Technically, The 76th Hunger Games Did Happen…Just Not In The Way You Thought

Throughout the events of The Hunger Games, the Capitol witnessed brutal fights for 75 years and technically saw one final game take place before its demolition. Every year, the Capitol of Panem hosts an event where two citizens from each of the 12 Districts are chosen to participate in a televised battle royale. The contestants engage in a battle to the death where only the victor emerges alive; the first two movies in The Hunger Games franchise depicted Katniss Everdeen’s participation in the 74th and 75th games.

Katniss’ defiance throughout the games is what inspires the districts to rebel against the Capitol. At the end of Catching Fire, she destroys the arena’s force fields, and she sets in motion the revolution against the Capitol that took place in the third entry, Mockingjay. Katniss’ actions and the fight against the rebellion allow a final unofficial Hunger Games to take place before its permanent abolishment at the end of the series.

Mockingjay Featured An Unofficial 76th Hunger Games

The third installment in the franchise, Mockingjay, featured the revolution between the rebel soldiers who formed Squad 451 and the Capitol of Panem; this rebellion was the culmination of the long-lasting conflict between the Thirteen Districts and the Capitol. Katniss and Finnick recognized the similarities between their previous arena fights and their upcoming battles, and this prompted them to call their fight the 76th Hunger Games.

Unlike the previous games where it was restricted to two representatives per district, the 76th Hunger Games saw multiple rebelling districts align together against the Capitol. The events of the revolution brought back bitter memories for both Katniss and Peeta about their past battles in the arena. The Capitol media recognized the similarities between the revolution and the Hunger Games; throughout the 76th game, they displayed images of the dead rebels on television, similar to what they had done during the official game.

The 76th Hunger Games Ended Up Becoming The Most Important Games In Panem’s History

While not recognized as an official event, the 76th Hunger Games was arguably the most important game throughout the franchise and Panem’s history. Katniss and the rebels were forced to endure extreme hardship and tragic deaths as they battled against the Capitol, in situations more sinister than the official games. At the end of the battle, the survivors were offered a proposal from President Coin of reaping the children of the Capitol’s officials in one final game; the proposal was narrowly accepted but never carried through.

When Katniss discovered the truth about her sister’s death, she realized that President Coin was the true villain behind the rebellion and had the potential idea to carry on the Hunger Games. Upon learning this, instead of executing Snow as planned, Katniss assassins President Coin, putting an end to her schemes. Katniss’ actions resulted in the Hunger Games being abolished for good and the survivors were left to pick up the pieces. Despite not being recognized as an official event, the rebellion against the Capitol allowed viewers to watch the 76th game take place before The Hunger Games finally ended.