However, despite her youth, Rue is not without her strengths—skills honed by necessity. Rue comes from a family of farmers. She is 12 years old when she enters the Hunger Games. They possess expertise in foraging, climbing, and hunting in the natural world. Rue’s entrance into the 74th Hunger Games marks the beginning of her unforgettable journey.

Rue was reaped as the female tribute for the 74th Hunger Games along with her district partner, Thresh. When the District 11 escort asked if anyone would like to volunteer in Rue’s place, no one answered. This disturbed Katniss as Rue was the same age as her sister, Primrose Everdeen.

Set in the dystopian world of Panem, every year, one boy and one girl from each district in the country is chosen to fight to the death as a way to remind the citizens of their bloody past. Rue (played by Amandla Stenberg) is one of the youngest tributes in The Hunger Games.

Her name, also, means "regret" or "sorrow" (source), which is a bit of foreshadowing as to what her fate will be in the Hunger Games. Rue reminds Katniss very much of her sister, Prim. Katniss acts as the primary protector of Rue once the two become allies. In this sense, she continues the role that she formerly played with her sister, Prim.