What does gnarled mean in hunger games?

In "The Hunger Games," the term "gnarled" is often used to describe twisted, rough, and weathered trees or roots, symbolizing the harshness of the environment in which the characters live. This imagery reflects the struggle for survival and the scars left by hardship, resonating with the broader themes of resilience and the impact of a brutal society. The gnarled nature of the landscape parallels the characters' own experiences of suffering and endurance.