Protagonists | Other District 12 Residents | Tributes of the 74th Hunger Games | Past Tributes | The Capitol | Spoiler Characters
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District 8
Bonnie and Twill
A pair of escapees from District 8, the former a student and the latter a teacher, both from the same school. They fled during an uprising in their district, in an attempt to make it to District 13.
- Adapted Out: They were left out of the film adaptation of Catching Fire.
- City Mouse: Having lived in the urban District 8 their entire lives, what few survival skills they have they learned from watching previous Hunger Games, such as boiling pine needles to make tea.
- Dressing as the Enemy: Working in the factories after school, they were able to squirrel away parts of Peacekeeper uniforms to disguise themselves in their escape.
- Facial Markings: Bonnie has a distinctive strawberry birthmark over one of her eyes.
- Meaningful Name: Twill is a type of textile fabric, while Bonnie's name is a pun on "bobbin," a small metal spindle that holds the thread in a sewing machine. Both refer to District 8's textile industry.
- Parental Abandonment: Bonnie's entire family, presumably including both her parents, were killed in a factory bombing.
- Parental Substitute: Being the older of the pair by about two decades, Twill is the closest thing to a mother that Bonnie has.
- Uncertain Doom: They're not seen in District 13 during Mockingjay, meaning they were most likely either caught and killed by the Capitol or simply perished in the wilderness.
- You Remind Me of X: When Katniss offers Bonnie a cheese bun and she says, "Oh, is this all for me?", she's reminded of sharing groosling with Rue and hearing her say, "Oh, I've never head a whole leg to myself before."
Commander Paylor
A rebel aligned military commander from District 8. She goes on to become the new President of Panem, leading the country as it mourns the dead and braves an uncertain but hopefully democratic future.
- Action Girl: A young (mid-thirties) senior military officer who is shown personally trying to shoot down incoming bombers.
- The Chains of Commanding: Her initial description implies this, with Katniss noting the fatigue in her face while she orders directs medics where to drop off the wounded.
- Fire-Forged Friends: She is initially polite but cold to the Propo crew, unimpressed by their unwanted suggestions and relatively comfortable appearance compared to the harrowing conditions of her own people (this contrasts with the patients at the hospital, who are quickly elated by Katniss's mere presence). That said Paylor seems to warm up to Katniss after seeing the latter rush into battle to her side to fight the incoming planes, disregarding orders from command. Later their fortunes are reversed and Katniss utterly broken by her sister's tragic death while Paylor's own military-political standing seems to be on the up and up. Paylor allows Katniss into the garden where Snow is secretly being held, allowing her to gain some clarity about the situation. On Katniss's way out, Paylor asks if she found what she was looking for, possibly indicating she wanted her to learn the truth.
- Foil: To President Coin. Unlike her future predecessor, she leads from the front and is straightforward with her intentions. She receives additional focus in the film, presented as a charismatic but authoritative leader despite her youth while the older President Coin is shown to be cold and ruthless. In the end, it is implied in the book and stated outright in the film that she will be a much better leader than both Snow and Coin.
- They both also end up hiring Plutarch Heavensbee as a prominent advisor focused on communications, though given his consummate survivor tendencies this might just be Plutarch doing what he does best.
- Frontline General: Comes with the territory given the situation. As far as we see she's the highest ranking officer in District 8 and she personally is involved in its defense. Given the circumstances, it is likely she received a Battlefield Promotion but Katniss notes that odds are her appointment was not arbitrary.
- Hero of Another Story: Like the other District rebel leaders, her story is left largely untold. Katniss encounters her several weeks after the Rebellion is already underway (and District 8 had already made a coordinated revolt even before the 75th Games) and she leaves before the rebels fully liberate the district. We do not see her again in the books (in the films she makes a few additional appearances in District 2 and at the start of the assault on the Capital) until the very end. How she became President and what she will do once she's in charge remains untold.
