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The fence is an old security setting in District 12 made by the Capitol, separating the district from the woods.[1]

History[]

Sign fence

A sign placed on the fence.

The fence was put in place sometime after the 10th Hunger Games, as it did not exist when the prequel took place.[2] Ostensibly, the fence was supposed to keep the district's streets safe from wild animals. It was supposed to electrified 24 hours a day, but due to frequent power outages, this was rarely the case, so it was a simple matter to cross it.[1]

Occasionally, in the autumn, people were known to walk about 60 feet beyond the fence to pick apples, but they never wandered far. Others like Katniss Everdeen would venture further on a regular basis in pursuit of plants and game to bring back to the district. While trespassing and poaching were technically illegal, District 12's Peacekeepers never enforced those laws, since they also benefited from the labor of hunters.[1]

Concept art of Gale and Katniss crossing the fence.

Concept art of Gale and Katniss crossing the fence.

74th Hunger Games[]

After Katniss and Peeta Mellark's Victory Tour, Romulus Thread became the new Head Peacekeeper. Under his orders, the fence was consistently electrified, cutting the district off from a major source of food.[3]

Second Rebellion[]

During the bombing of District 12, Gale Hawthorne herded refugees to the Meadow, and they worked together to tear down a portion of the fence and escape into the woods. Gale then led the survivors to a lake several hours from the district on foot, where they were later found by District 13.[4]

Following the rebel victory in the Second Rebellion, the district's fence was propped up by branches to keep wild animals out, but citizens were able to freely enter and exit the woods.[5]

Appearance[]

THG59

The fence around District 12.

The fence is described as being a 6 meter high chain link fence topped with barbed wire loops. It is quite old and rusty because it has not been well maintained or used.

Despite its oppressive presence, even the fence could offer the district's citizens some resources. Katniss and her sister Prim were once able to harvest dandelion flowers, greens, and stems along a mile-long stretch of fence.[6]

People known to have crossed the fence[]

Frequently Occasionally Escaping the District 12 bombing

Trivia[]

  • There was also a fence in District 11, which Katniss saw briefly from the train on her Victory Tour. District 11's fence was at least 35 feet high, topped with coils of barbed wire, with "enormous" metal plates lining to base of it to prevent anyone digging underneath. It was also guarded by evenly-spaced watchtowers manned by armed Peacekeepers.[9]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The Hunger Games, Chapter 1
  2. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
  3. Catching Fire, Chapter 11
  4. Mockingjay, Chapter 1
  5. Mockingjay, Chapter 27
  6. The Hunger Games, Chapter 4
  7. 7.0 7.1 The Hunger Games, Chapter 3
  8. Catching Fire, Chapter 6
  9. Catching Fire, Chapter 4
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