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The Hunger Games' Rue Finally Forgives Her Killer 10 Years Later
At San Diego Comic-Con 2022, Amandla Stenberg forgave Jack Quaid for killing their character Rue in 2012’s The Hunger Games. The first Hunger Games film, released over a decade ago, featured Stenberg at just fourteen years old in their breakout role as Rue, a young tribute from District Eleven. The young adult blockbuster went on to make $694.4 million globally, as well as spawning three sequel films and an in-the-works prequel which is set to star Euphoria actress Hunter Schafer. The Hunger Games saga’s success led to attempts to replicate the magic, sparking a boom of dystopian young adult films such as Divergent and The Giver. However, The Hunger Games has maintained a firm place in the pop culture zeitgeist.
One reason for The Hunger Games’ lasting impact rests on one of the film’s most emotional moments - Rue’s death. The twelve-year-old tribute was introduced as one of Katniss’ competitors in the arena, and the two struck up a fast friendship. Rue reminded Katniss of her sister Prim and her reasons for fighting and kept the main character in touch with her humanity. Tragically, when a District 1 career tribute named Marvel, portrayed by Jack Quaid (The Boys), set a trap for Katniss, his spear missed her and killed Rue instead.
Now, it seems that Stenberg is ready to forgive their on-screen murderer. In an E! News interview from Comic-Con, Stenberg addresses Quaid with a deadpan expression. See what she had to say below:
Quote:
“Hello, Jack. It's been so many years. It's taken me time to recover. Sometimes I still get a jabbing pain through my abdomen and I'm reminded of the time you murdered me. But we all have our faults and I forgive you.”
Their statement was met with unbridled joy from Quaid, who leapt from his seat, dropped to his knees, and cheered. The actor alluded to people "spitting [on him] on the streets for years" as a result of his transgression as Marvel. The moment was surprisingly touching, with Quaid mentioning that he was "getting emotional."
The actor had previously apologized for Rue’s death in 2021 via Twitter while pointing out that his character had been brainwashed by the culture of his District and died moments after Rue. In fact, Marvel was technically Katniss’ first official kill in the 74th Hunger Games, laying the foundation for her future victory alongside Peeta. Quaid’s 2021 apology hadn’t been acknowledged by Stenberg until now. Clearly, it was a load off his chest to hear them absolve him.
Ultimately, the power of Stenberg’s performance as Rue, particularly in the character’s last moments, showcased their acting prowess. Since The Hunger Games, they have gone on to star in The Hate U Give, The Darkest Minds, Bodies Bodies Bodies (opening August 5th), and several other films. Most recently, they were welcomed into the Star Wars franchise as part of the new series The Acolyte. As for Quaid, he is set to reprise his starring role as Hughie in The Boys season 4, recently renewed by Amazon. Based on his energetic show of relief when Stenberg accepted his apology, Hughie wasn’t the only person that needed closure after an accidental murder.
