I'm Hungry for More Hunger Games!

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins is the first book in the trilogy. The evil and wealthy Capitol rules the poor 12 surrounding districts. Every year the Capitol hosts a televised Hunger Game where one boy and one girl between 12 and 18 from every district is forced to fight to the death. The winner gains freedom for their family members to never have to fight and wealth. The main character, Katniss, is chosen from her district, along with a boy named Peeta. Because viewers believe them to be in love, the rule is changed that only one person can win to two tributes from the same district can win as a pair, which is just what Katniss and Peeta intend to do.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is so intense. Collins doesn't sugar coat this world. I thought certain characters would survive and they don't. And they don't die in a pleasant way, either. This is a cruel world, a world where even the strong don't always last. I kept suspecting and even hoping for insurrection, an uprising, and although it didn't happen, I almost thought it was more realistic this way. I talked to people that were very upset with Katniss' character because she didn't fight the system, but she's a teenage girl who has grown up NOT seeing anyone fight against the way things are. They did their best to survive with the lot they'd been given. Even with the violence, I would have a difficult time not recommending this book to everyone.