Rue

The smallest tribute with the biggest impact on the rebellion.

Rue is a twelve-year-old tribute from District 11 in the 74th Hunger Games. She is the District 11 female tribute in the 74th Hunger Games and survived the initial bloodbath. Her skills make her a valuable ally in the arena, and she forms a bond with Katniss Everdeen, who sees a reflection of her younger sister Prim in Rue. Rue's death at the hands of Marvel becomes a turning point in the Games, prompting Katniss to sing to her and later cover her body with flowers as an act of defiance against the Capitol.

Quick Facts

District: 11
Age at games: 12

Lore & Background

Rue comes from District 11, the agricultural sector of Panem. She spent her first days in the arena climbing through the trees and hiding. She allies with Katniss after recognizing her as the "girl on fire" from the opening ceremonies. Together, they devise a plan to destroy the Career tributes' food supply by using tracker jacker nests. Rue's death occurs when she is caught in a trap set by Marvel; she is killed by a spear thrown by him. Katniss finds her, sings to her as she dies, and then covers her body with wildflowers, a gesture that sparks outrage and sorrow across the districts.

Reader's Guide

Rue serves as a key ally to Katniss in the 74th Hunger Games. She and Katniss work together to destroy the Career tributes' supplies by dropping a tracker jacker nest on them. Rue's death occurs when she is caught in a trap and killed by Marvel. Katniss responds by singing to Rue and covering her body with flowers, an act that is broadcast across Panem and becomes a catalyst for rebellion.