The mockingjay is acknowledged as “something of a slap in the face to the Capitol,” evidence of the Capitol’s failed attempt to control the rebellious District 13 (42). The jabberjays were muttations designed to mimic the conversations of rebels and relay them to the Capitol. The jabberjay strategy was turned against the Capitol when they were used to spread misinformation as a part of the rebels’ counterespionage efforts. The Capitol expected the jabberjays to die off, but they bred with the local mockingbirds, creating mockingjays—proof of the Capitol’s failure, which they unsuccessfully tried to sweep under the rug.

This symbol is found on the pin Madge gives Katniss to use as a token in the games. By wearing the pin throughout the games, the rebel symbol is associated with Katniss herself. Later in the story, Rue and Katniss use mockingjays to convey signals to one another. When the mockingjays go silent, it means that something has gone horribly wrong. Similarly, at the Cornucopia, Katniss teaches them Rue’s four-note song. They repeat it beautifully in rounds, but when they go silent, it heralds the danger of the wolf muttations.

While the mockingjay symbol refers to a vague concept of the Capitol’s failings, it is also directly applicable to Katniss and Peeta.