Katniss’ Quarter Quell Chariot Dress
Apparel
<p>For the 75th Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta wore all black outfits that, at their control, would ignite in artificial flames. This look was supposed to give them a fierce stance, which the Capitol viewers loved.</p>
<p><em>“Using a device Cinna gave her, Katniss activated the simulated flames on hers and Peeta's clothes, giving everybody that "Girl on Fire" flair that the Capitol fiercely craved.”</em></p>
Cinna
<em>Hunger Games </em>Series by Suzanne Collins
75 ADD (After the Dark Days)
Sarah Sproul
"Gallery For Katniss." <em>Gallery For Katniss Chariot Dress</em>. Imgarcade, n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2014.
Peeta and Katniss’ First Chariot Outfits
Apparel
<p>Katniss and Peeta wore black suits with capes that were able to artificially set on fire on command. Since they hail from District 12 where coal mining is the main industry, their outfits represented pieces of burning coal, the black jumpsuit being the coal and the flaming cape the fire.</p>
<p><em>“This furthered Katniss’ nickname ‘Girl on Fire.’”</em></p>
Cinna
<em>Hunger Games </em>Series by Suzanne Collins
74 ADD (After the Dark Days)
Sarah Sproul
"Katniss Chariot Costume from The Hunger Games." <em>ICollector</em>. ICollector Technologies Inc., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2014.
Katniss’ Interview (Girl on Fire) Dress
Apparel
<p>For Katniss’ first interview with the host of the Hunger Games, Caesar Flickerman, she wore a glittering red dress. She won the Capitol over by showing off her outfit and twirling around, making her look beautiful.</p>
<p><em>“When she twirled, artificial flames engulfed the bottom of the dress. This is when she gained the nickname “Girl on Fire.’”</em></p>
Cinna
<em>Hunger Games </em>Series by Suzanne Collins
74 ADD (After the Dark Days)
Sarah Sproul
"The Hunger Games Costumes on the Auction Block." <em>Tyranny of Style</em>. Tyranny Of Style/Joe Kucharski, n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.
Peeta’s Quarter Quell Chariot Outfit
Apparel
<p>For the 75th Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta wore all black outfits that, at their control, would ignite in artificial flames. This look was supposed to give them a fierce stance, which the Capitol viewers loved.</p>
<p><em>“Using a device Cinna gave them, Katniss and Peeta activated the simulated flames on their clothes that the Capitol craved.”</em></p>
Cinna
<em>Hunger Games </em>Series by Suzanne Collins
75 ADD (After the Dark Days)
Sarah Sproul
<span>"Peeta Chariot Costume." </span><em>ICollectorcom</em><span>. ICollector Technologies Inc., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2014.</span>
Bonfire
An object and location of significant mechanical and symbolic importance in <em>Dark Souls</em>.
A small, lit bonfire with a rusted sword protruding from it. At the base of the fire is what appears to be ash and bones. The Bonfire acts as both a checkpoint and rest area for the player. If the player dies, they will respawn at the last bonfire they rested at. While resting at a bonfire, the player's health, spells, and Estus will be restored, and they are safe from all harm. While resting at a Bonfire, the player can take several actions that are often crucial for progressing through the game. One action of note is Kindling, which the player can do by offering Humanity to the bonfire. By doing so, the player will get more Estus when resting at the kindled Bonfire. The player, normally a Hollow, can also become human by offering Humanity to the Bonfire. A Bonfire can only be Kindled if the player is human. <br /><br />Fire is one of the most important symbols in <em>Dark Souls</em>, and much of this is expressed by the importance of the Bonfire. The Bonfire's significant mechanical importance makes it an object players will always seek out, mirroring the way humanity is naturally drawn to light and warmth. This is reinforced by the nature of the world of <em>Dark Souls</em>. The player will find the world around them to be dark and unforgiving. Death is common and punishing, so players will be further motivated to seek these places of refuge and save their progress. Also important is the fact that the player can restore their humanity at Bonfires. Many consider the making of fire to be the very beginning of human civilization, and the importance of fire to civilization is integral to the backstory and themes of <em>Dark Souls</em>. <br /><br />This explains why Bonfires are so important to the gameplay, but also highlights the tragedy of these Bonfires being almost the sole source of fire in this world. The player will occasionally find enemies wielding fire and come across areas filled with deadly lava, but aside from that, the only fire left in the world is found in these little Bonfires. This makes these places all the more valuable and comforting to the player, just as a warm fire is valuable and comforting to the mankind we know. The primary function of the Bonfire from a gameplay perspective is to provide a checkpoint for the player so they can eventually make forward progress through the game and get room to breathe. This function serves the additional narrative function of the Bonfire, which is to provide hope to the player. When the player reaches a Bonfire, they know they can get a break from the hardships of the game and continue forward without risk of losing all their progress. Even before reaching one, the player will naturally push through challenges to reach these places of refuge. Hope is fostered by the Bonfires. Just as the light of a fire will contrast darkness, this hope contrasts against the dour and unforgiving world of <em>Dark Souls</em>.
Hidetaka Miyazaki
Dark Souls
FromSoftware Inc.
Damian Kortus
Video Game
Fantasy
The Lordvessel
An item critical to the progression of <em>Dark Souls'</em> story.
A large, bowl shaped object with engravings around its side given to the player by Gwynevere, the daughter of Lord Gwyn. After it is placed on the Firelink Altar, a large flame ignites inside it. From then on, the Lordvessel acts as a Bonfire. Obtaining the Lordvessel is necessary for progressing through <em>Dark Souls</em>, and its importance is highlighted by multiple characters. According to Frampt, an ancient creature that acts as the player's guide, acquiring this item signifies that the player is to be the successor to Lord Gwyn, the previous ruler of the land. In this way, the Lordvessel acts as a physical symbol for a metaphorical passing of the mantle of rule. With the common theme of fire and the Lordvessel's specific connection to fire, it is easy to call its acquisition a passing of the torch. <br /><br />With the idea of fire in mind, the Lordvessel's symbolic significance is highlighted. Much of <em>Dark Souls</em> revolves around lighting fires to continue forward and prolong the end of this world the player exists in. The Lordvessel being obtained halfway through the player's journey and containing one of the larger fires in the game makes this purpose apparent. It serves to give the player a sense of accomplishment after all they have gone through, as well as give them a push forward to see the journey to its end. The Lordvessel uses and builds upon the idea of fire being a symbol of hope.
Hidetaka Miyazaki
Dark Souls
FromSoftware Inc.
Damian Kortus
Video Game
Fantasy