In the fictional country of Panem, the Hunger Games are a yearly, televised event, wherein a boy and a girl are randomly chosen from each of its 12 Districts to fight to the death. It is possible to volunteer in place of a randomly selected tribute. The winning tribute and their family receives food, fame and riches for the rest of their lives. There is a vast wealth inequality between the districts. Tributes from wealthy districts can afford to train for years prior to their games, while food shortages are common in poorer districts.
The Seam is the poorest region in District 12, Panem's poorest