Family is the motivation for Katniss in joining the Hunger Games; it is also what keeps her going through the dangers of the arena and her battles against other tributes. She knows that if she were to die, her family might not survive. It is her relationship with Prim that buoys her and even prompts her unusual friendship with Rue in the Hunger Games arena. Gale, too, is motivated by family to hunt and to remain in District 12, even though he wants to flee and make a better life for himself. Throughout the novel, family is an integral unit that helps people survive and find joy in their lives.