Emmy Award-winning actress Tatiana Maslany narrates a brand-new special edition recording of the first audiobook in the worldwide best-selling trilogy from Suzanne Collins!

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before - and survival, for her, is second nature. Still, if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

This special edition audiobook includes a bonus track Q&A with Tatiana Maslany!

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The Hunger Games: Special Edition

Suzanne Collins (Author), Tatiana Maslany (Narrator), Scholastic Audio (Publisher)

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Product details

Listening Length	10 hours and 35 minutes
Author	Suzanne Collins
Narrator	Tatiana Maslany
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	October 30, 2018
Publisher	Scholastic Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B07HHJ7669
Best Sellers Rank	#204 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #2 in Dystopian Fiction for Teens #3 in Action & Adventure Fiction for Teens #5 in Teen & Young Adult Science Fiction Action & Adventure

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2 star		1%
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M.A. De Neve

GRIPPING, SAD, BEAUTIFUL

Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2017

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Imagine a lottery. It’s sort of like a draft lottery they had during the Viet Nam War. It’s sort of like the lottery in Shirley Jackson’s short story where the winner is stoned to death.
There are two “winners” in this Hunger Games lottery, a girl and a boy. Actually they are selected - drafted. Their names are pulled out at random. They get to compete with eleven other boys and eleven other girls in a war- games-type arena. There can only be one winner in the Hunger Games - the person still alive at the end of the games.
We follow Katniss, a girl from District Twelve, the poorest district, and Peeta, the baker’s son, from the same district. Peeta has had a crush on Katniss since she was five years old. She owes him for giving her bread when her family was starving. She feels she should repay this debt. Now they might be forced to kill each other.
The pageantry leading up to the games at times resembles a beauty contest, at times resembles training for participation in a less-lethal sport and at times it resembles preparation for a bullfight.
This is a terrifying story, but it’s also a life enhancing a story as the 24 children (ages 12 to 18) in the games sometimes form alliances based on friendship or need. It’s hard to trust anyone knowing that person might soon become your killer.
There’s are lessons in survival here. There’s also romance as Katniss isn’t sure if she loves Peeta, but she cares for him enough to fight for his survival as well as her own.

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Constantine

The book that started it all!

Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2017

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Rating: 4.5/5.0

It seems I am the last one who read this book! LOL. Lots of hype generated about this book back when it was released. For no reason I never picked it up and always delayed watching the movies so I can read the book first. I guess now it is time to watch the movie. First thing I have to say the hype is not just a hype without any justification to it. The book is very well written. The story is very fast paced and enjoyable. I know many new dystopian books took an idea or two from this one.

The only drawback I would say is that we did not get to know some of the other characters who participated in the Hunger Games, some characters were more interesting than others because they were more elaborated. Rue for example was a good defined character. It would have been nice to know more about foxface. The main characters were very well written. Have no complaints about them.

The end of the story will make you want to jump into the sequel right away. I think this is a good book series to invest some time into. I hope book two and three will be as good too.

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Melanie Valente

A series that stands up well after 10 years

Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2019

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The Hunger Games stands up wonderfully even a decade after publication and I loved it just as much this time around as I did the first time I read it.

After a failed uprising 74 years ago the nation of Panem began hosting the annual Hunger Games, a tournament where two tributes from each of the twelve districts fight to the death until only one victor remains. Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen has always dreaded reaping day, but after her twelve year old sister is chosen, Katniss doesn't hesitate to volunteer to take her place. Katniss is then swept off to the glitz and glamour of the Capitol where the games take place and it will take everything she has to survive.

Katniss is such a fantastic main character and I love how realistic her reactions are. Every time I read the scene where she volunteers to take Prim's place, I can feel her desperation to save her sister. It's immediately clear that the most important thing for Katniss is that she survive the games. Every decision she makes is to ensure that happens and she can return to her sister. What throws a bit of a wrench in her plans though is fellow district twelve tribute Peeta. Peeta slowly gets behind Katniss' defenses and I love the scenes between the two.

