The world is a very different place than we know it. North America rebelled against the government and is paying the price. We have been divided into 13 colonies that are not allowed to intermingle with each other. In order to remind us of what we wrought, each year a boy and girl (ages 12-18) are randomly drawn from each district and forced to participate in a televised fight to the death. Whomever is the last person standing gets food for their district for the next year...all other districts are left to starve and manage as best they can. Hence the name, "Hunger Games". The twist for this year? The boy and girl from district 13, who's district hasn't won in several decades, happen to love each other. How are they supposed to kill each other in order to survive?
"Hunger Games" is an interesting dystopian novel for young adults and the first in a trilogy. This book is very well written with a male and female protagonist so as to engage readers of both genders. The storyline is gripping with a few plot twists and the beginnings of a little romance (nothing more than a kiss). There is some violent scenes, which should be obvious given the context of the book, but nothing overly descriptive. This is a book that I would recommend for middle or high schools, as well as for adults.
