Muttations

Muttations (commonly abbreviated "mutts") are creatures created by the Capitol that are released into the arena by the Gamemakers. These muttations often engage in combat with the tributes, although tributes may elect to hunt down a muttation that is classified as large game to use as a food source.

54th Games Muttations

Muttations were introduced on Day 3 of the 54th Hunger Games. Only three different muttations were used during these Games, as the concept of eating had not yet been implemented, not necessitating the presence of edible muttations. Poison, however, was introduced along with the 54th Games mutts.

Alarm Owls

A blend of different owl species that, once it sees someone, will give a mournful, haunting hoot every five seconds. It follows the person around and hoots, while more alarm owls flock to the area, and all begin to hoot. They don't actually attack, but they can lead other predators to the area. These were initially developed to find rebel spies, soldiers, and the like and trail them until the owls made enough racket for them to be found. Not poisonous. Not edible. N/A HP.

In-Game Activity

• Assailed Jared Strahan on Day 3.

Mountain Hounds

A hybrid of cougar and bloodhound ‘ancestors’ that was originally used to track and kill rebels over mountainous areas (remember that the Capitol is just over the Rockies from the districts.) These are enhanced with a powerful sense of smell and are quite ferocious. Hunting solo or in pairs, Mountain Hounds will track prey for hours upon hours after catching scent. Not poisonous. Not edible. 35 HP.

In-Game Activity

• Attacked Team AIR on Day 3, killing Ismene Clemet.

Pitfall Lizards

Parts lizard, snake, and some trapdoor spider, this grotesque beast was originally designed to take out supply roads and other paths frequented by rebels. They were designed to dig networks of tunnels and caves under the specified area so it would collapse when enough weight was placed on it and perhaps kill the rebels involved with its lethal venom. However, these Lizards were deemed inefficient, given that their "traps" so to speak — nearly 25 feet deep, wide holes about two feet from the surface of the ground — did not always collapse, were not always dug in the right place, and were not always inhabited by a Pitfall Lizard to finish off any unfortunate being trapped. Like many of the muttations, the project was abandoned — however, few of the Lizards were actually found by the retrieval squads. These are completely inedible — even their bright orange eggs are poisonous. If you manage to get bitten, you have about three hours to live. Poisonous. No Food Classification. 30 HP.

Since their introduction, Pitfall Lizards have become one of the most widely used muttations, appearing in practically every Games to date. Along with introducing poison, Pitfall Lizards brought the tradition of naming mutts to the Games with the unofficial moniker of "Tarzan" given to the Pitfall Lizard that appeared on Day 5.

In-Game Activity

• Attacked Windy Mathers on Day 5, but was quickly dispatched by a blow to the head.