Part 1: The Tribute
* Chapters 1-3: Introduction to District 12, Katniss Everdeen, and her family. The Reaping is announced, and Katniss volunteers as tribute in place of her younger sister, Prim. Peeta Mellark, the baker's son, is selected as the male tribute.
* Chapters 4-9: Katniss and Peeta travel to the Capitol and begin training for the Games. They are introduced to their mentors, Haymitch Abernathy, and the Capitol's extravagant lifestyle and culture.
* Chapters 10-12: The tributes participate in the "Interview" with Caesar Flickerman, a charismatic Capitol host. Katniss and Peeta are tasked with presenting a romantic facade to gain sponsors and public support.
* Chapter 13: The Hunger Games begin. The tributes enter the arena, and Katniss is horrified by the violence and the cruelty of the gamemakers.
* Chapters 14-17: Katniss struggles to survive in the arena, forming alliances with Rue, a young tribute from District 11, and Peeta. She utilizes her hunting skills and knowledge of the wilderness to her advantage.
Part 2: The Games
* Chapters 18-21: The Hunger Games continue. Katniss and Peeta face numerous challenges and threats, including Career Tributes from wealthier districts. The gamemakers introduce dangerous muttations to increase the brutality of the games.
* Chapters 22-24: Katniss and Peeta are forced to work together for survival. They are aided by Haymitch and their sponsors, who provide them with vital resources. Rue is killed by a Career Tribute, leading to a powerful moment of defiance by Katniss.
* Chapters 25-27: The climax of the Games. Katniss and Peeta are the last two tributes remaining. In a desperate move to avoid killing Peeta, Katniss attempts to consume the poisonous berries they find, intending to die with him.
* Chapters 28-30: The gamemakers intervene and declare Katniss and Peeta victors. The story ends with Katniss and Peeta returning to District 12, but their lives are forever changed by their experience in the Games.
This summary captures the key plot points, but the book is full of rich character development, social commentary, and compelling themes.