THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen and her family live in a futuristic country where districts are fenced off from wilderness and residents toil to provide the Capitol with all the food and energy that the leaders need. Conditions are spare and most residents go cold and hungry.

The Hunger Games are a diversion for the amusement of the Capitol. Two teenagers are chosen by lottery from each of the 12 districts. These 24 must fight to the death. When Katniss’s younger sister is drawn to represent her district, Katniss volunteers to take her place.

The Hunger Games is a fast-paced read which took me quickly through the set up and suspense of the games. I was expecting an outrage against the Capitol for forcing these teens into combat against each other. Instead, as is reasonable for facing death, Katniss deals with survival, humanity, and love at a personal level. I guess I’ll need to read the rest of the trilogy, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, to find out if enough rebellion exists to bring down the Capitol.

SS