It’s the future, and what was once known as North America is now a shamble of a place. In these shambles is the nation of Panem. The Capitol of Panem looks very different from the other 12 districts that surround it. The Capitol is shiny, prestigious, well kept, and rich. The other 12 districts are reliant upon Panem in order to survive, and these districts barely have enough food to thrive. Many citizens hunt illegally and sell their loot in the black market known as the Hob. As punishment for a previous rebellion, the Capitol forces a boy and a girl aged 12 to 18 from each district to participate in the annual Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games is an event put on by the Capitol wherein 2 citizens from every district are forced to compete to the death on live TV. Enter Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old who takes her little sister’s place in the Games when her name is drawn. Katniss is an expert hunter and survivor who has been caring for her family since her father’s death in the coal mines. She and the other contenders are placed in an arena specifically constructed each year for the Games. It is there where they must contend with weather, each other, the search for enough food and water, and whatever other obstacles the Capitol places in their path.

The Hunger Games is a fast-paced adventure that is not easy to put down. You might as well clear your schedule for awhile in order to finish it, as you’ll be engrossed with the plot very quickly. The book touches on many themes, including self preservation, loyalty, love, violence, morality, war, and uprising. It’s difficult to read in the sense that the Capitol has supreme control over its people and enforces it by its use of the Peacekeepers, a post-apocalyptic version of the police force. Through the Hunger Games, the Capitol can control its citizens. They are encouraged to watch the games and must be involved in all local events involving the contenders. Through this government control another rebellion by the citizens is harder to come by.