The Hunger Games trilogy [50/365 Challenge]

The Hunger Games is one of the most popular book series right now but I have only met one other person in this area that has read them or heard of them. So, this is basically how I’ve been explaining the books to my friends.

It takes place in Panem which was once North America. Instead of states, the country is broken up into 12 districts and the Capital (the government). Decades ago, the districts attempted a revolution but failed and an entire district was reduced to rubble. To remind the districts that they are under the thumb of the Capital, every year an event called The Hunger Games is held. A male and female child between ages 12 and 18 is chosen from each district. The games are televised and celebrated like the Olympics are today but all citizens are required to watch as these children are put into an arena to fight to the death until only one is left standing.

Catching Fire and Mockingjay are the other two books in the series. Obviously I cannot say much about these two books without giving away what happens in the first book. Basically, the series is about revolution, war, growing up too fast, and a little love triangle thrown in.

My favorite part of this series is I honestly never knew what was going to happen next. Every single chapter was a cliffhanger that made me want to go on to the next chapter, then the next, and the next. Once in the second book I actually did stop at the end of the chapter only because I had to set it aside and really soak in what had just happened. That never happens.

I really loved this series though I hit a section in the last book that made me lose interest in it for a bit until I powered through and it regained the pace I loved. (Could have been my mood. That happens often.) I don’t know if I ever really liked the main character Katniss. But, I applauded her for her strength, her devotion to her family, and her determination despite the terrible things that happened to her, her family, and her friends. She was a strong but not flawless character. She was real.

The ending I felt could have been fleshed out a bit more. I got the basics of what I needed to know to tie the story up but I also think there were some things left dangling a bit and I really wanted to know more. However, I like that the ending was bittersweet. It makes it feel authentic and not the fairy-tale ending I usually expect.

Lastly, I just want to say I loved the symbolism in the book covers designs. The mockingjay’s transformation from a metal pin to a full-fledged bird was A+ in my mind.

The Hunger Games