I always forget just how brutal the games themselves are. The author really doesn't hold back with the violence and I find all of the traps made by the Gamemakers to be fascinating. The Gamemakers definitely come up with some crazy stuff and I really like how far they take things as it definitely ramps up the suspense. Possibly my favorite scene in the entire book is the final scene with Katniss and Rue. It's so fantastically done and Katniss' devastation is so clear. The ending of this book is amazing and I love how well it sets up for the second book in the series.

Overall The Hunger Games is one of my favorite books and I'm glad I decided to reread the series.

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butterflyminxs64

An Awe Inspiring Cruelty, Heartbreaking Story that Must be Read

Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2016

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I finally got around to reading this book and due to the popularity, I knew how it began. It seems that so many books are going to the theme of a nation divided into districts and this book does as well.

Underneath all the fighting for survival is a boy in love with a girl and a girl who is desperate to return home. Willing to do anything, she goes along with the idea of them being in love, hoping that in the end, it will mean both will end up back in their district.
The imagery invoked a lot of breathtaking pictures. The characters had enough background that I found myself loving, hating, being indifferent, or hoping that nothing bad befell them. The emotions were sharp and cut deep in many cases; the fact that the nation forced children to fight to live as punishment for a long ago war, I found horrid. Yet, in some cases, I have to admit that I was glad when some were taken out.
There are a lot of twists and turns that occur. Some you see coming, some you are told are coming even if what will happen isn't known and still others that come from seemingly no where. How each character reacts helps define their personality and chance of survival. This is a book with very few places were things become dull.

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Top international reviews

I read it in 1 day - teen fiction at its best

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2017

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My teenage sister recommended this to me so I thought I'd try it. I loved it so much that I read it in one day straight, and then went and bought the next 2 and read both of those in a day each. This is teen fiction done at its best. I've ended up having great conversations with my sister about propaganda and all sorts of things she'd never really thought about before. making these things accessible to teenagers whilst having writing and a story that appeals to all ages is a rare gift :)

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Lilly Heart

WOW WOW WOW GO KATNISS!!!!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2016

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WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!
OMG what a story, what a book. This is Amazing. I loved this book. This book one of the best books I have read in a long time. A lot more happens in the book then it does in the film. Katniss is such a strong and principle character. She volunteers herself so her sister doesn't have to go into the games and possibly die.
This book is a set in the future, where the whole country is called Panem. The Capital is the richest and there are districts, the higher the district you are the poorer the district is. So hunger is a continues problem. The Capital puts on a reality game show every year called 'The Hunger Games' where 1 boy and 1 girl are picked at random from each district. Then it is a fight to the death, where there is one person left standing, because that person has killed all the others. That person is the winner of The Hunger Games.
At the age of 12 you have to have your finger pricked and write your name below your blood. Then your name is put into a jar and if your name is picked, you are to go into The Hunger Games.
This is pleasure watching TV for the people of the Capital who love the Game and the excitement of it all. The training all the districts have to go through, there are TV appearances, interviews, makeup, dresses. The other Districts have to watch in Horror while their children are danger and the risk of them dying because the other districts are reminded constantly about the Uprising that happened that ended District 13 and why these Games are put on, so all the Districts can learn not to go up against the Capital.

The book is in the POV of 16 year old Katniss Everdeen. She lost her father in a mining accident years ago and her mother fell into a deep depression and it has been Katniss who has had to feed herself, her younger sister Primrose and the mother by going into the woods hunting animals and selling them at the market, which is off limits.

Her younger sister is chosen at the Reeping to go into the games, but Katniss won't let that happen so she volunteers herself to go instead of Prim.
The boy chosen Peete also the same age go into the Capital with their mentor Haymitch, who was a Hunger Games Winner when he was a boy.
The pear are put to the limits with training. Pushing themselves to breaking point.

The Hunger Games is a valiant book because it's children that are killing and dying. Having said that it is written in a way that you didn't feel that way when you read it. Because it's set in the future and all the districts children that are taking part in the games it is normal for them, because they are used it, we, as the reader are not used to it so it's shocking for us. But that is what I loved about this book. It was shocking, sad and sometimes terrifying but, Katniss makes you rout for her, makes you want her to be the winner even if she has to do something that is shocking.
This year there is a twist in the Hunger Games but, don't get to comfortable this is the Capital and they like their entertainment.

