Panem is a nation established during an unknown time period in a post-apocalyptic world. It is situated primarily on the western side of North America, and the Capitol is located in an area formerly known as the Rocky Mountains.

Panem was run by a single-party dictatorship that was led by President Snow before the second rebellion. It is portrayed in the trilogy to be the dominant society in North America, and no other nations or civilized societies beyond Panem have been mentioned, so it is unknown if any exist at all. The name Panem derives from the Latin phrase panem et circenses, which literally translates into ‘bread and circuses’. The phrase itself is used to describe entertainment used to distract public attention from more important matters. Furthermore, by the government providing ample food and entertainment, the citizens would give up their political rights.

In Panem, the rules were harshly enforced. After The Dark Days, a sadistic, annual event known as The Hunger Games was established. Panem is located in the remains of North America. Not much is known about the exact locations of the districts. Much of Panem’s history is shrouded in mystery, though known history dates back approximately seventy-five years prior to the beginning of The Hunger Games trilogy.

Illustration by Mondolithic Studios for BenBella Book’s ‘SmartPop’ Series.