New examples of dystopian fiction often struggle to stand out. A handful of classics remain influential and command the genre, inspiring endless imitators. It takes a lot to innovate. Most newcomers shift their perspectives and allocate their focus in new and fascinating ways. The Hunger Games introduces morphling, a popular drug that many citizens rely upon. Instead of using it to mollify the rebellious Districts, the Capitol and its decadent aristocrats choose to numb their pain through a needle.