Main Characters:
- Katniss Everdeen: Protagonist of the book and is a strong independent and quiet female. She is 16 and is a very skilled archer. Katniss and her family are from district 12 which is one of the poorest in Panem. She reaches out for her sister and takes on the Hunger Games so that her sister wouldn't have to. Her name is significant because it comes from a plant known as Arrowhead. This is significant due to Katniss's skills in archery. Katniss actually finds this plant and eats it which is significant because in the beginning her dad tells her, "As long as you find yourself, you'll never starve".
- Peeta Mellark: Another protagonist in the Hunger Games who was picked to be in the 74th Hunger Games. Peeta is one of the three sons his parents had raised. Peeta and Katniss have a romantic interest in each other and Katniss is always assured by Peeta's protection. Peeta has sacrificed for Katniss as he does love her. Peeta is a kind and well rounded man that plays a big role in Katniss's life. His name is significant to the book because his father owns a bakery. Pita is a type of bread and is pronounced the same as his name.
- Haymitch Abernathy: Haymitch acted as a coach for Katniss and Peeta in the games because he is experienced with the games and served as a great tutor to the both of them. Haymitch is wise when it comes to the Hunger Games and is one of the few survivors. Haymitch is a very big part of Katniss and Peeta's survival. Though his first encounter with Katniss and Peeta was drunken, there ended up to be more to the man then his drunken self. His last name, "Abernathy", is also the last name of a civil rights leader.
- Gale Hawthorne: Gale is one of Katniss's best friends and has known her for quite some time. He is worthy to his friends and family and is faced with the tearing apart of the relationship that he had with Katniss. Katniss and Gale share the rebel like characteristic and both are independently strong.
- President Snow: Snow is the antagonist of the novel who is the autocratic leader of Panem. Snow isn't the most mindful person yet is laid back and devious.