What are the similarities between the social structure in The Hunger Games and that of modern America?

One of the main similarities between Panem and the United
States is the different levels of social class. Differences in social class are
highlighted both in the day-to-day lives of the characters from District 12 vs. the
Capitol and in the opportunity the children of those regions have for future
success.

There's a stark contrast between the
fashion-conscious citizens of the Capitol and the starving citizens of District 12.
Citizens from the Capitol are concerned about appearances, while citizens from District
12 are struggling just to put food on the table. There are similar social and financial
disparities in the U.S. today. Just pick up a tabloid to learn about what frivolous
items celebrities are spending their millions on, while other Americans are homeless,
unemployed, living on welfare, and just struggling to
survive.

Similarly, children from a higher social class in
Panem--children from the wealthy districts--stand a much better chance in the Hunger
Games because they have the resources to train for the Games from birth. In fact, many
tributes from those districts even volunteer to compete in the Games. Children from
poorer districts (like District 12) are basically handed a death sentence when their
names are called at "the Reaping." They're not prepared to compete and they almost
always lose.

With the high tuition rates for college in
America and the competition associated with the college application process, you can
argue that children whose families can afford to send them to college and afford to give
their children unique experiences that help them stand out on their applications have a
better opportunity to earn a college degree than those whose families cannot. These
children are more likely to succeed (like those from the wealthier districts are more
likely to succeed in the Hunger Games) because they are afforded better opportunities
from the start.