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The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a young adult dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins and the title of a book, film, and media franchise set in the fictional nation of Panem.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Hunger Games is a young adult dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins and the title of a book, film, and media franchise set in the fictional nation of Panem. It follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager from District 12 who is forced to compete in a televised fight to the death called the Hunger Games. The series became a major global bestseller and was adapted into a film series.

Premise

The series is set in Panem, a post-apocalyptic nation in North America ruled by the Capitol. As punishment for an earlier rebellion, the Capitol forces each district to send tributes to the Hunger Games, a televised death match.

Main characters

Katniss Everdeen is the central protagonist, joined in the first book by Peeta Mellark and other tributes. The series follows Katniss's struggle for survival and her growing role in resistance against the Capitol.

Books

The original trilogy consists of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. The franchise later expanded with prequels, including The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping.

Film adaptations

The first film, The Hunger Games, was released in 2012. The story continued across three sequels based on the remaining books, and the franchise has also included later prequel adaptations or announced adaptations.

Key facts

  • The story is set in Panem, where the Capitol controls twelve districts after a failed rebellion.
  • Each district sends one boy and one girl, called tributes, to compete in an annual televised survival contest.
  • Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister Prim's place in the Games.
  • The original book series consists of three novels: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay.
  • The film adaptation of The Hunger Games was released in 2012 and starred Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss.
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Canadian context

The Hunger Games was widely read and viewed in Canada, and Suzanne Collins's books have been part of mainstream Canadian popular culture and school reading discussions.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Hunger Games about?
It is about a dystopian nation called Panem where the Capitol forces districts to send teenagers into a televised fight to the death, and follows Katniss Everdeen as she is selected and volunteers to save her sister.
Who wrote The Hunger Games?
The Hunger Games was written by Suzanne Collins.
How many Hunger Games books are there?
There are three original Hunger Games books in the main trilogy, plus later prequels that expand the series.
What is the order of The Hunger Games movies?
The released films are The Hunger Games (2012), Catching Fire (2013), Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014), Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015), and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023).
Who is Katniss Everdeen?
Katniss Everdeen is the protagonist of The Hunger Games series, a teenage girl from District 12 who volunteers for the Games in place of her younger sister.
Is there a new Hunger Games movie coming out?
A film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games_(novel)
    Supports: Plot premise, Panem setting, Capitol and districts, annual tribute selection, core story details
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games
    Supports: Series overview, Katniss Everdeen as protagonist, setting, and adaptation note for Sunrise on the Reaping
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Hunger-Games-trilogy
    Supports: Trilogy structure, prequels, themes, Katniss as narrator/protagonist
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games_(film)
    Supports: 2012 film, cast, and film-series context