If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo, you already know how addictive that little permanent piece of art can be. And if you haven’t—girl, what are you waiting for? After watching The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and having Olivia Rodrigo’s “Can’t Catch Me Now” stuck in my head on repeat, I started daydreaming about Hunger Games tattoos. They feel like tiny, wearable talismans: the Mockingjay for rebellion, the three-finger salute for solidarity, or a quiet quote that feels like your own private mantra. If the books or films mean something to you, getting inked with one of these symbols is such a beautiful way to carry that feeling with you. Here are 22 ideas that I’m low-key obsessed with—maybe one will speak to you too.
Big, bold Mockingjay energy
Credit: @luna.tattoo__
This one is unapologetically striking — big, black, and powerful. A blackwork Mockingjay says you’re here for strength and change, and it’s perfect if you want something that reads like a statement. Mockingjays are revolutionary symbols, so if that idea resonates with you, this is a gorgeous way to wear it.
A quote that hits you in the chest (in the best way)
Credit: @inkyasfk
You know the “real or not real” moment? So many people get that line inked because it’s tender and private and totally game-changing. Work with your artist to make the lettering feel like you — maybe tiny and tucked on the rib, or flowing along a collarbone. It doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.
Mockingjay plus primroses — soft rebellion
Credit: @hunterdeesetattoos
Mixing the Mockingjay with primrose flowers adds this beautiful layer of symbolism — strength wrapped in tenderness. Hunger Games tattoos are full of meaning, so pick elements that actually matter to you. Whether it’s family, resilience, or hope, that combo tells a story without saying too much.
Chrome Mockingjay if you want something different
Credit: @hunterdeesetattoos
If you’re the type who likes to stand out, why not experiment? A chrome or metallic-style Mockingjay leans futuristic and edgy — it’s a fun chance to play with texture and shading so your Hunger Games tattoo doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
Delicate fine-line Mockingjay for the minimalist
Credit: @joann.tats
If subtle is your vibe, fine-line work is where it’s at. Tiny needles create soft, dainty lines that feel modern and whisper-y rather than shout-y. Perfect for a person who wants meaning without a giant billboard on their arm.
The three-finger salute — small symbol, big meaning
Credit: @tattooist_kimria
That three-finger gesture starts as a District 12 thing and becomes this whole movement symbol. It’s elegant and loaded with meaning — goodbye, respect, unity, and then full-on rebellion. A little salute can say a lot about where your heart is.
Chest Mockingjay for when you want a centerpiece
Credit: @reedias
Choosing a chest placement gives you tons of room to play. It feels intimate and central — like you’re literally wearing your story close to your heart. If you want the Mockingjay to be more than an accent, the chest is a beautiful canvas.
Upper arm Mockingjay — classic and easy to live with
Credit: @holalua
Upper-arm tattoos are so wearable — they hide when you need them to and show off when you don’t. They’re a great balance for people who want something meaningful but not unavoidably visible all the time.
A bigger chest piece with an iconic quote
Credit: @sari_jane_tattoos
“May the odds be ever in your favor” is basically etched into pop culture, and it makes a lovely, nostalgic tattoo. You can go tiny on a finger or bold across the chest — either way, it’s instantly recognizable and oddly comforting.
Traditional-style Hunger Games ink for vintage vibes
Credit: @dani.c.tattoo
If you love classic tattoo aesthetics, a traditional style with strong black outlines and saturated colors gives the Mockingjay or other icons a timeless, almost tattoo-flash feel. It’s bold and playful and totally iconic.
A portrait of Katniss — if you’re committed
Credit: @jessreeftattoos
Portrait tattoos are a whole mood — they can be stunning, but they demand an artist who knows what they’re doing. If Katniss has been part of your life story, a portrait is an intense, beautiful way to honor that. Just pick your artist wisely.
Songbirds and snakes — the prequel feel
Credit: @meerkat.tattoo
The prequel brought a whole new palette of symbols — songbirds, snakes, and that tangled energy. A songbird-and-snake design isn’t the common choice, which is part of what makes it cool. It’s a little darker, a little mythic.
Patchwork sleeve for the mega fan
Credit: @mikkiloutattoo
If you’re thinking full sleeve, mix symbols — Mockingjay, three-finger salute, Primroses, quotes — and let the piece read like a tapestry. It’s expressive, loud, and perfect for someone who loves layering meaning.
A back Mockingjay for big, dramatic storytelling
Credit: @very_dark_ink
Back pieces let you go large and get creative with composition. It’s a statement you can keep mostly private or unveil when you want — a cool balance of boldness and control.
Tucked-away arm tattoos when you want privacy
Credit: @rockleedrunk
If you’d rather not broadcast your fandom, the inside of the arm is such a nice spot — hidden during workdays, revealed on weekends. Placement matters as much as design, so think about how visible you want your piece to be.
A quote tattoo — the one that never gets old
Credit: @mathcarelli.ink
Quotes are timeless for a reason: they carry emotion and memory in a few words. From short, cryptic lines to longer phrases, there are so many to choose from in the series. Let your artist help you with placement and font so it feels like you.
Peeta and Katniss holding hands — soft and human
Credit: @inkykayla
Tiny moments between characters can make the sweetest tattoos. A little design of Peeta and Katniss holding hands or a silhouette of that scene is quiet, emotional, and likely to make you smile every time you catch it in the mirror.
Another quote option — make it yours
Credit: @dangodango95
When you pick a quote, don’t just copy what’s trending — tweak the layout, add a tiny symbol, or pair it with something simple so it becomes uniquely yours. Your tattoo artist can help the quote feel less like a copy and more like a piece of your story.
Watercolor Mockingjay for the whimsical soul
Credit: @ginafote
Watercolor tattoos are dreamy and soft, perfect if you want color without heavy lines. They feel like a memory painted on skin — whimsical, emotional, and a little magical.
Foot Mockingjay — for something private and playful
Credit: @angelicaristow
Foot tattoos can be underrated. They’re discreet, personal, and kind of rebellious in their own quiet way. If you want a nod to the series that’s not on everyone’s radar, the foot’s a cute choice.
Neck line-art Mockingjay — quick, clean, and chic
Credit: @ela_tetuje
Line-art tattoos are simple and fast, and they read modern and effortless. If you want something small and striking — maybe a little neck piece — line work gets you in and out with a design that still packs personality.
Ankle Mockingjay — tiny but unforgettable
Credit: @ela_tetuje
Ankle tattoos are delicate and flirty, and a little line-art Mockingjay there is classic. It’s the kind of piece that’s subtle up close but meaningful every time you see it.
Wrap-Up
Anyway, whether you want something tiny and private or bold and center-stage, there’s a Hunger Games tattoo for every mood. Think about what part of the story sticks with you, chat with an artist who gets your vision, and then dive in. If you end up getting one, please send a pic — I want to see which one you pick!