As the Fiftieth Hunger Games approaches, fear grips every district of Panem. This year marks the second Quarterly Massacre, and each district is required to send double the number of tributes. Haymitch Abernathy tries not to think about it, wanting the Harvest to end so he can spend time with his girlfriend and family.
When Haymitch's name is called, his world crumbles. He heads to the Capitol with three other tributes from District 12: a girl who is like a sister to him, a boy who makes his living betting, and the most arrogant girl in town. Haymitch knows he won't return alive, yet he continues to fight, knowing his true rivals lie outside the deadly arena...