Iowa’s Unexpected Role in ‘The Hunger Games’ Universe Might Surprise You

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm reentering my 'Hunger Games' hyper fixation era!

For the past week, all that anyone has been talking about (at least on my side of the internet) is the new prequel book from Suzanne Collins.

The hit dystopian series is making a resurgence. It's been eight years since the original series concluded and we said goodbye to the characters played by Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, and Woody Harrelson.

Sunrise on the Reaping Released on March 18th

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Now, fans are diving back into the world of Panem with the prequel book 'Sunrise on the Reaping.' This book that has already been greenlit for a movie adaptation follows a younger version of Harrelson's character Haymitch as he navigates his games.

This is set twenty-four years before we first meet Katniss Everdeen.

Not too long ago, fans got 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.' This story follows an eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow (the President of Panem and the ultimate villain in the original series) sixty-four years before Katniss's games.

Oscar nominee Rachel Zegler plays the District 12 tribute who Snow has to work with.

Where Would Iowa Fit in the Hunger Games Universe?

This entire series takes place in a dystopian version of the United States of America. All of Panem is split into twelve separate districts.

Each state as we know it is located in one of these districts. All of them are meant to contribute some sort of resource or specialize in some sort of product to produce.

Does Iowa Belong in a Farming District?

Here are the twelve districts and what they are known for:

District 1: Luxury Items

District 2: Masonry

District 3: Technology

District 4: Fishing

District 5: Electricity

District 6: Transportation

District 7: Lumber

District 8: Textiles

District 9: Grain

District 10: Livestock

District 11: Agriculture

District 12: Mining/Coal

I think the general assumption that we all might have is that Iowa is probably located somewhere in one of the more farming focused districts. Initially, I thought Iowa would definitely be located in districts nine, ten, or eleven.

The Official Answer Might Surprise You

However, after going to the official source (aka the Hunger Games franchise wiki page) there is a somewhat definite answer, and it honestly surprised me.

According to a map that was on the mobile game 'The Hunger Games Adventures,' Iowa is located in District 3. Other states in this District are Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota.

What Does District 3 Specialize In?

While being in the agricultural hub of the country, District 3 actually specializes in technology.

Some notable characters from this District include Beetee Latier and Wiress.

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