The death of the Lynx, and how it reflects upon its huntress:

It was mentioned, before the introduction to the Games at two o'clock on the reaping day, that Katniss had once had a friend, of sorts, that took the form of a lynx. I understand her motives in killing the fairly innocent creature, but I'm wondering what its death shows about Katniss's character. At times she seems entirely emotional and protective, especially when with her mother, Gale or Prim, though at others, such as in the forest with the trailing lynx, she appears to be completely merciless and brutal. Does she have a tendency to take the protection of her heart and those in it to the extreme that, if even the slightest trace of a threat passes by, she will destroy it with excessive sense and instinct? And, if this is agreed upon, how does she reflect upon the Capitol? In short, what twisted tools have the Capitol given Katniss through their cruelty?