"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
(CBS News) If you're a fan of "The Hunger Games," you're familiar with the world of Panem, the yearly Reaping, the 24 tributes and the Capitol.
If you're unfamiliar with Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel, it's likely that sentence doesn't make much sense. But if the trailers and fan hype have you intrigued, you might want some background on the book before you see it on the big screen.
Pictures: "The Hunger Games" premiere
Pictures: "The Hunger Games" character posters
Here, we provide a quick introduction to the key players in Panem, the post-apocalyptic country where the story takes place (See? You just learned something new!). Keep clicking to find out more about the cast and characters, so you're prepared when "The Hunger Games" hits theaters March 23.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Panem
Located on what once was North America, Panem is the post-apocalyptic country where "The Hunger Games" takes place. The nation is divided into 12 districts, controlled from the country's Capitol by the all-powerful President Snow.
Each year, to remind citizens of the Capitol's power and as punishment for a previous rebellion, one male and one female "tribute" (ages 12-18) from each district is chosen by lottery to compete in the Hunger Games, a battle-to-the-death televised before the entire nation. All the citizens of Panem are required to watch.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Katniss Everdeen
Played by: Jennifer Lawrence
Katniss is a resident of District 12, one of the poorest districts in Panem. She lives with her widowed mother and sister in the Seam, one of the poorest parts of the district. Her father died in a mining explosion when she was 11, leaving her as the main provider for her family. Now 16, she is a skilled hunter whose weapon of choice is a bow and arrow.
She volunteers to participate in the Games after her younger sister, Prim, is chosen as a tribute.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Peeta Mellark
Played by: Josh Hutcherson
Peeta is the other tribute chosen to represent District 12 in the 74th Hunger Games.
The son of a baker, he is part of the merchant class and from the wealthier part of the district. He harbors a crush on his Hunger Games partner, and once gave her bread when her family was starving - an act of kindness Katniss has not forgotten.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Gale Hawthorne
Played by: Liam Hemsworth
Gale is Katniss' friend and hunting partner. Both of their fathers died in a mining explosion (the districts all specialize in specific industries - District 12's is coal), forcing the teens to provide food and money for their families.
When Katniss volunteers for the Games, she makes Gale promise to take care of her family while she's gone (and if she doesn't come back).
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Effie Trinket
Played by: Elizabeth Banks
Effie is the chaperone for District 12. She's responsible for drawing tributes' names at the annual Reaping and escorting tributes to the Capitol, where they are housed and trained before entering the arena for the Hunger Games.
She's punctual, perky and strict about manners. Her outrageous outfits are normal by Capitol standards, where residents live in opulence while the districts suffer in poverty.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Haymitch Abernathy
Played by: Woody Harrelson
Haymitch is Katniss and Peeta's mentor. A previous Hunger Games victor from District 12, he is now a middle-aged alcoholic who spends most of his time intoxicated.
Despite his jaded, sarcastic and drunken demeanor, he sees potential in the two tributes and proves to be a cunning strategist and ally.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Cinna
Played by: Lenny Kravitz
Cinna is Katniss' stylist. He chooses what she wears for her public appearances in the Capitol - an important role, because making the right impression is essential to winning over the public and earning gifts from sponsors. He also becomes a trusted confidant for Katniss.
Unlike other residents of the Capitol, Cinna doesn't dress outlandishly or surgically alter his appearance. Gold eyeliner is his only touch of flair.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Primrose Everdeen
Played by: Willow Shields
Primrose Everdeen, nicknamed "Prim," is Katniss' 12-year-old sister. Innocent and timid, she was chosen during the lottery for Hunger Games tributes. Katniss volunteers to take her place, and Prim makes her promise that she'll do all she can to win.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Caesar Flickerman
Played by: Stanley Tucci
Caesar Flickerman is a television personality known for his interviews with the tributes, which are broadcast to the entire nation. He is a quick-minded interviewer with a knack for making each tribute shine.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
President Snow
Played by: Donald Sutherland
President Coriolanus Snow is the autocratic ruler of Panem. Ruthless and cruel, he controls the country from his palace in the Capitol. Fans of the book will know he's notorious for always wearing a white rose on his lapel.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Seneca Crane
Played by: Wes Bentley
Seneca Crane is the Head Gamemaker for the 74th Hunger Games. The Gamemakers are the ones who design the arena for every Hunger Games (the terrain, layout and obstacles are different every year). They are also able to manipulate the action within the arena during the Games themselves.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Glimmer
Played by: Levin Rambin
Glimmer is the female tribute from District 1. She's from one of the country's wealthier districts, where being a tribute is considered an honor. Children from those areas are commonly known as Careers, because they train throughout their lives in hopes of participating in The Hunger Games.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Marvel
Played by: Jack Quaid
Marvel is the ruthless male tribute from District 1. Like Glimmer and the other Careers, he has trained for most of his life for the Games.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Cato
Played by: Alexander Ludwig
Cato is the bloodthirsty male tribute from District 2. One of the Career tributes, he's ruthless, competitive and one of Katniss' biggest threats in the arena.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Clove
Played by: Isabelle Fuhrman
Isabelle Fuhrman plays Clove, the female tribute from District 2. She's another Career tribute, who proves to an expert knife thrower.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Rue
Played by: Amandla Stenberg
Rue is the female tribute from District 11. Just 12 years old, she is smart and agile, but also the youngest competitor in this year's Hunger Games.
Her size and demeanor remind Katniss of her sister, Prim, and the two become allies in the arena.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Thresh
Played by: Dayo Okeniyi
Thresh is the male tribute from District 11, one of the poorer districts in Panem, which specializes in agriculture. Though he and Rue hail from the same district, they are physical opposites - while she's petite, he's tall and extremely strong.
"The Hunger Games": A look at the cast and key players in Panem
Foxface
Played by: Jacqueline Emerson
The female tribute from District 5. Her name is never revealed, but Katniss gives her the nickname Foxface - an apt moniker, because she proves to be a cunning and swift opponent in the arena.