Panem is a very different place from what we associate with North America. What are some of the major differences between Panem and current North America? What details are we given about the transformation of North America into Panem? Why do the Hunger Games exist? How is Panem a dystopian society?

Survival is one of the major themes in the novel. In what different ways must the characters survive? How have Katniss and Gale grown up versus Peeta? Why is Katniss better prepared for the Hunger Games than she realizes? Though it is important that she physically survive the Games, what other parts of herself must she protect in order to remain whole?

Discuss Peeta's wish to show the Capitol they cannot own him. Does he make any attempt in the story to accomplish this goal? Why or why not? Does Katniss initially understand...