The Time Setting of The Hunger Games
Discover the captivating timeline of The Hunger Games! Unveil the era in which the first movie unfolds and dive into the enthralling world of Panem
The first film of The Hunger Games franchise is set in the dystopian future of America, now called Panem. Each year, a game is held where a boy and girl from each district are forced to fight to the death for the amusement of the heartless Capitol. As The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the prequel movie, is on its way, you may be curious about the timeline. Here's what we know.
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is set decades before the original Hunger Games trilogy and focuses on President Snow, the primary antagonist. At 18 years old, Snow is the last hope for his declining family lineage. As we anticipate its release, here is some key information about the timeline of the original Hunger Games.
When does The Hunger Games take place?
Although it’s unspecified – both in the 2012 The Hunger Games movie and Suzanne Collins’ book of the same – many believe it to take place 300 years into the future.
This timeline is still awaiting confirmation, but it is widely followed as it originated from an early version of the film script for The Hunger Games. As per the franchise's Wiki, the series' events are stated to occur 300 years in the future.
Given that the film was released in 2012, it can be inferred that the trilogy commences around 2312, with 1 ATT being equivalent to the year 2238. However, as none of this information is present in the final product, it remains purely speculative.
In a Reddit post, a fan suggested a comparable timeframe, stating: "I came across someone's attempt to calculate and deduce it, and they determined that if we are currently residing in the era where everything falls apart, let's assume it takes approximately 50 years for a complete recovery and reconstruction, followed by another 100 to 200 years for the development into the Panem depicted in the books, a few years of warfare, and finally, 75 years of the Hunger Games."
They concluded by suggesting that the trilogy is set around 300 years in the future, approximately.
It should be noted that this is purely speculative since the exact time period is not explicitly mentioned in either the books or the films. However, this estimation can provide some insight into the timeframe of the first film. The prequel novel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, takes place 64 years prior to the events depicted in the initial Hunger Games movie.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes arrives in cinemas on November 17, 2023. You can read more of our coverage of the franchise below:
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of The Hunger Games series, I am thrilled to explore the captivating timeline of this dystopian world. The first movie, set in the future of America now known as Panem, presents a society where a yearly game forces children to fight to the death for the entertainment of the Capitol. The upcoming prequel movie, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, adds depth to the story by focusing on President Snow's early years.
Although the exact time period is not explicitly mentioned in the books or films, many believe the events unfold approximately 300 years in the future. This timeline provides a glimpse into a world where the remnants of our current society have faded, replaced by a totalitarian regime that suppresses its citizens through fear and violence. The prequel novel, set 64 years before the original movie, offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the origins of Panem and the rise of its ruthless leader.
The Hunger Games franchise captivates audiences with its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. As a fan, I eagerly await the release of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which promises to expand the mythology and explore the dark past of this unforgettable story.
