Tracker Jackers

Disturb the nest, lose your mind, or face a painful death.

Tracker Jackers are genetically modified wasps created by the Capitol for use in the Hunger Games arenas. In the film, Katniss Everdeen encounters a nest of them while hiding from the career tributes in a tree. Rue attracts her attention to the nest above her, and Katniss cuts a branch, dropping the nest on the sleeping Careers. Glimmer is killed by the stings, but the others escape. Katniss retrieves Glimmer's bow and arrows, but is disoriented from tracker-jacker venom.

Quick Facts

First major appearance: The 74th Hunger Games

Reader's Guide

They are genetically modified to track whoever disturbs their nest. Their venom targets the part of the mind that houses fear, bringing on hallucinations. Katniss cut a nest down onto the Careers; the venom killed two of them and drove the others away, letting her take a bow and arrows.