The Hunger Games series and was released on September 14, 2008. "The Hunger Games" follows 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th Hunger Games in place of her younger sister Primrose Everdeen. Also selected from District 12 is Peeta Mellark. They are mentored by their district's only living victor, Haymitch Abernathy, who won 24 years earlier and has since led a solitary life of alcoholism. Peeta confesses his longtime secret love for Katniss in a televised interview prior to the Games. This revelation stuns Katniss, who harbors feelings for Gale Hawthorne, her friend and hunting partner. Haymitch
Katniss Everdeen family alive. The next day, she had the courage to venture out into the woods, where she later teamed up with Gale to hunt for food for their families. After Katniss and Peeta have been selected and said goodbyes to their families, they are whisked away by Haymitch Abernathy (the only living District 12 Victor, extreme drunkard, and mentor to all former District 12 tributes) and Effie to the high-speed train that awaits them. During the train ride, Katniss tries to separate from Peeta, knowing she has to kill him in the arena. When they arrive in the Capitol, Katniss