Hunger Games: Why District 12 Uses A 3 Finger Salute (& What It Means)

The three-finger salute first appeared in The Hunger Games when members of District 12 used it to say goodbye to Katniss, but its meaning expanded over time. After its first use, the Hunger Games salute came to represent resistance from the Capitol, and later became a symbol of the pro-democracy rebellion led by Katniss. The use of the salute in real-life precedes the publication of The Hunger Games, although its meaning differs. After the movies were released, however, several pro-democracy movements adopted the gesture, with the Hunger Games salute being used as a sign of solidarity during protests.