The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districs. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districs in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twleve and eighteen to participate in the annual HungerGames, a fight ot 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 herm 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 weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

"COULD YOU SURVIVE ON YOUR OWN IN THE WILD, WITH EVERY ONE OUT TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LIVE TO SEE THE MORNING?"

This book is enthralling. From the first page, I was hooked. It was captivating and thrilling and I knew once I started I was going to wait in agony for the second and third book to come out. The main character of this book is a sixteen-year-old girl who lives in District 12. It's the poorest District and the last (besides District 13 which the Capitol destroyed) so Katniss knows how to keep herself alive. She and her friend Gale hunt together and her father had taught her to use a bow. When Katniss's 12-year-old sister Prim is picked to participate in The Hunger Games, Katniss makes a decision, without hesitating, to replace her sister. Peeta is the boy from District 12 who is picked for the Games. He is the son a baker and not much of a fighter. When first choosen for the Games, neither of the characters seemed to have a chance at winning and surviving the Games. It made them fun and easy to root for. (I always root for the underdogs) I must say, it was hard knowing that only one person would be the victor. The minor characters of the books had marvelous personalities and they really helped shape the story. (I especially took a liking toHaymitch, and especially Rue... I think we all did)

The Hunger Games was written beautifully. The begining was a little slow at times, but it really showed how nervewracking it is and how much preporation it takes to be in the Games. Once the contestants entered the arena it was non-stop action and suspense that kept me reading for hours at night. Suzanne Collins did an amazing job at writing this story. With twists and turns at every turn of the page I was amazed at the adventure that Katniss and Peeta embark on. It's an original plot and a heart-pounding read.

*If you haven't read this book yet, add it to your list of books to read, and rank it at number one! *

Rating: 5 stars