The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
By: Lyndsay Humphrey
In The Hunger Games, a post-apocalyptic world created by Suzanne Collins, fighting for your life is not just a reality, it’s televised entertainment. After the end of the world, a few are left to create a new humanity. The Capitol is the government that rises when society begins to rebuild, and they form 13 districts that are under constant surveillance. After a failed uprising, the people of the districts have forever been punished and reminded of what little power they have over their own lives.
Katniss Everdeen is a 16-year-old who lives in district 12, the poorest district of them all. She is no stranger to harsh conditions, and after the death of her beloved father, she must assume the role of sole caregiver to her younger sister and sick mother. She becomes the sole breadwinner and hunter, but, with little to hunt, they often go to bed starving. Although these conditions are normal, there is something that the people of district 12 dread more than starvation: the Hunger Games.
Once a year, the Capitol goes to each district and, through a name drawing, select a boy and a girl both between the ages of 12 and 18. Once they are selected, they are thrown into what would best be described as gladiator games. When Katniss’ sister Prim is chosen, Katniss immediately takes her place and is placed into the Hunger Games.
This story is about how barbaric humanity can become if we let the wrong people assume power. It is also a true testament to the power of unconditional love and a pure heart. The Hunger Games is suspenseful and its well written. Collins creates a world that is all too easy to imagine. This book was recommended to me and I’m happy to pass along a strong recommendation. Read this!