Panem is an future dystopic version of the United States, where the Capitol rules over 12 districts. There was once a District 13, but its failed rebellion led to its obliteration and the institution of a cruel means of asserting dominance—the Hunger Games. Every year, the Capitol randomly selects, or “reaps,” one boy and one girl aged 12 to 18. These “tributes” are then forced to fight to the death in an outdoor arena, which is broadcast throughout Panem, to entertain the Capitol. The Capitol also forces the districts to celebrate the games in which their children die. The sole survivor of the games is permitted to return home to a life of plenty.

District 12 is a desolate place filled with hunger, despair, and frequent coal mine accidents. Such an accident claimed the life of Katniss Everdeen’s father, leaving her in the role of the family’s provider at age 11. Katniss and her friend Gale feed their families through illegal foraging and hunting in the nearby woods. As they meet for one last pre-reaping poaching session, Gale suggests running away together. Katniss considers the idea unrealistic because they have too many lives depending on them.

On reaping day, Katniss fears that either she or Gale will be chosen.