The theme of control is central to The Hunger Games, where the Capitol exerts its power over the districts through fear, deprivation, and manipulation. The Hunger Games themselves are a brutal reminder of the Capitol's dominance, forcing children to fight to the death while their families watch helplessly. This spectacle serves to intimidate and prevent rebellion, showcasing the Capitol's ability to crush any dissent.

The Capitol maintains control by limiting resources and keeping the districts in a state of poverty. The Reaping process, where children are selected as tributes, is manipulated to appear fair but is inherently oppressive. Families can trade additional entries for food, forcing them to choose between starvation and risking their children's lives. This system keeps the districts dependent and unable to challenge the Capitol's authority.

Physical barriers, like the electrified fence around District 12, further restrict the freedom of the districts' residents. While initially meant to keep predators out, the fence symbolizes the Capitol's control over movement and survival. As the rebellion gains momentum, the Capitol increases its oppressive measures, turning on the electricity to prevent hunting and further limit the district's autonomy.

The Capitol also controls information, isolating districts from one another to prevent unity and potential uprisings. By keeping the districts ignorant of each other's struggles, the Capitol ensures its domination remains unchallenged. The annual Hunger Games serve to divide the districts, pitting them against each other rather than uniting them against their common oppressor.

"Electricity in District 12 comes and goes, usually we only have it a few hours a day... The only time you can count on it is when they're airing the Games or some important government message on television that it's mandatory to watch."
(Collins, The Hunger Games, Google Books)

Despite the Capitol's efforts, cracks in their control appear. Katniss's defiance with the berries at the end of the Games reveals a vulnerability in the Capitol's system. Her actions show that the Capitol's control is not absolute, and that rebellion is possible. However, she must conceal her defiance as love for Peeta to avoid severe repercussions, highlighting the Capitol's need to suppress any sign of weakness or rebellion.