The Hunger Games are a brutal competition that began as punishment for a decades-old rebellion, but over the years has evolved into a nationally televised entertainment show. The capital city of Panem forces each of its 12 districts to send young men and women between the ages of 12 and 19 to compete in the Hunger Games: a nationally televised event in which "tribute" members fight each other to the death until only one remains. Pete was always a good friend.