Decades after a civil war known as "the Dark Days", Panem (formerly North America) lies in a post-apocalyptic state.

The nation consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve (thirteen before the Dark Days) poorer districts all controlled under the Capitol's reign, with each district producing something that sustains the Capitol.

As punishment for the Dark Days, each district must provide two "tributes" (one boy and one girl) between the ages of 12 and 18 selected by lottery called the "Reaping" once every year to compete in the Hunger Games; the tributes must fight to the death in an arena, with the sole survivor rewarded with fame and wealth.