This book made me so tired, it just doesn't stop. I wanted at one time wished I could jump into my kindle and kick some booty at some of the people at the Capital because they were seeing entertainment when really, its a kill or be killed game, and they are children who are being killed or made to kill.
Its a fantastic book even if it sounds really morbid you will not at all be disappointed in this book at all.

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Three Minutes and Forty Five Seconds

If you haven't already read it, do it!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2017

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f you haven't yet read The Hunger Games then read it, read it now! I have owned these books for a number of years now and they have been sat winking at me to read. Well, January was the month to read the first one. I had just finished Alluvia by JH Lewis and was ready for a new series where I would be left wanting to read more. The Hunger Games did not disappoint.

I am already prepared to read the next books, however, I am going to split up the reading and choose something else first. I had seen the first film but could not fully remember the story. I had high hopes for the first book and I was not disappointed. Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 of Panem in North America with her widowed mother and her younger sister, Primrose, Prim. Following the death of her father in the coal mines Katniss has no choice but to become to main wage earner and provider for her family by any means possible. She uses a variety of skills, in particular, the ability to use a bow and arrow, and techniques she has developed, along with the help from her friend Gale, to provide for her family.

Every national of Panem is entered into the reaping between the ages of 12 and 18. A person can be entered on more than one occasion depending on their financial status and needs. Every entry into the reaping gives a family more food and support for the family, this is known as tesserae. Katniss, at the age of sixteen, has her name entered twenty times. Gale, at eighteen, is entered forty-two times. Prim has only been entered once as Katniss will not allow her to be entered anymore. Unfortunately and unexpectedly Prim is pulled from the selection, Katniss nominates herself to takes Prim's place and a whole range of incidents and unexpected outcomes are waiting for Katniss. in my opinion, the Capitol use the Hunger Games as a way to keep the less privileged and lower social classes in their "rightful" place. Unable to uprise against the Capital as had previously happened in Panem. The Capital use this barbaric and, frankly, ridiculous technique to show the others who is in charge. What absolutely baffled me was not that the Capitol were sending people into a controlled environment to slaughter one another for no other reason than being told to, but the fact that they were only, at a push, teenagers which were being forced to act in such a way. This system definitely had a sense of William Golding's, Lord of the Flies. The, to be perfectly honest, children are expected to murder, slaughter and if they feel like it, eat one another to survive. What an awful concept, just to keep the Capital happy with their control.

Katniss is the female chosen to enter the arena and Peeta is the male chosen. Peeta makes a confession during his pre-contest interview about his feelings towards Katniss. Katniss is unsure if this declaration is true or whether Peeta has found a way to appeal to the audience for both their sakes. The couple were separated for a large period of the story. However, a change in the rules means that both Katniss and Peeta could survive and leave the arena together means they need to strive to not only stay together but survive. During this time together the pair are able to visit and discuss their feelings towards one another. It is an unfair and controversial last minute rule change which makes us think that perhaps the couple will not end their story together. A Romeo and Juliet moment has the Gamemakers have a quick change of heart. I did feel very concerned for the lovable characters, were they going to survive? Would another contestant try and challenge them to the death? Would they ever get back to District 12?

There are a number of people to "help" Katniss and Peeta to prepare and progress through the games. Cinna, Katniss' stylist. He becomes a dear friend to Katniss when no one else will listen to her problems and worries before entering the games. Effie Trinket, the Capital representative for District 12. A lady who has never found anything interesting or rewarding come from the district until Katniss and Peeta. Haymitch Abernathy, the only ever Hunger Games winner to come from District 12, now a drunken...bafoon. Other than Gale, Katniss has an affiliation with Madge Undersee, the Mayor's daughter. Madge provides Katniss with a keepsake from District 12, the notorious Mockingjay pin which is seen as a stand to the Capitol as the bird was a mistake made on their part. The Mockingjay bird helps Katniss on a number of occasions through the books and brings her a little reminder from home each time. There is without no question of a doubt that Katniss would not have been anywhere near as successful in The Games without the help from Rue from District 11. Rue becomes Katniss' friend and companion for a period of time in The Games and with her help, they continue to survive and strive. Well done Rue, well done!

