DISTRICT THREE
Industry: Academia and Science
Population: 195,000
Area: 104,000 miles²
Elevation: 4,000 ft.
Primary City: Omnicron
Time Zone: Capitol Standard Time
Wealth Ranking: 2nd
Power Structure: Meritocracy
Mayor: Leondra Harmon (she/her)
Post-Rebellion Victors: Reika Matsumoto (80), Teffran Inaki (85), Athlon Pentium (87), Vilhem Raneri (91), Vanya Zborovsky (98).
As a reward for their loyalty during the Second Rebellion, District Three's affluence has skyrocketed. It is often referred to as Panem's "Epicenter of Knowledge," a nod to its new industry. The most intelligent minds in the country are permitted to attend one of Three's many prestigious universities so that they can be shaped into the country's next generation of politicians, Gamemakers, and scientists. In District Three, knowledge and power go hand in hand. The wealthiest citizens are also the smartest, either owning companies or working jobs in research, software development, or science while those who are deemed "unintelligent" work low-paying factory jobs. Despite this wealth gap, it is quite easy to work your way up from the bottom in District Three. Education is both affordable and accessible making it hard to buy your way into success. Out of all the Districts, citizens of Three are overall most fulfilled.
The Liana Taylor Institute for Gifted Youngsters was established in 77 ADD as former District Three victor and Head Gamemaker Liana Taylor’s retirement project. Three was always known for breeding exceptionally intelligent Tributes, hence President Snow’s decision to approve the project. Careers bred from Three were quickly proven successful, even while the program was still in its infancy. When trainees, known as Abecedarian's, enroll into the Institute, they are committing to a lifetime of learning and growth.While the program is not the most physically intense, Abecedarians undergo a lot of mental stress during their time at the Institute. It's a short program, only lasting five years, but students study for long hours to make every moment worth it. Because tuition is free and admission is based solely on intelligence, the Institute is one of the most sought after places in the whole country.
Children from Three spend years studying for the six hour long written examination which determines admission to the Institute, wealthier parents hiring private tutors. Once Abecedarians arrive at the Institute, they are trained to bulk up so that their physical strength can match their intelligence as they learn weapons and increase their skills with chemistry, biology, and engineering over the next five years. An average day at the Institute could last over twelve hours, and homework is also plentiful. It is a very straining program, often resulting in students taking their own lives due to being unable to live up to the Intitute's incredibly high standards. The month before the Reapings, the oldest students are given an eight hour long written examination along with a combat test, and the highest scorers become the Designated Volunteers. District Three has become known for breeding the smartest Career Tributes.