Food and Entertainment Have Their Price

July 13, 2010

Katniss Everdeen is the pride of District 12 because she is one of the best hunters around, even at age 16. The Capitol, a corrupt, oppressive government which rules over Panem, selects her younger sister for the 74th Hunger Games. Katniss volunteers to take the place of her sister and soon finds herself in a fight to the death with 23 other competitors, all teenagers. If she wins, she gains a lifetime of glory and freedom from the poor living conditions. If she loses… well, she doesn’t want to think about that. To complicate things, Peeta, a competitor from her home district, professes his undying love for her. There can be only one winner, posing difficult choices for both young competitors.

The first installment of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy is a nail-biting, joy ride through Katniss and Peeta’s adventure in post-apocalyptic North America. The third book, Mockingjay is due out in August, and the movie has been announced for next year. There’s still time to catch up with this incredible book that’s up for both the Truman and Gateway award this year. Suzanne Collins has made her name by writing epics for teens and children alike. She has a knack for writing descriptive, fast-paced stories, and Hunger Games is no exception. Be sure to check out Collins’ Underland Chronicles series too, if you’re feeling ambitious.

Dan B.