I would absolutely, definitely recommend this book to someone else. It has been such a good read and I can't wait to read the next two books. I did feel like Katniss is slightly self-centred and self-absorbed about her own gains and benefits. She doesn't often take in the thoughts and feelings of Peeta and has more interest in what Gale may be thinking of her whilst he is watching the games unfold. The games have a feeling of Big Brother, minus the murder...well, who knows what the series may lead to, in order to encourage viewings! The contestants are constantly watched and constantly need to be on guard for what they are doing and saying.

I look forward to the next books. To read more on my reviews visit threeminutesfortyfiveseconds.blogspot.co.uk

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Labyrinth

Best books I have read for a long time

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2017

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My teenage daughter was the one who discovered this trilogy when they first came out and raved about it. It was only after I had seen the first film adaptation of The Hunger Games that I became intrigued with the story so I read the books. I had been out of reading good books for many years since my student days but these books bought back all the pleasure of reading.

They have everything you want in a good book: an intriguing, original and addictive plot (they were hard to put down!), well drawn out complex characters with depth, multi layered message and themes running through the books and beautifully written by author Suzanne Collins. At the heart of the books is the un-stereotypical, complex and well written heroine that is Katniss Everdean. I loved her because while having all the flaws and vulnerabilities of any human she also acts a an amazing role model for women. I also loved the subtle love story that runs through it. Can't recommend this series enough.

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KindleReader2004

My favourite trilogy!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 22, 2018

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Wow!
I am still mesmorised by these books. I am quite a fussy reader and I usually don't reread books but I really am not joking when I say that I have read each book about 10 times each!
Anytime I open the book just to reread my favourite parts, I am amazed by how Suzanne Collins makes me just fall in love with Katniss and Peeta, feel the hatred at President Snow, laugh at Haymitch's drunken ways, sad at poor Rue and furious (SPOILERS!) at Gale's death traps that kill Prim.
This is an amazing read and it is definitely teen fiction at its best!

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jingojones

Not that good

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2019

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I don't like to give a negative review for someone's hard work but I really did not enjoy this story at all. I just couldn't get to grips with the fact that children as young as 12 were forced to enter these 'games' for adult pleasure. Don't any of these adults have children of their own that they are willing to allow them to die just for pleasure?? If you want a better story in a similar vein that actually makes sense, then read The Atlantis Grail by Vera Nazarian, you won't be sorry.

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K.A

The U.K lockdown

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2020

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I know my title above has nothing to do with the books, but it is why I bought them in the first place.
I only came across the films last year, I was very late to the party in that regard but I fell in love with the films instantly and I watched them often.
A few weeks ago at work I found myself singing verses of "the hanging tree" so much so that 2 others in the office were also joining in and it made me want to watch the movies again they were just that good.
Then the pandemic got worse and last Monday was my last day at the office, I desperately needed something to do and of course watched the movies I thought of only a few weeks prior.
It hit me then that I never even read the books, normally I read the books first as they hold so much more information than the films so instantly I bought all 3 on Kindle and it's kept me occupied.
They are fantastic! I had the advantage of the films being fresh in my mind so when I read the books from Katniss's point of view I was already picturing what was going on when she was receiving things like shocking news for example (spoiler alert) when they are drawn back to the quarter quell. When you read the books you are seeing things from her perspective only but from the film you are seeing how it's been manipulated and brought about. So for me I was able to picture everything at once which made it more of an enjoyable read.
The books hold so much more information than the films showed, don't get me wrong the films are brilliant but you always get more from a book.
The books and the films show realism, even if it's fiction there are things written and shown that are relatable to everyone. The author is fantastic at portraying this.
It merely depends on your own life and what you've faced as a person, if you found yourself relatable/similar to Katniss's character and I don't mean the fictional parts I mean the realistic ones like dealing with poverty, enduring grief, crippling fear. (I could go on but this review is already long enough) you may act differently to her character or you may sympathize with her and when I read the books I found that I sympathized. Beforehand I was indifferent. It was only after reading through first person I got an understanding of what kind of person she is.
Suffice to say for me I gave the rating 5 stars, I read some of the lower ratings to get an idea of what I was getting into and many of them were so low, a lot of this was down to the miss-selling of books. (Covers were not portrayed right etc)
I found them gripping and it took me two days to finish them, I'd happily read them again. I like where all books take you and that's away from wherever you are. So for two days I spent it in the Hunger games listening to Katniss tell her story and I recommend these books to anyone who wishes to escape for a little while.
Stay safe everyone 🙌

