In the dystopian Hunger Games novels by Suzanne Collins and in an adapted series of films, the three-finger salute is a gesture of thanks, respect, gratitude, or to say goodbye to someone to a loved one. The heroine Katniss Everdeen becomes the “tribute” by volunteering to go into the arena to save her younger sister. In lieu of applause for her act, residents of the District flashed the three-finger salute as a sign of respect.
Twenty-four hours ago Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) were ousted from power by the military (Tatmadaw) in an early morning coup d’état. Journalists in Myanmar reported that phone and mobile services went dark, military vehicles were seen on city streets, and the state television network MRTV was unable to broadcast. The military declared a state of emergency that will last for a year and power has been vested in Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
