it is the year 2308. you live in the country of panem, which used to be known as north america. panem is separated into twelve districts, decreasing in wealth the higher the number, and a capitol. seventy years ago, a rebellion sparked throughout the country, causing nothing but pure chaos and havoc that authorities were unable to control. this time was known as the “dark days”. this lead to the destruction of a thirteenth district, and birth of a very unfortunate tradition.

as a punishment for the rebellion, each year a 'reaping' is held. one boy and one girl from every district, ages varying from twelve to eighteen, are chosen at random to compete in a fight to the death among the others selected. these are known as 'tributes'. the twenty-four children are placed into an arena, that could range from a scorching desert, a swamp, or even an ice land, and set to kill each other until one remains, being crowned victor.

this year is the seventieth annual hunger games. you were selected as female tribute of district [pick district] and shipped off to the capital alongside your district partner. over the past week, you've gone through relentless training and some interviews, with a few tips from your mentors. today was finally the day of the games, and you were terrified. the only thing you could hope for as your metal plate lifted you from the ground into the arena was trees. you figured if you had a place to hide, you might stand a chance.

you’re blinded by the sun as your plate lifts up into the arena, and your nostrils are blessed with the smell of pine trees, your eyes adjusting to the sun and you quickly take in the forest around you, and the dam to your left. a big dam.

you glance around at the male and female tributes of the twelve districts, all forming an equidistant circle about fifty feet around a gold horn, the cornucopia. it was filled with weapons, supplies, and food. a holographic timer appears above the horn, sixty seconds on the clock. sixty seconds until the gong rings, unleashing havoc. you glance at the boy from district two, who was staring at you, a warning gaze in his blue eyes.