The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Citation: Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.

Plot Summary:

Katniss Everdeen lives in a futuristic country named "Panem" in the area called District 12. Her father died in a coal mine when she was young, and she has spent the last few years breaking the laws and hunting outside of the district fence with her hunting partner, Gale, in order to feed her family. Each year the Capitol hosts the 'Hunger Games' and chooses two young adults from each district (12 in total) to battle to the death in a malicious arena. Each child between the ages of 12-18 must enter into the 'reaping' each year, and head to the Capitol for the Hunger Games should their name be called. Katniss' life changes forever when the name of her 12 year old sister is called at the reaping, and she immediately volunteers to take her place. Her fellow 'tribute' is a boy named Peeta, a boy that has at one point shown great kindness to Katniss. The reader follows Katniss to the capitol, through all the fake interviews, training, and propaganda associated with the Hunger Games. During interviews Peeta reveals that he has a crush on Katniss, though for most of the book Katniss (and the reader) see it as part of his strategy to receive sponsors and stay alive in the arena. Once the Hunger Games begin, the book takes one unexpected turn after the next as Katniss and Peeta fight for their lives in an arena. Does Katniss love Peeta in return? Who, if anyone, makes it out alive?


Review (potential spoiler alert): 

If you read this book, make sure you have quick access to the next two in the trilogy, as you won't be able to rest much until you've read them all. The book is suspenseful and addicting, as the reader follows Katniss in her journey to find out what is real, what is part of the game, how she feels, and if she will even survive. I thought the book was awesome, and I found myself immediately invested in Katniss, her families, and even some of the other poor tributes trying to survive in the ring. Slowly the reader is allowed to uncover the underlying themes of a government corrupt and power abused. Will it ever change in Panem? Is there a way not only to win the Hunger Games, but somehow send a message to the Capitol? Revolt? Katniss comes close with a golden pin and a handful of berries. You won't be able to help yourself from picking up Catching Fire immediately to find out where the love triangle between Katniss, Gale, and Peeta goes and what the future of Panem is.

Reading Level: 12 & up

Similar Titles:The Book Thief by Markus Zusack

Series Information: Book 1 of the Hunger Games trilogy; Followed by Catching Fire and Mockingjay

Character Descriptions:

Katniss: The strong, stubborn hunter from the Seam in District 13 that volunteers to take her sister's spot in the Hunger Games.

Prim: Katniss's younger sister

Gale: Katniss's hunting partner and close friends of many years; possibly a romantic interest.

Peeta: The fellow tribute from District 13; a baker's son, who professes his love for Katniss publicly before the hunger games begin.

Personal Thoughts:

This book was amazing. I literally couldn't put it down, and read all three in two days. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy science fiction, love stories, adventure, mystery, and just plain reading. I have to admit, I hearkened back to the Twilight saga as I quickly became "Team Peeta".