This quote is referring to District 12 in the novel “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. It is a district in the fictional future nation of Panem, located in the Appalachia region of North America. In this district Hunger and deprivation are widespread, so much so that people are literally dying of hunger. However, despite the terrible living conditions, it is still considered to be a relatively safe place. This means that while there is danger outside the district of people taking advantage of the lack of food, they are still relatively safe while living in District 12 itself.