The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Genre: Other World, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Drama, Action

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2008

Length: 374

Completed Reading: December 6, 2021

 

SPOILER ALERTS!! 

 

Summary:

Panem, a dystopian society made up of 12 poverty-stricken districts and 1 luxurious Capitol, hosts an annual event called the Hunger Games. In these games, 2 people (1 male and 1 female) from each of the 12 districts are drawn to compete. This year, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate when her younger sister, Primrose, is drafted. 

As Katniss and the male tribute from her district, Peta, set out to the games, their loyalty to each other is challenged by the other district’s tributes, forcing them to make new allies and new enemies. With the support of their district and the tumultuous manipulations of the Capitol, the odds waver in and out of their favor. How will they both make it home if only one of them can survive?

Review:

What I enjoyed most about this novel are the fantastical yet relatable elements that held my attention throughout. I am not one to usually opt for science fiction, however, the story of a young woman who will do anything to protect her family is one that I cannot pass up. Katniss Everdeen, for lack of a better term, is a badass (both in and out of the games) who would go to the ends of the earth to make sure her sister is out of harm’s way. Although it breaks my heart that she had to compensate for her aloof mother’s shortcomings, she took it in stride with her bow and arrow by her side. I also enjoyed the colorful supporting characters as the author did a wonderful job bringing them to life from Katniss’ perspective.

Reading The Hunger Games truly kept me on the edge of my seat. From the anticipation of the initial tribute drawing to the life-altering moment that would decide the winner, there was something to look forward to on every page. I was very shocked at how the author managed to add romantic tension on top of life-or-death tension. I believe that this book was a wonderful blend of fantasy, action, and teen angst that would appease any young adult reader of any gender identity. 

 

Themes:

Overcoming Challenges

The first theme I recognized was the desire; no, the need to overcome challenges. Even outside of the Hunger Games, the 12 districts faced poverty while citizens of the Capitol lived in luxury. Katniss and her best friend Gale risked their lives to hunt birds, squirrels, and deer as it was illegal to even fend for themselves. Even more so, Katniss is reminded of her struggle every time she enters her home and sees her late father’s picture. He died in a coal mining accident, leaving Katniss’ mother an empty shell and making Katniss the provider of the family. However, Katniss did not let this paralyze her as it did her mother; it made her hungry for survival. 

Loyalty

Loyalty is displayed as one of the major themes when Katniss volunteers as tribute in place of her sister, Primrose. Although Katniss could have let it be and supported her sister from the outside, she made it her mission to keep her sister home even if it cost her her own life. Then, as the Hunger Games dawned, Katniss did her best to make decisions that she could live with– one of them being her decision to remain loyal to Peta. Peta made this decision a bit difficult as he eventually turned his back on Katniss but Katniss still remained loyal and did what she could to protect them both. It is this loyalty that led her to be victorious, and in turn, allow both tributes to live. 

 

Both of these themes are important for young adults because they are at a stage where each of these virtues is being put to the test. In both middle and high school, adolescents are under the pressure of schoolwork, measuring up to their peers, parental standards, and much more. Throughout this time, the Hunger Games sets a wonderful example of how to persevere through any obstacle they may face. Students at this age also place great importance on their relationships (i.e. platonic, romantic, family). Understanding the power of loyalty is something that will help them navigate the tough moments that all relationships encounter. 

 

Multiliteracy:

The Hunger Games possesses many characters, themes, and events that should be thoroughly explored. Students can expand on these components in many ways that meet their individual interests and learning styles. 

Venn Diagram: Students can work individually or as partners to compare and contrast characters in the story. While many of the characters may seem to have one purpose, they all contribute greatly to Katniss and Peta’s success, even as antagonists. Having students compare and contrast characters of their choice will help them better understand the characters’ influence in the story and how they may have contributed to certain themes. 

Act It Out: Students will work in groups to act out a pivotal scene from the book. In doing so, students will dissect which lines and moments are necessary to explain the main point/purpose of the scene. Students will reflect on why this scene is valuable to the overall story.

Character Charades: In an activity similar to Act It Out, students will work individually to portray a character well enough for their peers to guess. After choosing a character from a hat, students will use facial expressions and body language only to mimic said character. This activity will force the students to closely study their character in order to embody and understand their behavior. 

 

All in all, I believe that The Hunger Games is a book overflowing with rich characters, themes, and scenes that would interest readers of all kinds. There is something to be said about stories that keep you reading, but even more so about stories that keep you wondering after the pages have run out. Luckily there are three more books in the series for me to sink my teeth into, hopefully answering some of the questions I have formed along the way.