How to Make a Katniss Costume

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

You've read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, you waited for Catching Fire the movie, you wear your Team Peeta (or Gale) shirt with pride. You know what a Tribute is, what an Avox is, and that President Snow should die. And you know that Katniss Everdeen is the protagonist of the popular Hunger Games Trilogy––a strong, courageous girl who fights in the dreaded hunger games––twice. You know as much as Katniss does, probably more, and you may be moved by her adventurous spirit and general "awesomeness" to want to dress as Katniss on Halloween. So, all you need now is a costume, a Reaping, and a twisted Dystopia––this article will help you with the costume part!

Steps

1
Start with the top. Find a mint or light green or black collared blouse or polo shirt. It should be worn tucked into your pants. You can get a shirt like this from an online staff uniform supplier or from a thrift store.
- Alternatively, wear a black V-neck top.
2
Select some pants. For the pants, wear simple beige (light brown) trousers or cargo pants. Add a belt.
3
Add a jacket. Find a thin black hooded jacket that reaches your mid thighs if possible.
4
Choose suitable footwear. Ideally, you'll need some tall black boots. They cannot be heeled and are best with a rubber tread along the bottom, to make the boots look more athletic than stylish. Also, they should not have any embellishments other than a simple zipper up the side of the boot.
5
Find a copy of Katniss' signature Mockingjay pin. These are sold online, such as through online auction sellers. However, you could also make one by finding the design online, printing it off and attaching it to strong card. Use varnish suitable for paper to protect it from light rain (just in case) and hot glue a brooch pin to the back.
6
Arrange your hair suitably. If you already have brunette or black hair, you won't need a wig. However, if your hair is short, purchase a ponytail hair extension and braid it into your own hair. If you have a different color of hair, either wear a wig or use a temporary dye. Then, braid your hair in a diagonal Dutch Braid across the back of your head if you want an ideal Katniss look from the movie, but if you want to go for an easier braid, just do a regular braid down your back (which is from the book). The Dutch Braid from the movie is most recognized, but either will give you a good Katniss look. Secure with a ponytail holder. Note that Katniss does have side bangs, so you could part your hair to one side to create a side bang type of look if necessary, but this step is optional. Use hairspray or gel to secure your hair.
- To add a wig if needed, tie your hair up and secure with a wig-cap first, then put on the wig.
7
Prepare your face and body makeup. For a realistic portrayal of Katniss, some grime and blood would make excellent additions:
- Use black face paint to make random dirt and grime marks on your face, neck, arms, and legs.
- Use red face paint to make wounds on hands (burns), one cheek, neck, and one knee (tracker jackers), and if visible, streak on right calf (burn), also, if needed, coming from left ear (blast from destroying Careers' food).
8
Add props. A few key props will help to finalize the whole Katniss image. Some suggestions include:
- Make a bow and arrow. Carry this around or sling it over your back or shoulder.
- Alternatively, hold a cardboard/fake plastic knife.
- Secure a mud-covered neon orange backpack on your shoulders.
9
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I learn how to use a bow?

Community Answer

Check with your local recreational programs. They often have archery courses available for a reasonable cost. Archery can be a somewhat expensive sport, so you might want to save up a bit of money before getting into it. Renaissance fairs often give you a chance to shoot a bow, and may provide free lessons.
Question

Can I wear ankle boots, or do they have to be long?

Community Answer

Remember that when making a costume, it can be tailored to your comfort, creative outlook, and the accessibility of certain costume pieces. So if you aren't able to find tall boots, ankle boots are just fine.
Question

How do I make a kid look like her?

Community Answer

Do her hairstyle in her hair, and then you could dress her in a black top and bottoms with a brown belt with a wooden bow and arrow.
Question

Can I use purple boots if I do not have black boots?

Community Answer

If the purple is dark enough, or the boots are a leather, use a black shoe shine to make them look the desired color. If they are a bright shiny purple, you are better off finding something closer in color, as painting or dying them is quite difficult.
Question

Can I wear horse riding boots?

Community Answer

Yes, horse riding boots would be okay as long as they don't have too noticeable of designs on them and are dark enough.
Question

What if I have blond hair?

Community Answer

You could buy a wig, use some temporary hair coloring, or just leave your hair as is.
Question

What should I do if I have short hair?

Community Answer

You will still look good. It's not essential to have long hair. As long as you have the beautiful smile and the blue dress you are going to look wonderful.
Question

What should I do if I don't have any boots?

Community Answer

Just wear some old, dirty tennis shoes if you don't have boots. Try not to wear any bright colored shoes. I would go for a black or brown color. Any old, neutral colored shoes will do.
Question

What should I do with my hair it is short?

Community Answer

You can use a wig or extentions, or you can just have modifications to your costume.
Question

Do I need to have a bow?

Community Answer

No, you don't need to have a bow.

Warnings

Be aware that carrying around a real weapon is illegal in many places, as well as unsafe. If you want a real weapon for a photo, just use it as a prop but don't carry it around with you, especially not among the Halloween revelers.

Thanks!
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Things You'll Need

Black t shirt or tank-top - not to long
Beige or dark brown, solid-khaki pants or capris (preferably no pockets)
Long, black jacket with hood, 2 small slit pockets if possible, zipper
Dark brown belt, most likely with black buckle, 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm) in width (optional)
Earth-coloured (i.e, dark green, brown, black) rain boots, or low-cut hiking boots
Straight, black or dark, long hair (braided), wig perhaps (optional)
Brush
Ponytail holder
Mockingjay pin (or other gold, circular pin) (can be found on eBay, bookstores, or Hot Topic, or make your own)
Imitation bow and arrow (can be found at a dollar store, or see Related wikiHows for instructions)
A bright orange backpack or district 12 backpack (from feast)
Red and black face and/or body paint (optional)