is rescued by him and taken to District 13. Katniss is surprised to learn that Plutarch is a rebel and even more surprised to learn that he was the mastermind behind her escape.
Leader of the Second Rebellion
Plutarch is one of the most significant leaders of the rebellion. He creates several plans and strategies against the Capitol, the most important of which is turning Katniss into the “Mockingjay”. He helps with rescuing the victors of the Hunger Games, including Finnick Odair, Beetee Latier and Johanna Mason. He also turns the districts against the Capitol in various ways, all the while controlling the narrative of the rebellion through various “propos” or films shot by the film crew.
Plutarch is believed to have been a part of the plan that led to the bombing of the Capitol children and the rebel casualty aides. This incident was also the cause of death for Katniss’ sister, Primrose Everdeen. However, Katniss does not seek vengeance against Plutarch for his role in her sister’s death.
Plutarch testifies as a witness at Katniss’ trial for murdering President Coin. He also helps with the release of Effie Trinket. After the war, he is given the position of Secretary of Communications by President Paylor.
FAQs
Is Plutarch Heavensbee good?
Yes, Plutarch Heavensbee is on the “good side” of the Second Rebellion in The Hunger Games trilogy. He acts as one of the masterminds and the leaders of the rebellion. Plutarch helps to save the entire District 13 from being wiped out by Capitol after receiving Peeta’s warning about the Capitol bombing. Peeta’s interview draws much attention and fear; however, Plutarch leads everyone to safety in the safe bunkers of District 13. He also comes to Katniss’s defense in the trial for the murder of Coin and prevents the execution of Effie Trinket.
What was Plutarch Heavensbee’s plan?
Plutarch Heavensbee planned to keep Katniss alive during the 75th Hunger Games and later rescue her to District 13. This is because he believed that Katniss could become the face of the rebellion as the “Mockingjay” and lead them to victory. He gives her several signs of rebellion after the 74th Victory Tour. Plutarch is instrumental in Katniss’ acceptance to be the Mockingjay. However, he does not like the thought of Katniss going into combat.
What happened to Plutarch Heavensbee?
Plutarch Heavensbee survives the Second Rebellion. President Paylor offers him the job of Secretary of Communications in the newly formed democracy of Panem. Thus, Plutarch takes care of all the programming that occurs on the airwaves.
Why did Plutarch Heavensbee switch sides?
Plutarch Heavensbee is opposed to the cruelty behind President Snow and The Hunger Games. This is primarily the reason he switched sides during the rebellion. However, there is some speculation that states that Plutarch switched sides due to the immense power he was able to hold as a leader of the rebellion along with President Coin. The first propaganda he devises from the command room is rescuing Katniss from the Hunger Games arena. He sends a hovercraft in to rescue her after she destroys the arena.
Did Katniss plan on killing Coin?
The trilogy does not mention whether it was Katniss’ propaganda to kill President Coin or not. Therefore, we cannot say whether it was an impulsive decision or a well-thought-out strategy. It is clear, however, that Katniss realized the danger of electing Coin into power, as Coin has a cruel streak very similar to that of President Snow.
Who leads Panem after Coin dies?
After the death of President Coin, Commander Paylor, the commander of the rebel forces of District 8, is voted in an emergency election to become the new President of Panem.
Was Plutarch the mastermind of the Hunger Games?
Plutarch was the mastermind behind the 75th Hunger Games (the Third Quarter Quell). Not only was the arena designed perfectly to help Katniss escape, but Plutarch also made sure that the rebel network was able to operate smoothly during the Games to put his plan into action.
