By winning the annual Hunger Games, District 12 tributes Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have secured a life of safety and plenty for themselves and their families, but because they won by defying the rules, they unwittingly become the faces of an impending rebellion.

In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.

By surviving the Hunger Games twice, Katniss Everdeen has drawn the anger of the Capitol, putting her family, her friends, and the people of District 12 in danger. Now she has become the symbol of freedom for the oppressed districts, and is being used as a pawn in District 13's plans to overthrow the government.