The Hunger Games Summary: Plot, Characters and Key Facts
The Hunger Games follows sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to take her little sister's place in a televised fight to the death.
The book was published in 2008 and is the first of three novels.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Author | Suzanne Collins |
| Published | 2008 |
| Genre | Young Adult, Dystopia |
| Length | 397 pages |
| Narrator | Katniss, first person |
| Series | Book 1 of 3 (plus 2 prequels) |
What is The Hunger Games about?
In the nation of Panem, built on the ruins of North America, the wealthy Capitol forces its twelve districts to send two young people each year to the Hunger Games. The 24 tributes are put in an arena and fight on television until one survives.
Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, one of the poorest. When her sister Prim is chosen in the reaping, Katniss volunteers to go in her place. The boy chosen with her is Peeta Mellark, who once gave her bread when her family was starving.
↑ Back to the topWhere and when is The Hunger Games set?
The story takes place in Panem, a future country with a rich Capitol and twelve districts that each supply the Capitol with something, such as coal or food. The Games are held every year as a reminder of an earlier rebellion.
↑ Back to the topWho are the main characters?
Katniss Everdeen is the narrator, a skilled hunter and archer. Peeta Mellark is the baker's son chosen with her. Gale Hawthorne is her hunting partner at home. Haymitch Abernathy is their mentor, a past winner. Prim is Katniss's younger sister and Rue is a young tribute she meets in the arena.
↑ Back to the topHow does The Hunger Games end?
Katniss and Peeta both survive. When the rules change to allow two winners from one district and then change back, they threaten to eat poisonous nightlock berries together. The organizers give in and name both as winners. Their defiance angers the Capitol and sets up the second book.
↑ Back to the topKey facts about The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins wrote the book, and it was published in 2008. It is told by Katniss in the first person, and it is the first of the trilogy that continues with Catching Fire and Mockingjay. A film followed in 2012.
↑ Back to the topRead the series in order
The five Hunger Games books are all by Suzanne Collins. The first three follow Katniss. The last two are prequels set in earlier Games.
Catching Fire
Mockingjay
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Sunrise on the ReapingMore about The Hunger Games
This guide covers the books only. Events in the films differ in places.