In a post-apocalyptic future, the United States has transformed into a tyrannical government called Panem, which consists of a wealthy and oppressive Capitol and 12 poorer districts. As punishment for a past rebellion, the Capitol forces each district to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal annual event where 24 children, 12 boys and 12 girls, between the ages of 12 and 18, must fight to the death in a televised event.