The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5/5
Summary (from Goodreads):  Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


My Review:

I loved The Hunger Games.  In some parts, it had the breath out of my body, and in others I wanted to cry.  Instead, I kept my eyes glued to the page and continued reading.

The Hunger Games met my expectations, and more.  I must admit that the cover isn't too interesting so I'd probably seen it before I got a recommendation from my friend, but never picked it up.  The idea is interesting; dystopian, but very unique.  The Hunger Games was intriguing: kids between twelve and eighteen fighting to the death in an unnatural arena.  I still lie awake thinking about it sometimes.

I loved the characters.  Peeta is definitely my favourite, but I'll start with Katniss.  Katniss was everything at once:  the fierce, strong woman with spirit and determination, but also the weak, hesitating, unsure girl from District 12, the poorest District.  I always saw her with spirit, even when she seemed to be doubting herself.
Peeta was different.  He was the water to cool Katniss' flame.  Gentle, forgiving and helpful, he was amazing.  Suzanne Collins seemed to put a lot of work in him.  In the beginning, he didn't seem important.  In the end, I saw how wrong I was.

The starcrossed lovers from District 12 broke my heart, but kept me enjoying it at the same time!