The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is the story of Katniss, a girl who lives in a future United States that is very different from what we know now. In the future the United States is divided up into numbered districts, with the Capitol being the ruling district. Each district is known for a service or product. For example, District 12, where Katniss lives, is known for mining. There is a kind of caste system attached to the districts, as well. District 12 is very poor, for example.

At one time in the past (but still the future for us) the districts rose up against the Capital but failed in their attempt at revolution. The Capital came up with The Hunger Games to as a way to repress the districts and remind them that they have power over them.

The Hunger Games are held once a year. Every year each teenager for each district has to put there name in a drawing. Then names are drawn from each district. One boy and one girl is chosen randomly to participate in the Games. A big to-do is made over these games. The districts are forced to watch them and celebrate them, while the Capital loves the entertainment.

The thing about the Hunger Games, though, is that the teens are put into a stadium and made to fight each other to the death. Guess who gets picked to be in the Hunger Games this year? Our Heroine, Katniss.

I started listening to the audio version of this book last week and literally couldn’t stop listening until it was finished. It was a very compelling, exciting story. Katniss is a wonderfully strong female character which I love. The male protagonist is also awesome. A little romance develops between them which adds to the drama. I absolutely loved this book and am considering reading it again. I am really looking forward to the followup!