Katniss Everdeen is a 16-year-old girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th Hunger Games after her 12-year-old sister Primrose Everdeen is picked for reaping. She survives the games along with Peeta Mellark when they both defy the Capitol by threatening to commit suicide.[8]
The Capitol is angry at their defiance, which inspires rebellion in several districts. Katniss and Peeta tour the districts, attempting to subdue the rebellion. Then, the reaping for the next Hunger Games takes place. For these games, part of the "Quarter Quell" that takes place every 25 years, winners of past games are forced to participate. When only a few participants remain in the games, including Katniss and Peeta, the arena is destroyed. Three of the tributes, including Katniss, are rescued by survivors of District 13, but the other three tributes, including Peeta, are captured by Capitol hovercrafts.[9]
The rebellion continues with Katniss being used as a figurehead.[Years before the start of the series, the thirteen districts attempted to start a revolution against the Capitol. The Capitol won, District 13 was destroyed and, as punishment, an annual televised death match called The Hunger Games was created by the Capitol. Two participants, one male and one female, known as tributes, between the ages of 12 and 18 are chosen randomly in a "reaping" from each district. Children may volunteer as a tribute instead of selection by ballot.