- A Mother to Her Men: The book describes on a few occasions that those under her command follow her orders without question. Unlike in the highly regimented District 13, it's implied this is due to genuine loyalty to her and her mutual concern for her people.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: A grizzled but not obstinate rebel leader, described as very young for her position (perhaps because the earlier District 8 rebellion saw many existing candidates executed) but with an authoritative voice and the respect of those under her command. An offhand comment suggests that her relationship with Coin and District 13 is strained due to the latter's unwillingness to send further aid. This ultimately pays off when she is able to order her men to allow Katniss to see Snow after the bombings and thus expose Coin for her (likely) crimes. Doubly so, because the ensuing power vacuum allows her to secure the Presidency.
- Supporting Leader: One of several shown throughout Mockingjay. Katniss only briefly interacts with her but she is instrumental in moving the plot along. Ultimately, as Katniss retreats from the public eye the last we hear of national politics is of Paylor's ascent into the Presidency.
District 13
District 13 in general
A district supposedly destroyed during the First Rebellion, but survived after engaging in an uneasy truce based on Mutually Assured Destruction with the Capitol. As of Mockingjay, it serves as the headquarters of the Second Rebellion, intending to overthrow the Capitol.
- 13 Is Unlucky: District 13 is the odd district out, especially after it got destroyed by the Capitol prior to the events of the series. Or so Katniss and most of the country has been told. A portion of the district has been quietly surviving underground, having enough nuclear weapons to keep itself and the Capital locked into an uneasy truce out of fear of a nuclear war. Still, they're cut off from most of the world.
- Actually Pretty Funny: As a district that is completely militarized, without any holidays or entertainment of any kind, they find Buttercup's cat antics with a flashlight extremely amusing. Buttercup becomes a bit of a celebrity in the district and Katniss is even allowed flashlight batteries, which is saying something considering how strict they are with their resources.
- Arch-Enemy: Can be seen as this towards the Capitol as a whole. District 13 led the first rebellion against them, made the deal for their independence under threat of Mutually Assured Destruction when the tide of war turned against them, and even after going into hiding they still spent 75 years doing nothing but prepare to take them down and aid the other districts in gaining their freedom in the second rebellion. No other District is as defiant to the Capitol as District 13 is, they became their own independent nation just to get away from the Capitol's control, can't get much more rebellious than that.
- Big Damn Heroes: A couple of days after District 12 is firebombed to the ground, a hovercraft from District 13 arrives and rescues the few hundred survivors that are left.
- Child Soldiers: Every able-bodied resident of the district aged 14 and above receives military training and is addressed by the title of "Soldier".
- Childless Dystopia: District 13 has very few children, because of a Sterility Plague – possibly due to radiation, as they're the nuclear power district – some time back that rendered many unable to conceive. This is why they welcome refugees with open arms, as they want to increase their population's genetic diversity.
- Elaborate Underground Base: Nearly all activity in District 13 has been moved underground, to the point of being an Underground City. There are even bunkers located deep underground in case of bombings.
- Foil: Serves as one to the Capitol. While the Capitol is dependent on the district industries, District 13 is self reliant. The Capitol's people live in total luxury while the people of District 13 only have basic needs. Even their locations are opposite, the Capitol is in the rocky mountains for natural protection while District 13 is located underground for natural protection. At the end of Mockingjay it is revealed they both have evil presidents in Snow and Coin, only Coin doesn't have Snow’s redeeming honesty.
- To District 12: Both were miner districts, coal for 12 and graphite for 13, though the graphite was a cover for 13's main industry in nuclear development. While they are considered the weakest district and had no real chance to rebel against the Capitol as they were bombed in the early days of the first rebellion, District 13 was leading the second rebellion as the strongest and barely even scratched by their bombing. After the second rebellion ended in rebel victory, district 12 was slowly being rebuilt as a Medicine district, in contrast to district 13 making weapons, especially nuclear weapons.
