The Hunger Games were a battle royale contest between pairs from thirteen different districts hosted annually by the Capitol. Participants were selected at random and usually specialized in some form of survival (whether archery, melee combat, or even camouflage).
While Katniss may have been successful in passing its trials, characters from anime may not fare as well without their special powers to assist them. Through identifying those that would succeed in the struggle for survival and those that would fail, we can better estimate what is essential in order to overcome one of the most barbaric spectacles in fiction.
10 Wouldn’t Survive: Todoroki Is Too Reliant On His Quirk (My Hero Academia)
When Todoroki was matched against Eraserhead during a test, the hero was told that he was too reliant on his Quirk. This has been a proven phenomenon in every fight he’s participated in – without his special powers, his martial skills leave much to be desired.
The most recent example was in Todoroki’s fight with Tetsutetsu, where he struggled to avoid the brawler’s fists once the distance was closed. Should he enter the Hunger Games without his Quirk, the other contestants would have no problem killing him with conventional weapons,
9 Survive: Sasha Was A Seasoned Huntress (Attack On Titan)
Sasha shares many of Katniss Everdeen’s qualities with none of her shortcomings. She was a brilliant tracker whose skills with a bow grant a unique advantage over any other member of the Survey Corps.
Having been raised in the countryside, she is knowledgeable in hunting prey and would be able to last in a contest of attrition. Additionally, she has killed people before (as seen from the attack against Marley) and wouldn’t hesitate to shoot down rival contestants.
8 Wouldn’t Survive: Escanor Is Meek & Incompetent Without His Curse (Seven Deadly Sins)
While Escanor’s curse renders him the most powerful member of the Sins, he is completely bumbling and useless without it. This would put him at a massive disadvantage over his adversaries, especially since he is less confident in himself in his reduced state.
Moreover, his sniveling nature would deter potential benefactors from providing him with gifts because his odds of winning are so bleak. Subsequently, the Lion Sin would only be living on borrowed time before an enemy contestant or wild monster takes him out.
7 Survive: Rock Lee Never Relied On Special Abilities To Win In The First Place (Naruto)
Rock Lee is unique since an absence of his special powers would only prevent his usage of the Eight Gates. Even in his base form, he was powerful enough to move nearly beyond visual comprehension, as proven through his fight against Gaara in the Chunin Exams.
Consequently, his staggering advantage in strength, speed, and durability over the games’ other contestants would allow him to smash through any challengers and avoid poison fog with ease. He would only be at risk when asleep at night – an issue that could be expediently resolved by finding a reliable partner.
6 Wouldn’t Survive: Okuyasu’s Low Intelligence Would Be His Undoing (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Without the assistance of “the Hand,” Okuyasu’s low intelligence would be an untenable weakness. He wouldn’t understand how to appeal to benefactors. On the contrary, the man’s gruff and crude demeanor would likely deter them from sending him gifts.
Moreover, Okuyasu is completely careless about the food he eats, as proven through the incident in Antonio’s diner. Therefore, he’d likely eat poisoned berries by accident and get himself killed well before a challenger or feral beast found him.
5 Survive: Killua Was A Trained Assassin Who Could Excel Even Without Nen Abilities (Hunter X Hunter)
Even without the benefit of “Godspeed” or any other Nen abilities, Killua Zoldyck was a formidable assassin. This was proven during the Hunter Exam, where he defeated Johness (a dangerous criminal who murdered entire villages) in a fraction of a second.
Familiar with the wilderness due to his time with Gon in the NGL, he would be prepared for any of the games’ tribulations and tenaciously overcome them.
4 Wouldn’t Survive: Satsuki Is Dependent On Her Life Fiber Uniform (Kill La Kill)
Satsuki Kiryuin was only able to fight Ryuko on account of her superb life fiber uniform. Without it, she’s a straightforward fighter with no noteworthy feats or survival skills (as she hasn’t needed them from behind the walls of Honnoji Academy).
Her abrasive demeanor would deter potential benefactors from giving her gifts and was only effective on the Elite Four because she played a personal role in their lives. Without knowledge of the wilderness or followers to abide by her will, Satsuki’s future is a bleak one.
3 Survive: Koga Was A Rugged Nomad With Excellent Agility (Inuyasha)
Without the benefit of the Shikon Jewel, Koga was still a resilient nomad who could adapt and succeed in any environment. His greatest gifts were his agility and speed, which would allow him to out-maneuver the few obstacles he could not defeat.
Moreover, Koga has an outgoing and likable personality that many of the Capitol’s elites would find charming. Their donations would be a significant boon to his already stellar chances of survival, especially since he’s fueled by his love for Kagome.
2 Wouldn’t Survive: Chopper Would Be A Wild Animal Without His Devil Fruit (One Piece)
Chopper’s “Human-Human” devil fruit allowed him to process information and the reality around him coherently. Without it, he would be a wild reindeer that relies solely on instinct.
Not only would the absence of his devil fruit prevent him from making calculated strides toward his success, but it would also make him a target to many of the games’ voracious competitors. Even those unwilling to take lives (such as Katniss) would seek to end him, as his body would promise enough sustenance to feed an entire group of contestants for days.
1 Survive: Spike Is An Expert Bounty Hunter Whose Never Relied On Powers (Cowboy Bebop)
Spike was a brilliant martial artist who was able to defeat supernatural opponents like Mad Pierrot, Vincent, and Doctor Londes without special abilities of his own. A skilled mercenary able to dodge bullet fire on dozens of occasions, his athleticism and natural adaptability far exceed those of traditional Hunger Games competitors.
Spike’s only disadvantage would be that the cornucopia does not store guns – his weapon of choice. However, he may be able to procure a firearm from a sponsor, should he dazzle them with his charm and resilience.
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