Understanding the Timeline of the ‘Hunger Games’ Series

The *Hunger Games* series, a hallmark of dystopian literature, unfolds in a future where societal structures and history have dramatically shifted. Although the specific time frame is not explicitly defined in either the novels or their cinematic adaptations, fans have speculated about the timeline, particularly concerning the original trilogy, alongside its prequels, *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* and *Sunrise on the Reaping*.

Understanding the Hunger Games Timeline

To navigate the timeline of this captivating franchise, it’s essential to reference the annual Hunger Games. Within the fictional landscape of Panem, the inception of the Hunger Games follows the Capitol’s victory in a rebellion, which culminated in the “Treaty of Treason.”Consequently, many fans categorize events using BTT (Before the Treaty of Treason) and ATT (After the Treaty of Treason), akin to the Star Wars universe’s BBY and ABY timeline markers.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes	10-11 THAT
Sunrise on the Reaping	50 THAT
The Hunger Games	74 THAT
Catching Fire	74-75 THAT
Mockingjay	75-76 THAT

The original trilogy unfolds between 74 and 76 ATT. In *The Hunger Games*, protagonists Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark emerge as victors of the 74th annual Hunger Games. Their journey continues in *Catching Fire*, where they again face the arena in the 75th Hunger Games. The final chapter, *Mockingjay*, portrays the rebellion led by District 13 to overthrow President Snow, marking a pivotal moment in Panem’s history. This war lasts only a few months, yet profoundly alters the landscape of the society.

Setting the Hunger Games in Our Timeline

The narrative of *The Hunger Games* takes place in an altered reflection of our world’s history. Katniss mentions that she resides in what was once the United States. Over a span that likely spans from around 2008, when the first book was published, to the events of the story, the remnants of the US morphed into the dystopian nation known as Panem. This new government reorganized the remaining states into thirteen districts and a Capitol.

Based on these insights, it is plausible that the original trilogy occurs in the 23rd century, while the prequels *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* and *Sunrise on the Reaping* are positioned in the 22nd century. Notably, author Suzanne Collins played a key role as a screenwriter for the original film, suggesting her involvement influenced the timeline’s construction, though this remains speculative.

The Importance of “Reaping Day”

A striking detail revealed in *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* is that the Reaping Day, the event when tributes are selected for the games, falls on July 4—an ironic twist, considering that this date once commemorated independence and freedom.

Throughout the series, Katniss conveys that residents of Panem are largely unaware of their world’s past, including the historical significance of this day. Nonetheless, individuals in the Capitol likely understand the irony of symbolically aligning Reaping Day with a date that once celebrated freedom from oppression—an indication of the brutality ingrained within this society.

Compounding this irony is the revelation that July 4 also marks Haymitch Abernathy’s birthday, a constant shadow of sorrow for a character who participated in the brutal Quarter Quell and has spent decades mentoring tributes from District 12. His tragic narrative raises questions about resilience in a system designed to crush hope.

As the series progresses, where might Collins steer the future of *The Hunger Games*? Will she delve deeper into the ATT timeline, explore the earlier BTT years, or reveal more about the intervening spaces and the Games that unfolded within them?

Source & Images