This post is for yesterday's book reading, June 1st. I am a little late in getting this online, but I just finished up the first book of the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I have to admit I was a little hesitant to read it; I had seen all the magazine covers about the book/movie, and seen the movie previews. I knew all my friends were reading it, and of course all my middle school students at school. I felt the same way about Twilight too...I was a late bloomer on the Twilight saga as well.
I will admit though, I really enjoyed this book! It was a fairly easy read, as it is targeted to teenagers, but it kept my interest. The Hunger Games focuses on Katniss (pictured above) and her life in District 12. Each district is run by the Capital, and each year 2 players are chosen from each district (12) to fight in the annual Hunger Games. It is a big event attended by everyone in the Capital, and there is only one survivor. The Capital creates a "world" where things may attack you, people attack you, and you might not be able to find water. They control the "world" that the players live in until someone wins.
Because most of the districts are very poor and hungry, everyone who is of a certain age must put their name in the running to be chosen at the annual Hunger Games. Every time you enter your name you get a certain amount of food. This is the first year Katniss' sister, Primrose must enter her name. And she gets chosen! Kat volunteers to take her place as tribute, and is paired with Peeta, a kind, quiet boy whom she grew up with.
As soon as the tributes are chosen, they are whisked away to the capital and shown a world they've never known. They are dressed in the finest clothes, given the best food, and then sent out on their own to survive. You are not supposed to pair up in the games but Peeta, Rue (from District 11), and Katniss do. The author shows readers how the relationship between Peeta and Katniss grows. Katniss is super tough, so she has had to show a softer side to the Capital in order to gain popularity and sponsors.
Their mentor, Haymitch, encourages Peeta and Katniss to develop a romantic relationship (something Kat is torn up about because she is partly in love with her best friend at home, Gale), to help keep them alive and people interested in them.
Eventually almost all of the contestants are dead, and Katniss and Peeta are wounded, exhausted and dirty. They try to deify the Capital by winning as a team, but the Capital announces there can only be one winner, so they plan to both kill themselves (sort of a Romeo and Juliet type reference). Before this can happen the Capital stops them and declares them both winners. They are saved and have survived.
Now they must face punishment from the Capital for defying them, and Katniss must determine if her kisses with Peeta were real, or if it was just for show? Does Katniss have feelings for Peeta, and does Peeta truly have feelings for Katniss? The author leaves readers wondering what will happen to the two of them as they return on the train to their district.
I liked the way the author just ended the book: End of Book One. She left you intrigued, and curious about the fate of Peeta and Katniss. The writing in the book was not the best, but the story kept you going. The author did a great job making you feel like you were actually in the Capital watching the Hunger Games.
Overall, this book is a good one, especially one for young readers. A fantasy/science fiction, futuristic book that most all students would enjoy. Although the thought of kids killing other kids for survival is repulsive.
Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.
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