The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

     The Hunger Games is the first novel of Suzanne Collins' futuristic, dystopian trilogy. America has fallen apart and taken new form as Panem under leadership of the Capitol. President Snow resides over twelve impoverished districts that are being punished for a previous uprising. The main punishment, the annual Hunger Games, is a last-child-standing fight to the death for 24 youth (a boy and a girl from each district) selected at random. The games are a reminder to each district that the Capitol is in control and is not to be questioned. The event is widely popular (in the Capitol) and televised all across Panem.

     Each district excels in different economical areas such as agriculture or coal mining and owes their various products to the Capitol. Those who try to take the product of their work are punishable by death. Peacemakers monitor each district to ensure cooperation and respect for the rules set up by the Capitol.

     This particular story centers on a character named Katniss Everdeen, an adventurous, strong young woman. She provides for her community and family by illegally leaving the "supposed-to-be-electrified" border of their district to hunt wild game in the woods. People survive in District 12 by trading primarily, but many die of starvation or illness because of limited access to money and adequate care while those residing in the Capitol are wealthy and well-versed in the luxuries of life.

      When the reaping (or the random selection of two Tributes from each district for The Hunger Games) takes place in District 12, Katniss' sister is called, but Katniss volunteers instead and is joined on stage by the baker's son, Peeta Mellark. From the reaping, the two District 12 tributes are taken to the Capitol to begin preparations for entering the Arena. Katniss and Peeta meet the only victor from District 12 in the previous 73 years of the Hunger Games, Haymitch, who is to guide them in preparing for their fast-approaching peril but his faith is lacking and his liquor is plentiful. It seems the only help the two will get will be from each other.

Author Suzanne Collins

     Things change in their team when Peeta and Katniss show themselves competitive and full of potential. A new fire is lit in the District 12 prep team...and possibly between Peeta and Katniss. This could-be romantic flame becomes the focus of the team in preparing the couple for the Hunger Games. This is the angle they can sell to the public to get sponsors (who can send vital life-sustaining supplies via air-drop throughout the games).

      Competing in this sadistic, less-than-human event but having to put up a cooperative, appreciative front to the Capitol just to get sponsors and keep the peace makes it difficult for Katniss to find motivation especially with her odds so low against Districts who raise their children specifically for the Hunger Games. If it weren't for her family back home, it might seem she'd given up before even making it to the Capitol.

     Once in the arena, numerous challenges present themselves to Katniss and Peeta. Gamemaker-produced forks are thrown in the road to make things "more exciting" and life becomes incredibly fragile what with surviving the elements as well as facing 23 other tributes set on winning the games for their own survival and District's benefit.

The Hunger Games Movie

Catching Fire Movie (11/22/13)

     Check out The Hunger Games to see what awaits Katniss in the arena and see what the Capitol (and rest of Panem) find of her behavior and decisions in the Games. The 74th Annual Hunger Games are unlike any other in history and are not to be missed. Check out a copy from your local library, buy it from Amazon for your kindle, as paperback, hardcover or audiobook. If you already know you'll love it, check out the entire trilogy or movie for the first book, The Hunger Games. The second movie, Catching Fire, will be released in theatres November 22, 2013.