Reading Log 2: The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins when first published sold over 800,000 copies. This fantastic novel is set in the post-apocalyptic world of Panem, a clearly dystopian society. Panem is roughly located in North America and is set from the perspective of 16-year old Katniss Everdeen. While much of the plot leaves you guessing until the second book, a catastrophic event during what they call the ‘Dark Days’ leaves the Country of Panem split into 12 different districts.  One district called the ‘Capitol’ now rules over all the others. Once a year the Government of the Capitol holds a reality TV show where there is a selection of ‘contestants’ in each district.

Two residents of each district, one boy and one girl from the ages of 12-18, are picked at ‘Reapings’ where they go to fight for their lives in a gladiator type duel to the death. This is aired live 24/7 throughout the districts and all of Panem is forced to cheer on their favourites while they watch the ‘Tributes’ slaughter each other. Katniss volunteers as tribute and the story follows her  as she struggles to stay alive long enough to see her family again.

I admire Katniss for her perseverance and her courage. She was put into an arena to fight to the death. But Katniss never gave up, she always managed to overcome problems and bravely fight to the end. I know if I was put into the situation she was in, I would not have survived. She grew up hunting in the forests with a bow so I know this helped her alot in the arena.

While in the arena Katniss watched many people get killed. Some of them close friends of hers. Watching someone die is something someone should never have to experience. Katniss experienced this but managed to persevere through the sadness and anger. She didn’t let it distract her from trying to stay alive. I admire this strength as it is something not many people can do, being able to let go of the past and move is an amazing characteristic to have. This is a good reason why Katniss won the games, she was always focused on surviving, never distracted.

The story is action packed with action adventure, friendship, romance , fear and courage everything to make you want to keep reading. The fast paced plot line and relatable, heartbreaking characters keep you on your toes, there’s always something going on. The Hunger Games will leave you questioning our own society and yourself – how would you act and cope? It’s the perfect ‘get you thinking’ book for teens and young adults. Always generating interesting thoughts and discussion, this is a book you won’t be able to put down until you turn the last page.