The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

              In the first part of Suzanne Collins' bestselling trilogy, The Hunger Games introduces Katniss Everdeen. Katniss is a sixteen-year-old girl living in a post-apocalyptic world called Panem. In what was formerly known as North America, Panem consists of twelve lower-class districts and one powerful, governing district known as the Capitol. Katniss lives in the twelfth and poorest district known as Seam, the coal mining district. When Katniss was young, her father died in a coal mining accident, and Katniss took over the responsibility of raising her younger sister Primrose after her mother had a nervous breakdown. Katniss provides for her family by hunting beyond the perimeters of the Seam, which is a punishable offence in Panem. As the provider of the family, Katniss will do whatever it takes for Primrose. This is evident when Primrose is selected to participate in the Hunger Games and Katniss volunteers to take her place in the bloody "games".
               In Panem, every year one girl and one boy, between the ages of 12 and 18, are selected  from each of the twelve districts to participate in the Hunger Games. The annual event was created to display the power of the Capital and remind the people of Panem never to rebel. If a district rebels, they will be crushed like the 13th district years ago. Only one participant can win the Hunger Games, and  although Katniss is one of the smallest contestants, the skilled hunter will not back down.
               The Hunger Games is a brilliant story from start to finish.  The underdog story of Katniss, the adventurous world of Panem, and a love story intertwined makes The Hunger Games a perfect book for almost anyone. Suzanne Collins develops an in-depth world and unforgettable characters. To say The Hunger Games was a great book would be an understatement. Quite frankly, it is the best book I have ever read. I can only hope that the second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire, is as good as the first.

5/5