The world of Panem has captivated “The Hunger Games” fans. Now, thanks to a dedicated writer-turned-cartographer, readers can visualize what the fictional region looks like. The meticulously researched map was created by a previously published fiction writer who goes by the pen name V. Arrow.
How she placed the districts
Arrow took clues from the book — North America was said to be destroyed by a cataclysmic event; District 12 is said to have once been Appalachia. She used a phi spiral — a logarithmic shape that gets wider by every quarter turn — to place the evil Capitol in the center. The rest was just guesswork.
This isn’t her first world map
Arrow also completed one detailing the world of “Matched” by Ally Condie. But the Panem map will always hold a special place. She was especially proud that the A.V. Club wrote about her efforts, even though they did mention she might be a bit crazy. “I consider it a nerd badge of honor to be called a ‘fruit loop.'”
Behind the art
V. Arrow considered doing a map of the clock arena from “Catching Fire,” but thought it wouldn’t be a big challenge.
In her upcoming book “The Panem Companion,” Arrow details the sociological and psychological implications of Panem.