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Megan-Elizabeth

May the odds be ever in your favour....

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 11, 2015

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I have just finished rereading this book for the third time and let's just say, it did not disappoint. In my opinion, 'The Hunger Games' trilogy just tops every other dystopian teen series out there, and that is saying a lot, considering how many there are nowadays.
The story takes place in Panem, a divided country once known as North America. It has twelve districts which surround a big central city called The Capitol. Every year, each district is required to send one male and one female tribute (between the ages of 12 and 18) to The Capitol, to compete in the annual Hunger Games- a grisly fight to the death to remind the people of the districts of the punishment they now face for a rebellion that was fought almost 75 years ago.
The heroine of the story is 16 year old Katniss Everdeen from District 12. When she finds herself a tribute in The Games, she is whisked away to The Capitol where she experiences delicious food, beautiful costumes and a week of strenuous training as the day when she will be launched into the arena draws ever closer. She may live, and be crowned victor, but the likelihood is, she will die. And that's all there is to it. Only, things are never quite that simple....
Katniss finds herself in a romantic relationship with fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, which is unfortunate, since only one can live. But what's real, and what's just for the cameras?
That is the question both you and Katniss will be asking yourselves throughout the entirety of the series.
I just love this book, so much. Doubtless, it's better the first time you read it. I've just read it for the third time, and it doesn't compare to the first time when you're on the edge of your seat, with no idea what's coming next, but it's good the third time, nevertheless.
My favourite character is Katniss, because she is such a truthful and engaging narrator. You really feel what she feels and it's like you're there in the arena with her. The little flashbacks she has throughout the book really build her up as a character until you feel like you know her so well, she could be your best friend. Throughout the novel, she keeps you interested in the story, which is really important to me. So saying, though, I really love ALL the characters.
I adore Peeta, because he's so lovely and charming to Katniss, and would do anything for her. It kinds of leaves you with that feeling of 'Oh, I wish I could meet a guy like that someday'. I probably won't though. But I'm not giving up hope. The relationship that develops between him and Katniss is really great, but you're still left scratching your heads as to whether either of them actually mean any of their romantic gestures, or whether they were just acting for the cameras.
My other favourite characters were Rue, Haymitch and Effie. All three of them were totally unique characters who made me feel different things. They made me laugh, they made me cry, and for that, I love them.
Like I said, both the narrative and the way in which it was written were very gripping. The book felt like it was literally glued into my hands, despite the fact that I already knew what was going to happen.
I thought that Suzanne Collins managed to get the combination of action, adventure and romance just right and included the right amount of each.
I also liked the different contrasts displayed throughout the book, from Katniss' life in District 12, to the extravagant empire which is The Capitol, to the kill-or-be-killed world of the arena.
So, what I'm trying to say is that it is an amazing book, which leads to an amazing series, one that I cannot find fault with, and would recommend to absolutely ANYONE, because there is something that will appeal to every type of person. Liked Divergent? Liked The Maze Runner? Then I promise, you will like this EVEN MORE.
I would rate this book....
10 stars out of 10 (Yep, I really can't find any fault, so full marks it is).

