--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sometimes, when I clean a kill, I feed…" description: "\"Sometimes, when I clean a kill, I feed Buttercup the entrails. He has stopped hissing at me. Entrails. No hissing. This is the closest we will ever com..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f5/suzanne-collins-60_buttercup_sometimes-when-i-clean-a-kill-i-feed-but_1443721.jpg" --- # Sometimes, when I clean a kill, I feed Buttercup the… ![“Sometimes, when I clean a kill, I feed Buttercup the entrails. He has stopped hissing at me. Entrails. No hissing. This is the closest we will ever come to love.” quote by Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f5/suzanne-collins-60_buttercup_sometimes-when-i-clean-a-kill-i-feed-but_1443721.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f5/suzanne-collins-60_buttercup_sometimes-when-i-clean-a-kill-i-feed-but_1443721.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f5/suzanne-collins-60_buttercup_sometimes-when-i-clean-a-kill-i-feed-but_1443721.jpg) > “Sometimes, when I clean a kill, I feed Buttercup the entrails. He has stopped hissing at me. Entrails. No hissing. This is the closest we will ever come to love.” [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Offering care to a once‑hostile creature can transform fear into affection, showing love can arise from unexpected acts of kindness **In simple terms:** Kindness can turn fear into love Key Takeaway Show compassion to those you fear Themes empathy transformation kindness Mood thoughtful hopeful Type literary reflective When to use this quote - caring for pets - conflict resolution - personal growth - healing trauma Key Concepts Animal behavior psychology of attachment Questions to Reflect On - How can you extend kindness to someone you fear? - What does this say about the nature of love? A Different Perspective Love may not be reciprocated and can be fragile ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Buttercup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buttercup/) [Buttercup Entrails](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buttercup-entrails-5172855/) [Entrails Hissing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/entrails-hissing-2153029/) [Feed Buttercup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feed-buttercup-5172853/) [Hissing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hissing/) [Hissing Entrails](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hissing-entrails-5172854/) [Sometimes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sometimes/) ## Related quotes > [Entrails. No hissing. This is the closest we will ever come to love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/entrails-no-hissing-this-is-the-closest-we-will-ever-come-to-love-2/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Entrails. No hissing. This is the closest we will ever come to love. -Katniss Everdeen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hunger-games/entrails-no-hissing-this-is-the-closest-we-will-ever-come-to-love/) [Hunger Games](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hunger-games/) > [I take a few breaths to calm myself, step back, and lift Buttercup by the scruff of the neck. "I should've drowned you when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-take-a-few-breaths-to-calm-myself-step-back-and-lift-buttercup-by/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“I take a few breaths to calm myself, step back, and lift Buttercup by the scruff of the neck. 'I should have drowned you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-take-a-few-breaths-to-calm-myself-step-back-and-lift-buttercup-by-2/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“I am Buttercup. Peeta, the thing I want so badly to secure, is the light. As long as Buttercup feels he has the chance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-am-buttercup-peeta-the-thing-i-want-so-badly-to-secure-is-the-light/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“This is the closest we will ever come to love.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/this-is-the-closest-we-will-ever-come-to-love/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Buttercup, miserable even with Prim’s constant attention, huddles in the cube and exhales cat breath in my face.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/buttercup-miserable-even-with-prim-s-constant-attention-huddles-in/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“You know, you better put Buttercup on your list of demands, too. I don’t think the concept of useless pets is well known here.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/you-know-you-better-put-buttercup-on-your-list-of-demands-too-i-don-t/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“When the light goes out completely, Buttercup’s temporarily distraught and confused, but he recovers and moves on to other things. (That’s what would happen…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/when-the-light-goes-out-completely-buttercup-s-temporarily-distraught/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“As long as Buttercup feels he has the chance of catching the elusive light under his paws, he’s bristling with aggression. (That’s how I’ve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/as-long-as-buttercup-feels-he-has-the-chance-of-catching-the-elusive/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“I can keep my pet — while those from 13 spell out what extreme difficulties this presents. Finally it’s worked out that we’ll be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-can-keep-my-pet-while-those-from-13-spell-out-what-extreme/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“Buttercup gives a flick of his tail that I take as agreement.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/buttercup-gives-a-flick-of-his-tail-that-i-take-as-agreement/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [I reach for Prim in the twilight, clamp my hand on her leg and pull myself over to her. Her voice remains steady as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-reach-for-prim-in-the-twilight-clamp-my-hand-on-her-leg-and-pull/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [She's not here," I tell him. Buttercup hisses again. "She's not here. You can hiss all you like. You won't find Prim." At her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/she-s-not-here-i-tell-him-buttercup-hisses-again-she-s-not-here-you/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [The magic in that country was so thick and tenacious that it settled over the land like chalk-dust and over floors and shelves like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-mckinley/the-magic-in-that-country-was-so-thick-and-tenacious-that-it-settled/) [Robin McKinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robin-mckinley/) ## More by Suzanne Collins > [It's amazing to see things that are suggested in the book fully developed and so brilliantly realized through the artistry of the designers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/it-s-amazing-to-see-things-that-are-suggested-in-the-book-fully/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [KEEP CALM and HAVE A SUGAR CUBE](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/keep-calm-and-have-a-sugar-cube/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [A furious Peeta hammers Haymitch with the atrocity he could become party to, but I can feel Haymitch watching me. This is the moment,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/a-furious-peeta-hammers-haymitch-with-the-atrocity-he-could-become/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“The same goes for the other captured tributes, Johanna and Enobaria.