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 totalitarian reign, with each district producing something that sustains the Capitol. As punishment for the Dark Days, each district must provide a boy and a girl ("Tributes") between the ages of 12 and 18 selected by lottery (the "Reaping") for the annual Hunger Games. The tributes must fight to the death in an arena, with the sole survivor (the Victor) rewarded with fame and wealth. This year is the 74th Hunger Games, and the arena is a large forest.