The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a thought-provoking, action packed novel which, through its depictions of the fictional nation of Panem, portrays the potentially bleak future of America as a dystopian society dominated by class struggles. Panem is illustrated as a nation in which people are trapped within one of twelve districts,. While some districts struggle to find enough food on a daily basis, others are well fed and focus their attention on pleasing The Capitol. The slightest attempt at rebellion over these conditions is quickly squelched by the tight control of the "Peacekeepers." The hatred of The Capitol caused by these policies is redirected at the other districts in an annual ritual called The Hunger Games. Thus, through the economic control of Panem's citizens, the restrictions placed on their personal freedoms, and the forced class-warfare between the twelve districts, Collins has chosen to warn against the increasing size of modern American government. .

             Economic Control.

             We are introduced on page one to Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen year old girl around whom the story revolves. Unfortunately for her, she was born into District Twelve, the coal mining district, where she spends her days hunting game and trading the meat so she can keep her mother and sister alive. Each of Panem's twelve districts are assigned an area of goods to produce like coal, agriculture, or jewelry. And while her hunting skills give Katniss a chance in the arena, she feels outmatched;.

             "many of the tributes have never been fed properly.The exceptions are the kids from the wealthier districts, the volunteers, the ones who have been fed and trained throughout their lives for this moment. The tributes from 1, 2, and 4 traditionally have this look about them. " (Collins 94).

             Her observations prove that there are indeed economic differences between the districts. They show that districts like District One, that were previously quoted as producing "luxury goods," are generally much better off than those like District Twelve that produce goods that aren't immediately beneficial to the people in The Capitol.