The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games Trilogy was a great, fast read. Although this is marketed towards Young Adult readers, I found this an intriguing story that was well-written.  The story takes place in a land called Panem, once known as North America. It now consists of a central Capitol that houses the government and the upper-class and the outlying Districts 2-12. There used to be a District 13, but that was destroyed during the rebellion as a reminder to the other districts of the Capitol’s power.  Each year, the harsh Capitol forces its people to participate in the Hunger Games. One girl and one boy from each districts is chosen by lottery to be sent to the Capitol to participate in a gruesome competition. This competition is to the death. Only one makes it out alive to reap the benefits of being a champion. The champion lives on in comfort and his or her district is given extra food for the year.

Katniss Everdeen from District 12 must support her depressed mother and younger sister after her father’s death in the coal mines.  She learns to hunt illegally and sell her finds on the Black Market. When her little sister’s name is pulled for the Hunger Games, Katniss willingly takes her place. We then follow Katniss through the Hunger Games as she makes an unlikely alliance with her District-mate, Peeta. 

Just when you think everything is resolved and the Hunger Games are over, the 2^nd and 3^rd books continue to keep your interest and the tension between the Districts and the Capitol builds, and secrets start unraveling.

The Hunger Games on Amazon.com