The former Northeastern District has been abandoned for over 74 years. Dark Days Anti-Panem terrorist insurgents slaughtered countless citizens before Peacekeepers heroically liberated District 13.  Peacekeeping forces were successful in defeating the anti-Panem terrorists, but were forced to destroy the district in order to save it.

For decades, scientists have doubted the possibility of a human being surviving in the former district due to its high levels of deadly radiation. Even the possibility of wildlife in the smoldering district has been questioned as very little sustainable ecology is said to exist there.

Recent reports by the Panem Department of Homeland Safety (PDHS) have determined that ambient radiation levels throughout former District 13 have risen significantly over the past few years, causing President Snow to issue new strict safety measures limiting citizens' exposure to the still-smoldering area.