- To District 2: Both were publicly known for their smaller industries, masonry for 2 and graphite mining for 13, but this was only a cover for thier main industries; peacekeepers for 2 and nuclear development for 13. Both had the Capitols main military bases located in their districts, although district 2 only had this happen after the first rebellion when 13 won its freedom. While District 2 is considered the most loyal district to the Capitol, District 13 is the most rebellious district to the Capitol (see Arch-Enemy above). Their military's bases are also opposite, the base nicknamed "The Nut" is located inside a mountain, was made only after the dark days and only holds thier military, the underground bunker is district 13 is city-sized and houses the entire districts population, and is much more developed as it has been made and improved for centuries before 13 basically inherited it after they won their independence.
- Last-Name Basis: Most residents of District 13 are referred to by their surnames, sometimes accompanied by the title of "Soldier". The main exceptions to this appear to be the refugees from other Districts and possibly Dr. Aurelius, who are known by their given names.
- The Leader: Not only did they start the first rebellion, they also led the first rebellion against the capitol and the second rebellion as well 75 years later as they were the district most qualified to do so.
- Police State: District 13 is less cruel but even more restrictive than the Capitol in terms of resource distribution, where even the food consumed is measured to exact quantities and those who commit relatively minor infractions like stealing food can be beaten, tortured and locked up, shackled to the walls of a dungeon deep underground without sufficient healing supplies to prevent infection. Somewhat justified in their case, as everyone has to do exactly what they're told for the relatively small population to keep District 13 going.
- La Résistance: District 13 does still exist and has developed itself enough to oppose the Capitol in guerilla warfare.
- Odd Name Out: The only district in Panem with the teen suffix, and the only district not to participate in a hunger games event due to their complete independence from the Capitol and Panem (politically and resource-wise)
- There Are No Therapists: Unlike the rest of Panem, this is subverted. All refugees are given psychological help and local specialists do everything they can to get Peeta back to his old self after a Mind Rape. Before the final attack on the Capitol, soldiers are checked for possible psychological problems (Johanna gets sent to a mental facility in the face of her PTSD from being tortured in the Capitol). Katniss also goes through therapy after her sister's death.
- Walking Spoiler: For the first two books, District 13 is believed to have been bombed into oblivion at the end of the Dark Days. The fact that they're still alive and well is a massive spoiler in itself.
- Underground City: Almost all of District 13 is located underground, which includes meeting and war council rooms, kitchens, hospitals, living quarters for both native residents and refugees, classrooms, training rooms, armories, propaganda studios, presumably munitions and hovercraft factories/workshops (which are never visited or mentioned, but are implied to exist), underground farms, power generators, and bunkers in case of extensive bombings. The only parts not located underground are a fenced-in training area for sunlight and exercise, a few guard stations, and a sliver of the top floor with windows to above-ground areas, and even then, the top ten floors or so are bombed into oblivion by the Capitol in Mockingjay.
- Where It All Began: Was the starting point of the first rebellion that led to the dark days shaping much of Panems future history with the establishment of hunger games, the faked destruction of District 13 (actually seceding for independence) the everlasting resentment in the other districts towards the Capitol, and setting up a perfect rebel base for the second rebellion. And it all started in District 13
President Alma Coin
The president of District 13.
- Asshole Victim: Literally no one feels sorry for her when Katniss finally kills her with her bow, given that she's a Faux Affably Evil power hungry sociopath willing to commit horrible atrocities.
- Big Bad Ensemble: With President Snow. Coin at first seems like the Big Good trying to make everything better, but by the end of the final novel both Snow and Katniss realise she's just been motivated by power this whole time.
- The Chessmaster: She gets all of the other Districts to fight the Capitol while her own sits back and waits to strike, and she makes Katniss the face and symbol of the rebellion while controlling her by holding her friends and family hostage and sending her on dangerous missions in the hope that she will be martyred and thus, not a threat to Coin as a rival.
