SERVES 4
During the first Hunger Games training, Katniss shot an arrow into the Gamemakers’ roast pig to get their attention. At the first training session for Quarter Quell, Katniss spotted Plutarch chewing on a turkey leg. He had been promoted to head Gamemaker, but Katniss no longer needed to work at getting his attention.
This is a nice way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving turkey without having to roast a whole bird. Kids especially love the drama of whole turkey legs, so this is a great dish for a kids’ Hunger Games party.
4 TURKEY LEGS
4 CELERY STALKS, CUT INTO THIRDS
½ CUP BUTTER, DIVIDED
SALT TO TASTE
4 SPRIGS ROSEMARY LEAVES
½ CUP WATER, OR AS NEEDED
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Rinse the turkey legs and pat dry.
Stand the turkey legs upright (as if the turkey were standing). Use a damp paper towel to stand the turkey leg to prevent slipping.
Press a knife downward into the deep tissue, creating 2 or 3 long pockets.
Push a piece of celery into each slit.
Using the slits on the turkey legs, rub with butter and season with a little salt just under the skin.
Stuff a few rosemary leaves under the skin and put the skin back into place. (Tie with butcher’s twine if needed.)
Rub with more butter and season lightly with salt. Lay the legs in a roasting pan.
Roast uncovered for 1½–2 hours, until the legs are golden brown.
Add more water if needed while roasting, and baste occasionally with the juices and butter.
THE 75TH HUNGER GAMES
“Surely a brief time is better than no time?”
CAESAR, CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS, CHAPTER 18
THE RETURN TO THE ARENA was a return to scrambling and fighting for enough food to eat. Once again, Katniss had to rely on sponsors and her own skills to make it through the game. These recipes reflect the ingredients and contributions that Katniss and the other tributes had to depend on for survival.