In a dystopian future, the once prosperous nation of Panem is recovering from the devastation of war. The Capitol, looking to reassert its dominance over the 12 districts, conceives the 10th Hunger Games, a televised event where selected youths, known as "tributes," are forced to fight to the death in a controlled arena. Amidst this grim backdrop, young Coriolanus Snow, a member of an influential but declining Capitol family, sees an opportunity to regain his family's lost prestige. He is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from impoverished District 12, whose singing ability and charismatic personality captivate the entire nation. Faced with the harsh realities of the Games and the capriciousness of Capitol society, Snow's ambitions and motivations begin to evolve.

As Snow navigates the treacherous political landscape surrounding the Hunger Games, he forms a complex bond with Lucy Gray. Their journey reveals the deep inequalities and brutalities of Panem, prompting Snow to manipulate the games and the public's perceptions for their advantage. This relationship, built on a mix of mutual dependence and manipulation, lays the groundwork for the events that will ultimately shape the future of Panem. Through their experiences, the narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, and rebellion, setting the stage for the transformative rebellions that would come to define the nation's history.