In the context of The Hunger Games, a ‘tribute’ refers to a contestant who is selected to participate in the brutal and televised event known as the Hunger Games. Each year, one boy and one girl, known as tributes, are chosen from each of the twelve districts of Panem, making a total of twenty-four tributes.
The selection process, called the ‘reaping,’ is a traumatic event where children, typically between the ages of 12 and 18, are randomly chosen. Being a tribute means that the individual must compete against others in a fight to the death, which is a grim representation of the Capitol’s control over the districts and serves to remind them of the consequences of rebellion.
Tributes are often portrayed in a diverse manner, each with their own backgrounds, skills, and motivations. Some enter the games eager for glory and fame, while others are simply trying to survive, making the selection of tributes a profound element of the story that explores themes of sacrifice, survival, and the struggle against oppression.