The Hunger Games
“You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.”
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 weight survival against humanity and life against love.
I’ll just list why I love this book:
- How well it stands up even 10 years later. This book came out when YA dystopia was all the rage, and while I’d say most of the others have not aged well The Hunger Games remains relevant even now.
- The politics. A world where 12 districts are kept in slave like conditions after a revolt against their cruel captors fails. Forced into sending their children to fight in a battle to the death as a constant reminder to know their place. Not to rock the boat. Relevant.
- I even like the romance/fake romance. Whatever you believe is going on. I love Katniss’ indecision - it’s so realistic. I love Gale and Peeta. Though ultimately I am team Peeta.
- The characters. Katniss is a great main character. She isn’t the typical YA heroine, not many people like her, she is brash, honest and uptight and I love her.
Also all the side characters are so well formed, full of flaws but ultimately fantastic. One of my absolute favourites being Haymitch.
- You are constantly on the edge of your seat. Never boring, always terrified what will happen next. Just so unputdownable.
Finally, not book related specifically but I love how well the films represent the book. There is one major thing they didn’t include which is a shame when Peeta loses his leg and gets a prosthetic. But there are so many scenes that made it to the films and I loved it.
