Katniss does go deaf in one ear in the book. It happens during the Hunger Games, when she is attacked by another Tribute. As a result of the attack, blood starts streaming from her ear, and she realizes that she has lost her hearing in her left ear.
The book describes how Katniss feels a sense of panic and vulnerability when she realizes she can no longer hear from one side. It affects her ability to navigate her surroundings and communicate with others. She becomes more cautious and aware of her surroundings, relying more on her other senses to compensate for her loss of hearing.
This loss of hearing becomes a significant obstacle for Katniss throughout the rest of the book. She struggles to fully understand conversations and is often caught off guard by sudden noises or attacks from her left side. It adds an extra layer of difficulty and danger to her already challenging journey in the Hunger Games.
However, after winning the Hunger Games and returning to the Capitol, Katniss is provided with a replacement aid that restores her hearing in her left ear. This aid is a technological device that allows her to regain her ability to hear from both sides. It becomes a symbol of her victory and survival, as well as a reminder of the physical and emotional challenges she faced during the Games.
While the book doesn’t go into great detail about the specifics of the replacement aid, it is clear that it significantly improves Katniss’ quality of life and helps her adapt to her new reality. She no longer has to constantly worry about being vulnerable from her left side and can fully engage in conversations and navigate her surroundings more effectively.
Katniss does go deaf in one ear in the book due to an attack during the Hunger Games. However, she later receives a replacement aid from the Capitol, which restores her hearing and helps her overcome the challenges associated with her hearing loss.