For today's Dystopian Week entry, we asked Hollywood Crush friend and "Hunger Games" Examiner Sara Gundell to compile the ultimate Dystopian Survival Guide. Take a look and tell us: Are you ready?
It’s no secret that dystopian fiction is "the new black" these days. I mean, that’s why we’re celebrating Dystopian Week, right? The genre litters the shelves of book stores right now, especially in the young adult section, with dozens of new titles competing for the attention of "Hunger Games" fans eager for something new to read.
But do you have what it takes to survive a dystopian future? If books like "Blood Red Road," "Legend" and "Divergent" are to be believed, we’re on our way to a less than picture-perfect future—and who knows if it could happen sooner or later. So best be prepared, just in case. Here are a few tools and skills you’ll want to acquire now to make sure you survive:
Kick-ass capabilities
I don’t mean you should have capabilities that are kick ass (though they can definitely help). I mean that you should be able to kick ass. Whether it’s Katniss in "The Hunger Games," Tris in "Divergent" or Saba in "Blood Red Road," these heroines prove you need to have a backbone and be ready and willing to fight back. Take some time now to brush up on your skills: martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, shooting and any number of defensive techniques.
Survival of the fittest
Happy Meals aren’t so happy in the dystopian future, so you might want to learn how to fend for yourself sans grocery stores and food courts. Find out what plants are edible, learn how to hunt and test out cooking skills that don’t involve a kitchen. It may not be five-star dining, but at least you won’t starve.
What’s your icon?
Katniss has the Mockingjay. Tris has the symbol of Dauntless. Day from "Legend" has the pendant his father gave him. Most heroes of a dystopian rebellion (and every dystopia has a rebellion) have an icon. So what will yours be? It can’t just be any old doodle. You need something that represents what you want your world to become. Find a symbol that the masses can rally behind when you help lead them in a fight against a tyrannical government.
Hot dudes
Sure, you could probably survive the dystopian future without some swoon-worthy guys by your side. But why would you want to? Every hero needs a romantic lead, so make sure you’ve got a companion by your side. Someone you’ve always loved, or maybe a best friend who becomes something more. Or maybe a helpful past acquaintance who secretly harbors amorous feelings for you. Whoever it is, make sure it’s someone who can make you feel new things, and give you a new reason to fight for freedom. Someone who can prove that even in a dystopian future, love is worth fighting for.
Related:
Dystopia Is the New Supernatural
Exclusive: First Look At 'The Hunger Games Movie' Tie-In Books!
Is Dystopia Really The New Vampire? Editor-Writer David Levithan Weighs In
What other items/abilities would you need to survive a dystopian future? Tell us in the comments and on Twitter!
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