The Hunger Games Trilogy

I know when you read the title you probably thought, "I'm not reading this.  Everyone knows about The Hunger Games!"  Well I was post-apocalyptic when post-apocalyptic wasn’t cool people.  You will see how obsessed I am with this particular post-apocalyptic trilogy when I talk about Book 2.  Now for Book 1!

 

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published:  September 2008 

by Scholastic Inc.

The Hunger Games Trilogy: Book 1

In the first book of this series, Suzanne Collins sets the stage for an exciting and captivating story to unfold.   In post-apocalyptic North America, the nation of Panem is separated into 12 districts and 1 shining metropolitan area.  The Capitol is a wealthy, beautiful, and vindictive city.  The Districts all have a specific job to do that provide The Capitol things they need.  Many years ago, there was District 13 who decided to rise against The Capitol.  That District was presumably destroyed.  To remind the other Districts of their power, The Capitol instated The Hunger Games.  This is an annual event where The Capitol selects 1 boy and 1 girl tribute from each district to fight to the death in an arena while the people of Panem watch on television.  It is like the ultimate reality show.  Instead of a rose, the contestants get spears and arrows in their back. The “lucky” winner get to return to their District with prizes of food and shelter.  

Katniss Everdeen is the female tribute from District 12, the poorest of all Districts.  Katniss is a strong heroine and a no nonsense type of girl.  She has been the primary *bread* J winner for her family since the sudden death of her father when she was 11 years old.  She is a great shot with a bow and arrow and hunts in the woods surrounding her District with her good friend Gale.   Katniss selflessly volunteers as tribute for The Hunger Games after her 12 year old sisters name is selected.

The male tribute from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, the baker’s son.  Peeta is an extremely likable character.  After Peeta is selected for The Hunger Games, Katniss remembers that Peeta once gave her a loaf of bread when she and her mother and sister were on the brink of starvation after her father’s death.  Because of what Peeta did, Katniss began to feel hopeful and believed that she could provide for her family.  Before the tributes have entered the Arena, Peeta reveals that he has been in love with Katniss since the first day he saw her at school. 

Once in the arena, the tributes are faced with horrific obstacles ranging from starvation to killer insects to murder.   Katniss has no idea how she will kill the boy who saved her life so many years ago, but she knows she must return home to her sister.    

I give this book an At!