- Control Freak: In the second Mockingjay film, Boggs mentions that Coin doesn't like anything she can't control, noting her dislike for Katniss, some districts, and likely other individuals as well.
- Distaff Counterpart: To President Snow. Both of them are cold, calculating and ruthless presidents who are willing to commit war crimes and send children off to die. Her name reflects this as well, as she's two sides of the same coin as Snow.
- Freudian Excuse: According to the film version, Coin lost her husband and daughter during the pox epidemic that broke out in the district years earlier, which may have contributed to her cold personality.
- Genghis Gambit: In order to rally the people in the Capitol on her side and end things early, Coin blows up a bunch of children and makes it look like Snow is responsible. It works, initially.
- Hate Sink: As bad as President Snow was, he was at least decent enough to keep his word regardless of how much it benefited him, on the other hand Coin always broke her promises whenever it benefited her, and was willing to kill millions and frame Snow for the sake of keeping power, which makes her death at the hands of Katniss and Snow very satisfying.
- Hypocrite: Under her rules, District 13 is run with utmost efficiency and little waste, and newcomers are welcomed, since they have extremely limited resources and low fertility in their population. As a result, waste of resources or human life are treated as crimes in 13...but Coin sacrifices the lives of rebel medics to frame the Capitol in a horrific False Flag Operation that President Snow indicates was unnecessary, as his surrender was imminent.
- Icy Blue Eyes: The second type — she's stern, strong-willed, and willing to hurt people to get what she wants.
- La Résistance: She's the leader of District 13, the main base of operations of the rebellion against the Capitol.
- A Lighter Shade of Black: Appears to be this at first. While she is tough and tyrannical, she competently leads the fight against an evil empire under very difficult circumstances. The trope is ultimately averted, since the more power the rebellion gets, the more Coin becomes like Snow.
- Manipulative Bitch
- Meaningful Name: She and Snow are two sides of the same coin. Plus, Alma means "soul" in Spanish — further showing that her soul has two sides.
- Not-So-Well-Intentioned Extremist: Claims to be trying to overthrow a corrupt government to make things more fair and free, but in actuality she just wants to be President herself and doesn't really plan on changing anything except who gets to be in charge and who gets to be fodder.
- "Not So Different" Remark: Katniss ultimately decides she's every bit as bad as Snow, when she states her plan to restart the Hunger Games with the Capitol's children.
- Punny Name: She's President Coin. On the surface, she's the head of the Rebellion, but on the inside, she's Faux Affably Evil and is more than willing to commit atrocities to gain control over Panem... having two sides, just like a coin; as mentioned above as well, she's two sides of the same coin with President Snow.
- President Evil: Is willing to commit war crimes against her own side to win, and plans to restart the Hunger Games with the Capitol's children for revenge.
- Shoot the Hostage: She orders a bombing attack on children being used as human shields by President Snow - and makes it appear that the attack was initiated by Snow, in order to destroy any remaining public support for Snow's regime.
- Tyrannicide: Her ultimate fate, being killed by Katniss to prevent a Full-Circle Revolution.
- The Uriah Gambit: She tries to get Katniss killed in line of combat, deeming her disposable. It fails.
- Walking Spoiler: Discussing her in any way requires giving away that District 13 is still around and going.
- Would Hurt a Child:
- Doesn't do it directly herself, but she has Capitol children blown up to make it look like Snow was behind their deaths. Later, as a way for the districts to sate their desire for vengeance on the Capitol, she also proposes the idea of a final Hunger Games using the children of Capitol officials and politicians.
- It's also implied that she sent Prim to the front lines of the rebel medics, who were allowed past the barricade to treat the injured children and were subsequently blown up as well, just so she could have Katniss's support.
Boggs
Coin's right-hand man and leader of Squad 451.
- Butt-Monkey: Poor Boggs gets a fair share of humiliation and suffering throughout Mockingjay, from Gale punching and breaking his nose, to Katniss puking all over him, to his cruel death.
