In a not-too-distant future, the Unites States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collin's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing.
What stood out to me in this book is how her skills for survival saved her life. All the skills she had learned before the hunger games really paid off during the games. She had greater confidence in her ability to survive because she had already developed the skills to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to gain all the knowledge we can so that when times get hard we will be prepared to deal with it. I feel more motivated to gain skills similar to hers although it is unlikely I will be put in such a predicament as she was but I can see the value in the skills she had. I wish to be prepared for whatever may come my way so that my perspective may be one of understanding and confidence.
I really enjoyed the 2 main characters. I liked that despite the desperate times and situation, they were both good people. Believable flaws, but both had a concience and wanted to do what was right. I enjoyed the relationship between Katniss and her younger sisiter. That bond that makes Katniss willing to sacrifice. I also enjoyed Peeta and his sweet innocence, humility, and love for Katniss.
ReplyDeleteI felt the story was compelling and once the games began, I couldn't put the book down. Because of the nature of the plot, this book should definatly be for more mature YA's
No matter how dire your situation, how hopeless it may seem, it is important to do your best and hang in there. Who can tell the limits of what love can do?