- Last Updated: [[2020-12-28]] - This is a Latin phrase that means "Bread and circuses". It refers to two things that can serve as a distraction or temporary appeasement, usually of the masses. - In [[Book/The Hunger Games (series)]], the city of "Panem" was a direct reference to this quote, forecasting the use of the Hunger Games by the Capitol as a tool to both entertain and concern the public-- both effective ways to distract and control. -