- Cruel and Unusual Death: His legs are blown off by a mine pod, and subsequently bleeds to death.
- Deadpan Snarker: What initially helps Katniss warm up to him. When Fulvia makes a comment about Gale being handsome that embarrasses both Gale and Katniss, Boggs comes to the rescue by responding, "Well, don't expect us to be too impressed. We just saw Finnick Odair in his underwear."
- Father to His Men: Katniss compares the way he looks after her to her own father, and he treats her antics with patience and concern rather than anger, unlike Coin, Plutarch and even Haymitch. By the end of the book it’s clear he’d much rather she stay safe at 13 than go to battle, and as a commanding officer he does everything he can to safeguard the people under his command.
- Number Two: He is President Coin's right-hand man.
- Token Good Teammate: Despite being Coin's number two, it becomes apparent that Boggs is loyal to the cause of the rebellion and not to Coin herself. He even tips Katniss off regarding Coin's plan to eliminate her. When she learns about it, Katniss quickly decides that she can trust him.
- You Are Better Than You Think You Are: More or less says this when trying to convince Katniss to give herself some credit for the things she's done for the rebellion and how much people admire her as a result.
Jackson
The second-in-command of Squad 451.
- Heroic Sacrifice: She and Leeg 1 sacrifice themselves to hold off the lizard mutts while the others escape.
- Number Two: She is Boggs' number two and becomes exasperated when Katniss refuses to hand over the squad's Holo after his death (though she grudgingly complies).
- We Hardly Knew Ye: We don't know learn much about her before she is killed.
Leeg 1 and 2
A pair of twin sisters living in District 13. Members of the rebels and Squad 451.
- Always Identical Twins: The group calls them Leeg 1 and 2 because of it. However, Katniss notes that Leeg 1 has "weird yellow flecks in her eyes", making it easier for her to distinguish the two.
- Heroic Sacrifice: Leeg 1 and Jackson sacrifice themselves to hold off the lizard mutts while the others escape.
- Identical Twin ID Tag: Leeg 1 has yellow flecks in her eyes, while Leeg 2 doesn't.
- Small Role, Big Impact: Leeg 2's death causes the squad to become one member short, so Peeta is sent to replace her. Since Peeta undergoes his trauma healing on the go, he would have probably never recovered from his hijacking if Leeg 2 did not die.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: Leeg 2 was the first member of Squad 451 to die thanks to accidental mislabeling of a pod which shot a cluster of metal darts, killing her. Leeg 1 died along with Lieutenant Jackson from the Meat Grinder pod.
Mitchell
A member of Squad 451.
- Bad "Bad Acting": According to Katniss, his acting for the propos is less than stellar.
- Cruel and Unusual Death: He gets pulled by a barbed wire net and is helpless as black tar washes over and kills him.
- Murder by Mistake: Peeta, in his hijacking frenzy, pushes him into a Capitol pod that leads to his death.
- The Quiet One: Katniss describes him as this.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: Like the rest of the Star Squad, we don't learn much about him before he bites the dust.
Homes
A member of Squad 451.
- Cruel and Unusual Death: Gets mauled by the lizard mutts.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: Doesn't get much characterization before he is killed off.
Dr. Aurelius
The head psychiatrist of District 13 who oversees Katniss' recovery.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: He is willing to give Katniss a free pass for not attending his sessions, as he wants to rest himself. Later, after Katniss assassinates Coin, Aurelius gives a testimony that Katniss is insane to save her from being punished. It is noted that he covers up for Katniss' absence during the mandatory sessions throughout the next several years by faking records of her visitation.
- The Shrink: The Awesome type, and a Reasonable Authority Figure who doesn't ask Katniss pointless questions during her therapy sessions.
Dalton
A migrant from District 10 who has lived in District 13 for several years before Katniss arrives.
- Hero of Another Story: He found out about District 13, escaped from District 10 and made it all the way there on his own.
- Mr. Exposition: He gives Katniss information about District 13's history.