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Alan McCluskey

Slick and deadly

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 29, 2013

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I was seriously thinking of passing on writing a review about Suzanne Collins` The Hunger Games. My feelings about the book were so extreme and contradictory that I had some difficulty coming to terms with them. Frankly, when you think about it, the story line is repulsive. It's a cross between Roman gladiator fights in which the participants in the arena are teenagers who fight to the death in games that are a vehicle of supreme repression of human spirit and a television reality show in which the audience delights in children ripping themselves apart with the collusion of the producers of the show. The rules of the game make any thought of kindness, of kinship, of friendship, or of solidarity a dreadful risk lest it be as a strategy to gain the deadly upper hand.

No doubt it is this extreme situation that makes us identify so strongly with the main protagonist, Katniss, in her fight against oppression. I say fight against oppression, but in reality, despite her being a natural rebel, her fight in many ways is limited to a desperate attempt to survive. Such are the odds against her, I imagine you saying. And you'd no doubt be right. I suppose her role as a rebel will evolve and grow in the remaining two books which I have yet to read.

Having said that, at no time, as a reader, did I find the story repulsive. At no time was I so shocked that I put the book down in disgust. On the contrary. I was totally captivated by the story from the outset and greatly enjoyed reading it. Does that make me akin to the blood-thirsty TV spectators of the Games? In my defence and that of most readers, I imagine, let it be said that I sided with the rebel not the Game organisers or the authorities. When we reached the death of the youngest competitor that Katniss had befriended despite the cut-throat atmosphere of the Games I broke down and cried as I imagine did many others, cued in by both the organisers of the Games and the author. And as for Katniss, there was no relief for me as a reader in reaching the end of the story with her as the survivor and triumphant winner. The story left me feeling somewhat estranged from myself and the world around me. On reflexion, my feelings were akin to those I get on the rare occasions when I watch a TV programme about a subject that deeply disturbs me. I feel both invaded and violated in some way. I doubt if I will be able to allay that feeling by reading on, but read on I certainly will.

I went back and re-read the beginning in the cool light of dawn, more as a writer than a reader, trying to ascertain if the language used contributed to the impact of the story. I was struck by the low-key nature of the language used. No fancy stuff, just the words the story needed. The conclusion I reached was that the skill of the storyteller, in this case, was to use such language that it in no way obstructed the flow of the story but rather carried us, the readers, along with it until we were cast ashore et the end, dazed and wondering what had happened to us.

Review first published on Secret Paths: http://about-books.secret-paths.com/?p=24

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Dr. Michael Heron

Much, much better than it has any right to be.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2014

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Given it's slightly ludicrous premise[1], the Hunger Games is much, much better than it has any right to be. I saw the movie first, and so I'm not entirely sure how much that impacted on my enjoyment[2] - but I didn't so much read it as devour it. The writing is crisp, engaging, and infused with life. The characters, save ironically for most of the tributes themselves, are well developed and rounded. The lead-up to the Games is suitably tense, and the Games themselves are tenser still. Were it not for the fact that there are two sequels prominently advertised after the last page though, I'd have said that the ending was unsatisfactorily abrupt - it doesn't hide the fact though that this is a larger tale told through three books and I can forgive that very minor failing. Often after reading a book (or watching a season of a TV show) I want to leave a bit of time to reflect before I move on to the next one. I'll be starting Catching Fire though this evening.

[1] A premise which becomes less ludicrous, through explanation, as we progress through the series. But taking it just from the first book and how it's presented, it's not really all that well contextualised.
[2] Jennifer Lawrence is exactly how I visualise the Katniss when reading the book, too.

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Geoff

Brilliant !

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 12, 2014

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So.....Book 1 : The Hunger Games

Wrote by Suzanne Collins and introducing us to a dystopian world, set in the future, where living in the Capital is opulent and decadent and the communities of the other Districts live under their rules.

The Hunger Games; a way for the Capital to commemorate the uprising that happened in the past. The very reason that the districts were formed. To 'honour' the peace, each District has to offer up sacrifices, of sorts. One boy and one girl from each District are picked.

The Games? Well, it's kill or be killed. The winner, for want of a better term, is the one left standing. They get to live out their lives in some degree of comfort.

So, this year is the 74th Anniversary.....

