The theme of a post-apocalyptic Earth where humans go back to their baser instincts and are controlled by an oppressive government is rampant in pop culture, and Salon’s Andrew O’Hehir has written a list of several books and movies that explore the darker side of human nature. You can read the article at Salon.com.

“The Hunger Games” cast is led by Jennifer Lawrence who stars as Katniss Everdeen, a girl who volunteers herself for the barbaric Hunger Games held in the Capitol of Panem:

“Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of
Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.”