The Hunger Games

I am not sure how I ran into the book the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or what about it made me decide to read it. I am generally not a science fiction reader, and I don’t often dabble in plots that take place in a post-apocalyptic world. So I was surprised to find that I was not just sort-of interested in this one, but highly interested in it. Having read the short description of the book online I was impressed at the twist Suzanne Collins was offering to the common and very well explored “future world” theme. The elementary school teacher in me began picturing this being the perfect alternative ending to The City of Ember. I am excited to say, that the Hunger Games was riveting and surprising at each and every turn and I am still left feeling a bit haunted.

The Hunger Games tells the story of a young girl named Katniss who we meet in a very bleak, future world where the capital (government) longs to control it’s districts and people through force and fear. One way they express their power and control is on Reaping Day where two teens, one boy and one girl, between the ages of twelve and eighteen are chosen from each district to fight to their death at the Hunger Games. Being a twist between Roman gladiators, Hatchet, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, each teen must survive in the games arena, hoping for the deaths of the other players, and being the last one standing in the end. The whole event is televised and the districts watch in anticipation and excitement, cheering on their own.

Collins goes to great lengths to develop her characters and her plot, which is something that can be difficult to find in a young adult fiction book. I am particularly impressed with Katniss, the book’s heroine. She is brave, and yet vulnerable. She has fierce skills in tracking, using a hunting bow, and facing the danger of the woods with experience. All of these aid her greatly in the games making her role much less barbaric than those of the other teens. On some small level Katniss reminds me of a youthful version of Evangeline Lilly’s character, Kate, on the TV series Lost.

This book is written for young adults, but is captivating to adults as well. Collins has that “magician” like capability of making you turn pages to continue reading even though an hour ago you started saying, “this is definitely the last chapter I am going to read today.” I highly, highly recommend the Hunger Games and if you find yourself needing more of it after reading the first book, check out the sequel Catching Fire and the soon to be released third book, Mocking Jay.  I can’t wait!