Quite simply: A post-apocalyptic, dystopian thriller, tortured teen romance with fashion, in a story to be continued. We explain it all

What in the world are the Hunger Games?

A post-apocalyptic

Dystopian thriller

Tortured teen romance

With Fashion!

In a story to be continued.

‘The Hunger Games’ is post-apocalyptic

The world set in “The Hunger Games” is that of a shrunken and divided United States, called Panem. Much of the coastline (including South Carolina up to Columbia) is underwater. There are hints that both global warming and internal conflict have reshaped America. The movie begins in District 12, a coal mining hub that resembles West Virginia (but shot on location in North Carolina), and also is set in a capital city that is supposed to be utopian. Much of what’s left of South Carolina appears to be in District 8, an area known for its textiles.

See: “Blade Runner,” “Gattaca”

‘The Hunger Games’ is a dystopian thriller

No way around this one. To keep order, the government overlords stage an annual gladiator-type death match, with two teens representing each region. Our heroine, Katniss, steps in when her little sister is chosen. Her counterpart is Peeta, son of the baker in their town.

Let the games begin: 24 contestants hunt each other down in an arena – while the world watches on TV. One survives and is declared the winner.

See: “Mad Max: Thunderdome,” “Big Brother,” “The Running Man”

‘The Hunger Games’ is a tortured teen romance

Are you Team Peeta or Team Gale? Katniss is best friends with Gale; they share a bond after their fathers were killed in a coal mining accident. Peeta is a fellow contestant who has known – and loved – Katniss for years. Peeta and Katniss must feign a romance to please the crowds watching The Hunger Games. But will that blossom into something real?

See: “Twilight”

‘The Hunger Games’ has fashion!

The bad guys in the movies are obsessed with fashion – after all, they are the vain and frivolous upper class. The contestants try to get public support before the games by staging elaborate “debuts” with wild costumes. We all can’t wait to see the flaming costumes, rolling out on a chariot.

See: “The Fifth Element” “Brazil”

‘The Hunger Games’ is a story to be continued

Author Suzanne Collins, who wrote three books based on “The Hunger Games,” sets up Katniss as “The One” who turns this world upside down. Her symbol? A gold pin depicting a “mockingjay,” a breed of birds that fly free through the world of Panem.

See: “Metropolis,” “The Matrix” but we hope not “The Matrix: Reloaded”