The protagonist and narrator of The Hunger Games. She comes from the impoverished corner of District 12 known as the Seam, and she joins the death march in the arena after volunteering in place of her sister. She manages to survive in the arena thanks to her years of experience hunting in the forbidden woods beyond the district's borders. Even though events cast her as an unwitting symbol of fire and rebellion, her first and greatest priority is always protecting her loved ones. Despite the ruthless and savage order of the arena, she puts up a relentless struggle to preserve her humanity.
When she was eleven, her father, a coal miner, was blown to pieces in an explosion, and her mother spiraled into a deep depression, leaving her children alone. When she was on the verge of starvation, she was brought back to life by a burnt loaf of bread thrown by Peeta from the bakery, and from that day on, she became the head of the household who crossed the forbidden fences to hunt in the woods to feed her family.
A 16-year-old girl with straight black hair, grey eyes, and olive skin; though she appears slight due to malnutrition, she possesses extremely firm and powerful muscles. During the Games, she adopts a striking figure as 'The Girl on Fire'.
Rue
A sister-like figure she lost in the arena, who symbolizes the destruction of innocence.
Peeta Mellark
Her companion to whom she owes her life, whose support in the games is ambiguous yet protective.
Primrose Everdeen
Her beloved little sister for whom she would disregard her own life.
Haymitch Abernathy
Her stubborn but singular mentor-figure whom she must prove herself to.