By. Tom ************
Soc 101
11/17/13
Introduction
The nation of Panem has risen out of the ravaged ruins of what was once known as North America. 74 years ago, the poverty-stricken districts of Panem rebelled against the wealthy, controlling the Capitol. After its crushing victory, the Capitol devised the Hunger Games as an annual reminder to the twelve districts of its authority, and as continuing punishment for the rebellion. Every year, each district must hold a raffle (known as the "reaping") to choose one boy and one girl (ranging from age 12–18) to participate in the Hunger Games, a competition in which each of the twenty-four contestants (known as "tributes") fight to the death in a televised arena until only one is left alive.
This is the story of the 74th Hunger Games and at the center of it is Katniss Everdeen, a resident of the poorest of all the districts, District 12. During "The Reaping", the "Tribute" selection comes to pass and is where Katniss ultimately volunteers to fight after her sister 's name is drawn from the fish bowl. Her male counterpart is the baker 's son, Peeta Melark. Per the rules, only one or neither of these two combatants will ever return to District 12 alive. "The Hunger Games" are treated as just that, games, they are televised in the Capitol and all 12 Districts as people look on, the members of the Capitol cheering along the way and members of each District looking on in sadness as their children are murdered for the satisfaction of the oppressive government. After the tributes are selected they are taken by train to the Capitol. On the train and in the capitol you can see the apparent culture shock in the face of the 2 district 12 contestants. Coming from the poorest district modeled after the coal mining era, where most people live in absolute poverty Peeta and Katniss are taken back by the surplus of luxury and wealth exhibited by the Capitol.
References: 1. Smith,J. (April 18, 2012). Five Lessons in Human Goodness from “The Hunger Games”. Retrieved (Nov 15, 2013). From http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_lessons_in_human_goodness_from_the_hunger_games 2. Schofelt,C. & Walsh, D.(March 28, 2012). Why does The Hunger Games strike a chord?. Retrieved (Nov 15, 2013) From http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2012/03/game-m28.html 3. Ebert, R. (March 20, 2012). The Hunger Games Review. Retrieved(Nov 15, 2013) From http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-hunger-games-2012 4. Travers, P.(March 21, 2012) The Hunger Games Review. Retrieved(Nov 15, 2013) From http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-hunger-games-20120321