It's a bit of a lottery who gets picked; if you're indebted to the Capitol in any way then the possibility of getting picked is increased.

Katniss Everdeen, 16, knows this, which is why she's trying to support her family the best she can, to protect her mother and sister.

The chosen ones, from District 12, were Prim Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Prim is only 12 years old and Katniss's sister.

Immediately Katniss offers herself in Prim's place....and so the story begins.

Katniss and Peeta have got 'previous'.....

We meet Gale, Katniss's best friend and someone she has deep feelings for, Effie Trinket, who's from the Capitol and Katniss'a chaperone, Haymitch, a previous winner of the Hunger Games and more people later on....

It's a gripping story, written from Katniss's perspective; her thoughts and feelings, and is very much a 'coming of age' tale.

Suzanne writes in a very entertaining way, full of feelings and imagination....and the story goes at quite a pace.

It all leads up to the games themselves and what happens. Katniss is smart and uses her hunting skills to good use. She starts weakly and helpless, as the character is coming to terms with her situation and dealing with it, and grows in statue as it goes on.

One moment's actions causing ripples throughout the nation.

A clever little twist at the end....

:-)

To recap; a clever little book, well written and with characters that have depth to them and are people that you end up really caring about. A great story and, I personally, could see this as quite believable and possible.

An essential book. It's not just for young adults. There's lots of emotional, social, political and psychological points that this book puts out there for people to get their teeth into....

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Lisa Devaney

Totally inspired me to write 'In Ark: A Promsie of Survival'

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2014

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I was really wary of this book because it sounded a lot like the story of Battle Royale, and I didn't want to read another story like that. I was also wary of a reality TV show type of game, and the bloody, deadliness of it. When I finally read this book I was so hooked into it that I quickly got through all three of the books. This is the best collection of books I have read in years and my absolute favorite books of all time. I fell in love with these elements:

-Katniss Everdeen just sprung off the pages for me, what amazing character development and what a sweet and very honest and real depiction of a teenage girl's nature. I love that she grows up with us through the series, and she is incredible in how she handles her war torn situation. When I was creating my main character Mya Brand, for my book 'In Ark: A Promise of Survival', I looked to Collins creation of Katniss Everdeen to understand how to build out a character. My Mya and Katniss are very different, but I hope my storytelling is similarly engaging to what Collins has achieved.

-It is incredible what this series of books does for the topic of war. Suzanne Collins skillfully portrays the horror of war, but in a way that also gives you insight to how and why it can come about, and just how complicated it all is. What Collins did for war is what I have tried to do in my first book 'In Ark: A Promise of Survival' for climate change.

-The pace and the unbelieveable "page turner" and "can't put it down" factors of this book just blew me away. Chapter after chapter left me wanting more of this story. I really tried to keep a similar pace in my 'In Ark: A Promise of Survival' and so far the feedback I'm getting is that I achieved this!

-I love, love, love the futuristic dystopian world Collins has created and especially the fashions and styles. This layer of visual presentation really gives the book a rich dimension where you can picture what the people of this future world look like. And I love that Katniss gets a stylist -- I want a stylist!!!

I know it is weird to try to tell you about my own book here. But 'The Hunger Games' was so important to me and, in part, compelled me to sit down for many hours at my computer, over two years, and try so hard to write a book for the first time. I plan a trilogy of my 'Mya and Ark' series that I dream will be as engaging and entertaining -- and enlightening as 'The Hunger Games.'

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Rajah

beautiful and action packed

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2019

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First of all this is a really amazing book and i would dearly reccomend it to dystopian and teen fiction lovers alike. Heres why.
The books starts slowly, introducing the scene and main character amazingly with Suzanne Collins signature discripting and writing style that you get so used to as the trilogy go by.

Even from the beggining you can sympthise with katniss,an angry reckless teenager trying to find her way in this terrifying crazy world sent off to be in a telivised battle to the death. once past the reaping the story beggins to be more climatic, intense and thought provoking as you see katniss struggling to work out whos freind or foe,how the capitol works and how even to survive in the games.
All in all its incredible to watch the author being able to creates so tense climaticand action packed and yet so deep and diverse in thoughts and imagery.

