After the recent release of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, I believe almost every fan of the saga indulged in a rewatch of all the movies or picked up the books once more. I know exactly how it feels. A few minutes into the movie, and I was transported back to my early teenage years. The only difference is that this time I have the necessary awareness and knowledge to notice all the aspects that make The Hunger Games such a timeless classic. There must be a reason why this series completely revolutionised the dystopian genre, and I know for a fact that I have identified at least one of them: world building. After rewatching the movies and re-reading a few passages of the novels, I was finally able to test just how well-constructed and coherent the world Suzanne Collins created can be.
I reckon these books can serve as an invaluable lesson for every writer out there looking into the dystopian genre, or any other genre that requires world building. That is why I decided to write a list of points that illustrates exactly why Panem and its diverse characters work so well.

1) Consistent internal logic

In the dystopian world of Panem, Suzanne Collins masterfully establishes and maintains a consistent internal logic. From the technological advancements in the Capitol to the impoverished conditions in the districts, every aspect of the world adheres to a set of rules that govern the narrative. The carefully crafted rules of the Hunger Games themselves, dictating the brutal competition and the role of tributes, provide a framework that adds depth and believability to the story. This internal consistency enhances the immersive experience for readers and sets a standard for world building in fiction. So, make sure you plan ahead and try to have a clear image of the organisation of your world. That way, you will be able to transmit that same clarity and structure to your readers, avoiding the inevitable confusion of a world without any rules.

2) Relevance to contemporary issues

The Hunger Games serves as a poignant commentary on contemporary issues such as inequality, political oppression, and the consequences of unchecked power. The stark divide between the opulence of the Capitol and the struggles faced by the districts mirrors real-world social and economic disparities. By addressing these issues in a fictional context, Collins prompts readers to reflect on their own society, fostering a deeper connection between the narrative and the real world. That being said, if you want to write a book that’s set in a reality that’s different from ours, it may be beneficial for you and your story to focus on at least one social issue that still plagues our society. It is not mandatory by any means, but I believe it would give more depth to your story, prompting your readers to reflect on their own conditions, hence your book will be more memorable to them.

3) Dynamic environments

Panem's dynamic environments, ranging from the bustling streets of the Capitol to the harsh landscapes of the districts, contribute significantly to the story's richness. The stark contrast in settings not only serves as a visual spectacle but also reflects the disparities in power and resources. The ever-changing arena during the Hunger Games itself adds an element of unpredictability, keeping readers engaged and highlighting the adaptability of the characters. In summary, don’t be afraid to experiment with different dynamics and environments, even if you’ve never seen anything like that in other books. The more original your world is, the more engaging it will be to your readers, so don’t hold your imagination back. You make the rules, no one can set limits but you.

4) Detailed world history

Collins weaves a detailed history of Panem, explaining the origins of the Hunger Games and the rebellion that led to its establishment. This historical backdrop adds depth to the narrative, providing context for the current state of the world. By understanding the historical events that shaped Panem, readers gain a more profound appreciation for the characters' struggles and the stakes of the story. This process may take a little bit of time, but believe me when I tell you that planning the history of the world you’re creating can be extremely helpful. It will help readers understand the dynamics of both the government and the common people. It will give your world a form of individuality and uniqueness that no other element will provide.
Pro tip: don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from real-life history. Crack your textbooks open and let your imagination roam free.

5) Relatable characters

At the heart of The Hunger Games are characters that readers can empathise with. Katniss Everdeen's journey from a reluctant tribute to a symbol of resistance is a testament to Collins' ability to create compelling and relatable protagonists. I won’t start listing all the characters I appreciated and the reasons why I did, I would need to write a whole new article about that. Either way, the characters' fears, hopes, and relationships resonate with readers, making the fictional world of Panem feel not only vivid but also emotionally charged. I have mentioned many times before how I believe that characters are the actual core of the story. No matter how well-crafted your world is, if you don’t ideate interesting characters, you might as well stop right where you are. I won’t get into the details, but I want to leave one piece of advice that completely changed my view on characters in the dystopian genre: they are human before anything else. The context they grew up in may be different from ours, but the human nature is the same. That have weaknesses and strengths like us. See them as people before you see them as characters.

6) District differentiation

Each district in Panem is distinct in its culture, industry, and socio-economic conditions. This deliberate differentiation adds authenticity to the world building, emphasising the impact of the Capitol's control on diverse communities. From the agricultural focus of District 11 to the technological prowess of District 3, the varied landscapes and industries contribute to the richness of the narrative. It gives readers a structure they can freely navigate and explore, adding to the riveting nature of a dystopian universe. So don’t hold back and make sure you create a diverse world. That way, it will reflect the differences we all see in real-life, enhancing the believability of the story.

7) Symbolism

This is perhaps one of the most underrated aspects of world building, and yet it is probably my favorite to plan when I outline my books. The Hunger Games is rife with symbolism, from the Mockingjay as a symbol of resistance to the use of fire as a metaphor for rebellion. These symbols not only enrich the storytelling but also serve as powerful tools for conveying deeper meanings. The Mockingjay, in particular, becomes an emblem of hope and defiance, transcending its fictional origins to become an icon recognised beyond the confines of the story. I will explain why this element is so essential in a story by asking you a simple question. If I told you to describe this saga with one image, which one would you chose? Some of you may say the Mockingjay, others the bow and arrow, or the arena. Regardless of your answer, these are all symbols that make the series so memorable and easily-recognisable. Don’t underestimate the power of symbolism.

8) Emotional engagement

Last but not least, one of the most remarkable aspects of Collins' world building is its ability to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. Whether it's the tension of the Hunger Games, the heart-wrenching choices faced by characters, or the moments of triumph and tragedy, the emotional engagement is palpable. The world of Panem becomes more than a backdrop, it becomes a stage for profound human experiences that resonate with readers on a personal level. However, this strong emotional impact would not be the same without a well-structured world where we know precisely how high the stakes are and what consequences our beloved characters would have to face in case of defeat.

The Hunger Games is the series that shaped my writing style the most and I am sure I’m not the only one who has been deeply influenced by Collins’ masterful storytelling. I hope this post was helpful for you and I am confident it will guide you through your world building process. This saga offered me a huge amount of lessons on writing and I wanted to share them all with you.
This won’t be the only article I will write on The Hunger Games. Another one is in the making. Be sure you stay tuned so you don’t miss out on that one! In the meantime, let me know what you think and don’t hesitate to hit me up for any questions or suggestions on topics you want me to cover.