Chapter 1 & 2 Summary
In the opening chapters of The Hunger Games, we are introduced to Katniss Everdeen and her life in District 12. Katniss lives with her sister Prim and her mother, struggling to survive after her father's death in a mine explosion. The story begins on the day of the reaping, where tributes are chosen for the annual Hunger Games.
Highlight: Katniss volunteers as tribute to save her younger sister Prim, becoming the first volunteer from District 12.
The male tribute chosen is Peeta Mellark, with whom Katniss shares a significant history. Peeta once gave Katniss bread when her family was starving, an act of kindness that Katniss has never forgotten.
Quote: "Therefore I keep my family from starving because of Peeta."
The chapter also introduces Gale, Katniss's close friend and hunting partner. They illegally hunt in the Meadow to support their families and sell their catch in the black market.
Vocabulary: Tesserae - extra rations of grain and oil in exchange for additional entries in the reaping.
As Katniss prepares to leave for the Capitol, she receives visitors including her family, Peeta's father, and her friend Madge, who gives her a mockingjay pin to wear in the arena.
Definition: The mockingjay is a symbol of rebellion against the Capitol.
The chapter ends with Katniss and Peeta boarding the train to the Capitol, where they meet their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, a former victor who is now an alcoholic.