Sunday, April 1, 2012

The Hunger Games

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction



This week, I continued to read the first book in the Hunger Games triology. This novel takes place in the country of Panem, which was developed after North America was completely destroyed by natural disasters, such as droughts, fires and stroms. Originally, Panem was divided into one Capitol, and 13 Districts. However, the Districts rose against the Capitol, in a fierce rebellion. However, 12 Districts were defeated, while the 13th was completely destroyed. After these "Dark Days", the Treat of Treason was developed. This set of laws, supposedly, guarantees peace and prosperity for all of those living in Panem. However the Treat of Treason also brought the people the Hunger Games. Each year, each District sends two tributes (a teenage boy and girl) to the Capitol to fight to the death, until there is only one standing alive. The government organizes the Hunger Games to ensure that another rebellion will not occur, and to remind the people how much control they have over them. The main protagonist of this novel is Katniss Everdeen, a poor girl living in District 12, whose father was killed in a mine explosion, and who supplies her family with food by hunting. When her small sister, Primrose, is chosen as tribute, Katniss volunteers to go instead of her. The male tribute is Peeta Mellark, a boy from Katniss' grade, who also happens to be the baker's son. Peeta had a very big effect on Katniss when she was little, as he gave her bread when she and her family were on the brink of starvation. Personally, I really love this book. One of the reasons is because all the characters are extremely well-developed, especially Katniss. She is strong, and confident, and stands up for her family. Basically, she is the one who provides food and care for her mother and sister, while still trying to get an education. Volunteering to go to the Hunger Games instead of her sister proves how selfless Katniss is, and how much she is willing to sacrifice for the well-being of her family. Other characters that I really like are Cinna and Gale. Cinna is Katniss' personal stylist at the Hunger Games Remake Center. When Katniss first came to the Remake Center, she expected a very over-the-top, flamboyant, stylist, but Cinna seems very down to Earth, and understanding. It also seemes as though Katniss has a lot of trust in him, and she doesn't doubt any of the decisions he makes. Finally, Cinna is also extremely dedicated to his job, and is sincerely trying to help Katniss. Gale is Katniss' friend from District 12, who she has the most trust in. They met when they were fourteen, when both of their fathers died in the same mining accident. In my opinion, Gale and Katniss are very alike. Both of them are very determined, and they also have a lot of responsability, as Gale also has to provide for his family of one parent, and three younger siblings. Both Katniss and Gale are desribed as excellent hunters, who became best friends by poaching in the woods of District 12.

2 comments:

  1. Teadora, great review on the Hunger games book, i heard it is a great book and that there should soon be a movie. But really the reviews that they gave were terrible. Thanks to your review i learned a lot about the book, and it seems three times for awesome, and i am dying to read it.

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  2. Most of my friends told me that they read this book and that I should read it. Your review of this book was great. I will be looking forward to read this book!

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