In the context of The Hunger Games, the term ‘meager’ generally refers to something that is insufficient or lacking in quantity or quality. Throughout the series, this word is often used to describe the sparse resources and poor living conditions faced by the residents of the poorer districts, especially District 12. For instance, characters often struggle with meager food supplies, which highlights the stark contrast between their lives and the wealth of the Capitol.
The use of ‘meager’ serves to emphasize the harsh reality of survival in a dystopian society where scarcity is the norm and where the people are forced to make do with very little. It also brings to light themes of inequality and injustice that are central to the story.