The Capitol steps up 'Hunger Games' propaganda with seven new posters

Panem loves its citizens. At least, that's what the Capitol would like everyone to believe. Ahead of the upcoming release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Lionsgate has released a series of posters depicting seven "District Heroes." This isn't the first time that The Hunger Games' marketing team has attempted to bridge the gap between reality and fiction. Last year saw the release of an intricate, fashion-themed website called Capitol Couture that entwined fake interviews with sly nods to the second film in the series, Catching Fire.

Much like the world in the movies, the promotional material has changed in tone. Instead of designer labels, the glossy new images are branded with nationalistic slogans like "our future is in your hands," and "Panem Today, Panem Tomorrow, Panem Forever." Every representative is dressed in a manner symbolic of their home regions, which are each responsible for a different industry. The Livestock District's Felix Stam, for example, is lushly garbed in thick, dark furs and pictured with a serene-looking goat.

The details in the posters are magnificent yet disquieting, hinting at the socio-political issues afflicting the fictional nation. In spite of the ostensible honor of their positions, none of the "District Heroes" smile. Most stare impassively at the camera, some glower. The most haunting photo belongs to Lily Elsington, the six-year-old ambassador from District 12. On the Capitol's website, she is described as "ready, willing, and eager to fuel the Panem of tomorrow." But the unhappy, soot-glazed ragamuffin displayed in the accompanying image looks anything but that.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 is slated to debut later this year, on November 21st, with the conclusion of the dystopian series to follow on November 20th, 2015.