Katniss Everdeen is a resourceful, strong-willed teen living in Panem's District 12. She volunteered herself for the 74th Annual Hunger Games in place of her sister Primrose. Her father died in a mining accident when she was 11, and she has since been the sole provider for her sister and mother. Katniss spends most of her time hunting illegally outside the district fence with her bow and arrows, and trading goods on the black market (the Hob) with her best friend Gale to help feed their families.
Katniss enters the Games with her fellow classmate, Peeta Mellark. At first she thinks he is being friendly to have an advantage over her when the Games begin. But in fact, Katniss is the object of Peeta's affection and he will do anything to make sure she is the winner so she goes home safely. Even sacrificing his own life for hers.