Here's a breakdown:
* The Meaning: "Tribute" is a person who is chosen to represent their district in the Hunger Games. They are forced to compete for survival and ultimate victory.
* The Selection: The tributes are chosen through a lottery system called the reaping, where names are drawn from a bowl. The younger the participant, the more chances their name has of being drawn.
* The Purpose: The Hunger Games are a televised event designed to remind the districts of their subjugation to the Capitol and to instill fear and obedience.
The term "tribute" emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the Hunger Games. The individuals are essentially forced to offer themselves as tributes to the Capitol, with their lives at stake.