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lankylil

Great read!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2012

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A series of natural disasters destroys North America. Natural resources and food are consequently seriously depleted. A new nation, Panem, is created and ruled by the Capitol (spelt with an O not an A). There were thirteen districts, each responsible for supplying Capitol with its needs (District 11 is agriculture, District 12 coal etc). Whilst the residents of Capitol live rich and decadent lifestyles, people in the districts live a life of poverty ...... every day is a fight for survival, where there is never enough food, where people die young and people are wary of being reported to the state (whose punishments are swift and inhumane). A violent uprising against Capitol culminates in them completely destroying District 13 as punishment. However, the rulers decide that a more lasting reminder of The Capitol's power is needed ...... and the Hunger Games are created.

Every year a lottery is held and a girl and boy from each district is selected to participate in The Hunger Games. Twenty four children between the ages of 12 and 18 are taken to an arena. The arena is a large landscape which can be constructed as a jungle, desert, glacier ...... dependent only on the whim of the Game Makers. The children are deposited in the arena and basically must kill every one of their competitors ..... only one child will be allowed to leave the arena alive. Every move is captured on camera and televised throughout Panem. The games are brutal. Violent. Cruel. Popular viewing in Capitol and compulsory viewing in The Districts.

Katniss has spent years fighting to survive. Living on The Seam (District 12) where there is never enough to eat, she learns to hunt and gather in the woods, with her Father as a mentor. He is killed and she learns to take responsibility for providing both her sister and her withdrawn Mother with food. She forms a bond with Gale and they hunt together. Help each other. Trust each other.

However, due to an unexpected turn at The Reaping (the lottery) Katniss finds herself taken to the arena with the Baker's son ..... a boy she hardly knows, other than his once generous gift of bread when she was literally starving. The two join twenty two other young people from the other districts and know that only one can win. Only one will be allowed to live.

This book was a great read. Katniss has led a tough life and despite the challenges life throws at her, she fights to provide for her family. I formed an immediate attachment to the 16 year old Katniss. She is a real "tough cookie" with a soft and tender centre. She was trying to survive in a world that crushes the weak, whilst attempting to resolve her conflicted feelings about the people she knew. Katniss is determined to never marry or have children as she cannot bear the thought of them having to endure The Hunger Games.

She finds herself transported from a life where finding food is the first priority to one where her very life is in danger every minute of every day and night. In a place where the more tortuous and prolonged a death is, the happier the Game Makers are, as it ensures them a larger viewing public. Life is no longer as simple as it once was. Alliances are formed and broken. Decisions need to be made about trust, decisions that could cost her life. And she must learn to kill ...... or be killed.

A great book that that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The plot runs smoothly, increasing in tempo and making it hard to put down. The characters are well written, well rounded and engaging. The story is a real page turner and I purchased and started reading the sequel as soon as I had finished this!

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necros attacks

Wow - what a scintillating ride, for adults and children alike!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2012

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First off, I must say that this book is not for young children. It's quite graphic in parts, without being gross. The Hunger Games is simply one of the best books I have ever read, and I have read many books over the course of my 39 years. It's not a twee romance, although there is a love story, it's well written, and doesn't detract from the story.

That's why we read - to find good stories, and I was engrossed from the first page to the last. The last book to affect me that was was Stephen King's Desperation, and yet, while that was one of King's best, this is even better.

I'm happy to say I missed the film in the cinema, because reading the book was such a joy, I'm notw looking forward to the film on DVD. Suzanne Collins has wrote believable characters in a world we can understand. I would describe the story as a mix between Orwell's Nineteen Eighty Four, King's (writing as Bachman) The Running Man, and TV's the Crystal Maze.

Much has been said about the rather grisly theme of children killing children - true, although the story is so good, you almost forget about it.

The twists and turns are magnificently paced and introduced, creating a non stop tension throughout the book. My heart beat quickened at some scenes, such was the quality of the writing here.

Bravo to Suzanne Collins. This slots into my top ten books ever. Thank you, Ms Collins!

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