District 13 served as a key region in The Hunger Games film series, and its history was more compelling than viewers may have first thought. The franchise was set in the fictional nation of Panem, a region that consisted of the Capitol and its surrounding districts. Based on the book trilogy by Suzanne Collins, the story focused heavily on 12 districts, but there were actually 13 in existence. As revealed in Mockingjay, District 13 held some of the Capitol's biggest secrets.

Every district in Panem specialized in a particular area that connected to the nation's economy. Whereas others were responsible for electricity, transportation, or lumber production, District 13 was known for mining graphite in addition to nuclear technology. Based on their production of weapons, vehicles, and technologically-advanced equipment, the district became a hub for the Capitol's Armed Forces. There was also an indication that the district was militarized, leading to oppression of District 13 citizens.

Related: Hunger Games: What Each District Is Known For, Explained

Not much was revealed about District 13's history following the First Rebellion in the Hunger Games franchise. When the tide started to turn in the Capitol's favor, District 13 took control of the nuclear weapons. The Capitol knew District 13 would be willing to use the weapons, so they backed down. A peace treaty was then negotiated that allowed District 13 to act as an independent state as long as they pulled their support from the rebellion. In doing so, the Capitol spread a false story, claiming District 13 was destroyed. The citizens moved to the underground bunkers while the rebellion failed without military support. Following the end of the First Rebellion, the Dark Days emerged, and the Capitol founded the annual Hunger Games event as a way to punish the remaining districts. The tyrannical control would last over seven decades before District 13 re-emerged as a threat.

The Capitol's Deal With District 13 Would Eventually Backfire

Gale and Katniss' family The Hunger Games

While children from the other districts fought to the death, District 13 remained hidden. Rather than peacefully stay out of Panem's conflict, the citizens were secretly fortifying their forces and preparing for another big power shift. Those who lived in the bunkers followed strict schedules and militaristic lifestyles. When Katniss Everdeen ignited the Second Rebellion, she was rescued from the 75th Hunger Games and taken to the remnants of District 13. Not only were the citizens alive and well, but it was also the headquarters of the new rebellion.

Following the bombing of District 12, the refugees were accepted into District 13. The Capitol continued allowing Panem to believe that District 13 was a burning pile of rubble until Katniss revealed the truth. And alhough the Capitol tried to fight, District 13's stockpile and support were no match for the utopian city. President Coin led the Second Rebellion while Katniss helped forge the ground forces.

After the Capitol's defeat, Coin went back on her promise of ending the Hunger Games event immediately. Katniss felt no choice but to kill Coin as the final act of the resistance. A new president was then elected and the deadly competition was halted for good. While it was true that all districts played a major role in overthrowing the Capitol in the Hunger Games franchise, District 13 played the most important role in giving Panem a brighter future.

Next: Every Known Hunger Games Winner (& How They Won)