Suzanne Collins' “The Hunger Games” introduces us to a detailed dystopian world filled with vivid characters. Here are the primary characters in the novel: 1. **Katniss Everdeen**: The 16-year-old protagonist of the novel. Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister Prim's place in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death. Katniss is from the poverty-stricken District 12. She's resourceful, extremely competent with a bow, and is a survivor at heart. 2. **Peeta Mellark**: The male tribute from District 12 who also competes in the Hunger Games. Peeta is the son of the local baker, and has been in love with Katniss since a very young age. He is charming, charismatic, and an exceptional manipulator of public sentiment. 3. **Primrose "Prim" Everdeen**: Katniss' 12-year-old sister. Prim is chosen as the original female tribute for District 12 for the Hunger Games but Katniss volunteers to take her place. Prim embodies innocence and kindness, characteristics that fuel Katniss' motivations. 4. **Gale Hawthorne**: Best friends with Katniss, Gale also hails from District 12. He shares hunting duties with Katniss, assisting their families' survival in the poverty-stricken district. Gale is more rebellious and angry than Katniss or Peeta. 5. **Haymitch Abernathy**: The only living winner from District 12 of previous Hunger Games. He becomes the mentor for Katniss and Peeta, providing advice and guidance for surviving the Games. Haymitch is initially portrayed as a cynical drunk, but proves to have a sharp mind and a deep-seated desire to defy the Capitol. 6. **Effie Trinket**: The Capitol-appointed chaperone for District 12's tributes. Effie is distinctive for her flamboyant appearance and mannerisms. Despite her superficial vanity, she cares for the tributes she is responsible for. 7. **President Snow**: The main antagonist of the series and the autocratic ruler of Panem, the country where The Hunger Games takes place. He's known for his oppressive and controlling nature. Each character in "The Hunger Games" not only contributes to the immediate story but also to the larger themes of power, sacrifice, survival, and societal control embedded in the novel. Their complexity ensures the story's ongoing relevance and engagement for readers.