Common Sense Media recommends this book for ages 12+, while the publisher says 11+.

Violence is the major content warning for this book. Here is what Common Sense Media says about the violence and other content in this book: "Even though many teen characters die -- by spear, rock, arrow, knife, fire, animal stings, poisoning, and more -- there are few truly gory moments. Perhaps the worst is when a boy's face is mauled by animals to the point that Katniss says there is a "hunk of meat where his mouth was." There are stories about the daily hardships and violence experienced by everyone outside the Capitol, including how Katniss' father died in a mining explosion. The other mature content is fairly mild by comparison. One adult is an alcoholic and constantly drinking."