Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Synopsis:  The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The ‘tributes’ are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.
When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. (Goodreads.com)

Review:

This is a dystopian novel, and revolves around 12 districts, once a year each districts has a boy and a girl tribute chosen from them to fight in the hunger games. The hunger games are staged in a huge arena, where game makers can control the living conditions.

This was a re-read for me. “Hunger Games,” was on the first young adult books that I ever read. I remember the first time I read it I was absolutely head-over heals in love with Peeta. But, having reread the book at a older age I have come to find that I wasn’t as excited about reading about Peeta, as I was when I was younger. This time around Katnis, really stood out to me. She was just an absolutely strong and independent female character. I enjoyed seeing how she took on the duty as a “guardian”, to not only her little sister Prim, but to Rue in the arena, with Peeta and even at times with Haymitch. I noticed that she really spoke her mind and didn’t sensor her feelings and emotions.

Even though, Peeta didn’t move me as much as he did the first time I read the book. I still very much respected him for looking out for Katniss and making decisions that would protect her and I thought that it was a very powerful point through out the book.

And wait we can’t forget the handsome best friend Gale. I loved Gale, he would always make me feel that no matter what happens that everything will be okay. It broke my heart when promises to look after Katniss little sister Prim, because it is truly rare that a person/ character is willing to look after someone other than themselves. The other thing that made me really enjoy Gale, is his relatable best friend dynamic with Katniss. He is defiantly the boy that every girl wants for a best friend. But, is it just friendship that is between Katniss and Gale or can other deeper feelings develop?

I think that if you are just getting into YA, this is definitely a book you will want to check out. It is so raw with emotion and adventure, that when you start reading it seems that this is actually happening to you. There were quite a few times that I couldn’t put the book down and would make an excuse as to why I need to read yet another chapter. I gave this book a 4/5  stars and I will highly recommend this to people that like adventure or dystopian worlds.