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/the-same-goes-for-the-other-captured-tributes-johanna-and-enobaria/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [I don't know how to say it exactly. Only...I want to die as myself. Does that make any sense?' he asks. I shake my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-don-t-know-how-to-say-it-exactly-only-i-want-to-die-as-myself-does/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [He never lets go of Annie's hand. Not when they walk, not when they eat. I doubt he ever plans to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/he-never-lets-go-of-annie-s-hand-not-when-they-walk-not-when-they-eat/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“I want to interrupt the taping and beg Finnick’s forgiveness for every false thought I’ve ever had about him.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-want-to-interrupt-the-taping-and-beg-finnick-s-forgiveness-for/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [I pound on the glass, screaming my head off. Everyone ignores me except for some Capitol attendant who appears behind me and offers me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-pound-on-the-glass-screaming-my-head-off-everyone-ignores-me-except/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Because it doesn't matter anymore, and because I'm so desperately lonely I can't stand it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/because-it-doesn-t-matter-anymore-and-because-i-m-so-desperately/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Then I dive into my tent before I do something stupid like cry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/then-i-dive-into-my-tent-before-i-do-something-stupid-like-cry/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“¡Es que no quiero que me conozcan! ¡Ya me están quitando el futuro! ¡No pueden llevarse también lo que me importaba en el pasado!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/es-que-no-quiero-que-me-conozcan-ya-me-est-n-quitando-el-futuro-no/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“I act delighted, but I have zero interest in these Capitol people. They are only distractions from the food.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-act-delighted-but-i-have-zero-interest-in-these-capitol-people-they/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Mostly we just add to the piles of rainbow glass that's been blown off the exteriors of the cany-colored buildings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/mostly-we-just-add-to-the-piles-of-rainbow-glass-that-s-been-blown/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [You're punishing him over and over for things that are out of his control. Now, I'm not saying you shouldn't have a fully loaded…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/you-re-punishing-him-over-and-over-for-things-that-are-out-of-his/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“But the significant difference between Thirteen and the Capitol are the expectations of the populace. Thirteen was used to hardship, wheras in the Capitol,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/but-the-significant-difference-between-thirteen-and-the-capitol-are/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) [Explore all 1,709 Suzanne Collins quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) ## More Buttercup quotes > [Buttercups and daisies, Oh, the pretty flowers; Coming ere the spring time, To tell of sunny hours. When the trees are leafless; When the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-howitt/buttercups-and-daisies-oh-the-pretty-flowers-coming-ere-the-spring/) [Mary Howitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-howitt/) > [Her heart was a secret garden and the walls were very high.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/her-heart-was-a-secret-garden-and-the-walls-were-very-high/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“And when she at last came out, her eyes were dry. Her parents stared up from their silent breakfast at her. They both started…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-goldman/and-when-she-at-last-came-out-her-eyes-were-dry-her-parents-stared-up/) [William Goldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-goldman/) > [“As you wish, Buttercup.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-k-lilley/as-you-wish-buttercup/) [R.K. Lilley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-k-lilley/) > [“Buttercup could picture Westley rounding the final corner. There were four guards outside waiting. At ten seconds per guard, she began figuring, but then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-goldman/buttercup-could-picture-westley-rounding-the-final-corner-there-were/) [William Goldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-goldman/) > [Fair is the kingcup that in meadow blows, Fair is the daisy that beside her grows.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-gay/fair-is-the-kingcup-that-in-meadow-blows-fair-is-the-daisy-that/) [John Gay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gay/) > [The Prince found Buttercup waiting unhappily outside his chamber doors. It's my letter,' she began. 'I cannot make it right.' Come in, come in,'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-goldman/the-prince-found-buttercup-waiting-unhappily-outside-his-chamber/) [William Goldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-goldman/) > [Westley: Hear this now: I will always come for you. Buttercup: But how can you be sure? Westley: This is true love-you think this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-goldman/westley-hear-this-now-i-will-always-come-for-you-buttercup-but-how/) [William Goldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-goldman/) > [I suppose I was dying again, so I asked the Lord of Permanent Affection for the strength to live the day. Clearly, the answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-goldman/i-suppose-i-was-dying-again-so-i-asked-the-lord-of-permanent/) [William Goldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-goldman/) > [I must be overtired', Buttercup managed. 'The excitement and all.' 'Rest then', her mother cautioned. 'Terrible things can happen when you're overtired. I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-goldman/i-must-be-overtired-buttercup-managed-the-excitement-and-all-rest/) [William Goldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-goldman/) > [“Wildflower: Don't let people walk all over you, Buttercup. It's your life. If you want something, you need to get out there and grab…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cecelia-ahern/wildflower-don-t-let-people-walk-all-over-you-buttercup-it-s-your/) [Cecelia Ahern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cecelia-ahern/) > [Buttercups, bright eyed and bold, hold their chalices of gold to catch the sunshine and the dew.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julia-caroline-dorr/buttercups-bright-eyed-and-bold-hold-their-chalices-of-gold-to-catch/) [Julia Caroline Dorr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julia-caroline-dorr/) > [“The sparkle and morning-freshness of the shop, and the butter-conjuring girl, formed a mind-picture which accompanied the whole of my youth.(about the Buttercup Dairy)”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/muriel-spark/the-sparkle-and-morning-freshness-of-the-shop-and-the-butter/) [Muriel Spark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/muriel-spark/) > [Pucker up buttercup(;](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikki/pucker-up-buttercup/) [Nikki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikki/) > [She's not here," I tell him. Buttercup hisses again. "She's not here. You can hiss all you like. You won't find Prim." At her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/she-s-not-here-i-tell-him-buttercup-hisses-again-she-s-not-here-you/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) [Browse all 79 Buttercup quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buttercup/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Sometimes, when I clean a kill, I feed Buttercup the entrails. He has stopped hissing at me. Entrails. No hissing. 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