I had a bit of a fridge logic moment on the reasoning behind the Hunger Games.
I have not read the books, but from what I understand, going to the Guv'ment for aid in any fashion, food, supplies, likely even medical care, is done on a system where you get another ballot in the box.
But wouldn't that engender a distrust and a desire for independence from the government as much as possible?
In fact, we see just that with Katniss and her hunting.
It just strikes me as a little Stupid Evil way to run a system, even for a culture that normally sends 23 kids to die every year.