The Hunger Games tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old living in the dystopian nation of Panem. When her younger sister is chosen for the annual Hunger Games—a televised fight to the death—Katniss volunteers in her place. Alongside Peeta Mellark, she must survive deadly challenges and navigate political manipulation. The novel explores power, survival, sacrifice, and rebellion in a society controlled by fear.