The Hunger Games takes place in a dystopian future where the totalitarian nation of Panem consists of 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year, the Capitol holds the Hunger Games where two tributes between the ages of 12-18 from each district are selected to fight to the death on live television. The main character, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen from District 12 volunteers as tribute to save her younger sister. She teams up with fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark to try to survive the brutal games in which only one person can live.

1. The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins Caitlin Reicher 4-28-11 Per. 8 http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/luv4twilight90/The%2520Hunger%2520Games%2520related/Mocking-Jay-1-1.jpg

2. To summarize… In a nation called Panem, which exists in the land once known as North America, there are 12 districts. Previously, there were 13, but because of the start of a revolt against The Capitol, the 13th district was eliminated. Because of this attempted revolt, The Capitol holds the annual Hunger Games.

3. The Hunger Games are literally a fight to the death in which each of the 12 districts sends in two tributes, one male and one female. Being entered into the Games means either fortune and fame or unavoidable death. KatnissEverdeen turns out to be the female tribute and PeetaMellark is the male tribute from District 12.

4. Setting: The Hunger Games takes place sometime in the future (seeing as there are hovercrafts and other gadgets that do not exist yet). In the beginning, the book takes place in District 12. District 12 is where coal is mined, and therefore, it is described as having a layer of soot and coal dust over most things. It is also said that District 12 is where modern-day Appalachia is.

5. The Games: Most of the book takes place at the arena in which the Hunger Games take place. Every year, the Games are in a different arena. This year, the Games take place in an arena in which there is a lake, streams, wooded areas, and a field in which Katniss and almost all of the other tributes are afraid to enter.

6. KatnissEverdeen: KatnissEverdeen is a 16-year-old girl from District 12. She is independent, seemingly apathetic, strong, intelligent, and good with a bow and arrow. She is not good with feelings or people. She cares very deeply for her little sister, Prim (Katniss volunteers as the tribute when Prim’s name is chosed at the Reaping).

7. PeetaMellark: Peeta is a baker’s son. He is the male tribute from District 12. He’s in the same year as Katniss in school. One of the more “popular” people at Katniss and Peeta’s school. More in touch with his feelings than Katniss. Not as tough or skillful at fighting as her. He is also intelligent and this helps him to excel in the Games.

8. Haymitch Abernathy: Described as “a paunchy, middle-aged man” (19). He is one of two victors to come from District 12 (he is the only one still alive). He is a drunk. When sober, he is rather intelligent and even cunning. He is Katniss and Peeta’s mentor in the Games. Has a certain link with Katniss in which they understand each other without direct contact.

9. Gale Hawthorne: Katniss’ best friend. Katniss describes him as “the only person with whom I can be myself” (6). He is the oldest of his siblings and is supporting himself, his younger siblings, and his widowed mother by working in the coal mines. He is very similar to Katniss, but he seems to be slightly more in touch with his feelings.

10. Effie Trinket: Describes as, “the maniacally upbeat woman who arrives once a year to read out the names at the reaping” (7). She is from the Capitol, where life is much different than it is in the districts. She is the escort to District 12, and she escorts Katniss and Peeta in the Capitol up until they go into the arena. She is always chipper and optimistic. She genuinely starts to care about Katniss and Peeta in the weeks of preparation for the Games.

11. Turning point: The turning point, or climax, of the story occurs when Katniss and Peeta are in the arena. Katniss had thought that Peeta had turned on her, but they meet in the arena and team up. Through gifts arriving to Katniss which are meant to be messages of Haymitch’s plans for Katniss and Peeta’s survival, Katniss and Peeta manage to help each other survive.

12. Outcome: There are plot twists and the outcome of the first goof in The Hunger Games trilogy may not be exactly what you are to expect.

13. Read this book! The novel is full of suspense, action, and it is rather interesting. After the first chapter or so, the novel moves at a fast pace that keeps you entertained and wanting more. This novel tells a great story and will keep you entertained, even staying awake until the early hours of the morning to finish (I would know from personal experience).