The main theme of this book is oppression.  The story tells of a world in wich the Capitol dictates over the thirteen districts. 74 years ago the districts found the courage to start a rebellion against the capital but they lost and the Capitol nuked district thirteen so there are twelve districts left. As a punishment and an act of power each year the Capitol forces 24 tributes, one boy and one girl from each district to fight till death inside an arena. The winner is treated like a hero the rest of his live but the most of the time they end up commiting suicide or die from excessive drug or alcohol usage. They do these things because of al the crueltys they saw when they were inside the arena.

A minor theme could be love, this because of the fake relationship Peeta and Katniss have to get in the favor off al the people watching the Hungergames. An example for this is when Katniss finds Peeta after he was attacked. He hided himself by disguising as the surroundings where he was. After she found him she realises he isn't going to make it withouth food and medicine, so she kisses him and cries while hugging him. A sponsor gives them some food and at the feast Katniss collects a medicine for Peeta.