Ruby Delacroix will never forget two days in her life: the day her sister was reaped for the Hunger Games, and the day that Ruby herself was selected to go into the nightmarish battle to the death. Her irrational fear of the Games puts her at a disadvantage, but does nothing to stop her from doing everything it takes to return home and prevent her family from suffering another lost daughter. She makes allies and enemies in the preparations for the Games, as well as forms a more-than-partnership bond with her gorgeous mentor, Maximus Fairbain. Will her fate be that of her sister, or can all the things that give her hope give her the motivation to win?