Basic Objective
The primary rule of the Hunger Games is simple: tributes must fight until only one person remains alive. All other tributes must be eliminated through combat or other means. The last person standing is declared the victor and becomes a celebrity in their home district.
Selection of Tributes
Every year, each of the twelve districts must send two tributes, one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12 and 18. These tributes are chosen through a random drawing called the reaping. Districts can also hold volunteer tributes if someone is willing to take another person's place.
Arena Rules
Once the Games begin, tributes are placed in an arena that is sealed off from the outside world. The Gamemakers, who control the arena, can create obstacles, hazards, and disasters to force tributes together or create challenges. Tributes must survive these dangers while competing against other tributes.
Supplies and Resources
Tributes start the Games with nothing but the clothes they wear. They must find food, water, and weapons in the arena or receive sponsor gifts sent by supporters. Sponsors are wealthy Capitol citizens or people from their own districts who send packages to help their chosen tributes survive.
Victory Condition
The Games end when only one tribute remains alive. That person is declared the victor and returns home as a hero. The winner receives financial rewards, status, and their district receives increased resources from the Capitol for one year.
Capitol Control
The entire event is managed by the Capitol government and broadcast on live television to all districts. The Games are designed as both entertainment and a reminder of the Capitol's power over the districts. Breaking the rules of the arena can result in immediate death or other severe penalties.