J.’s comment > Likes and Comments

Panem is just the new name for North America. After a series of disasters, the people formed the different districts. They weren't really states any longer or even countries since I believe Canada is included. At least the land mass of Canada is. I don't think anyone actually inhabits that area.
I guess it's just something to give it a futuristic feel, really.

Yeah, I guess I meant what were the "series of disasters" that occurred to the world. I left the book with parents so I can't look back in to see if there was an explanation.

I don't think it actually says in the book.