Yes, I have jumped on the Hunger Games bandwagon! And if you haven’t yet, I recommend that you do. One review says; “Terrifying, Exhilarating and unexpectedly thought-provoking” (Sunday Telegraph). Man, they got that right.

Let me put it into perspective; I sat down one night to read a few chapters, and come midnight when I finished the book, I realized just how drawn in I had been. I couldn’t put it down! Yes, I am a book lover, so I can say this about a lot of books, but The Hunger Games literally kept my attention the entire way through! It’s one of those books that if you tried to put it down, you would start dreaming about what was going to happen next; a constant build of tension.

The story is a true, and powerful, redemption of love, adventure, and risk. Not to mention the exhilarating creativity that Collins has used! She has brought us into a whole new world, nothing we could have ever seen; she has attached us to these characters, and keeps us rooting for them to the end.

The book begins with a simple layout of where (and what) exactly Panem is. It draws us in on Katniss, and her life in District 12. Then we meet Gale; best friend, secret lover, hunting partner. We are given a glimpse of the trials they must overcome on a day-to-day basis; the poverty, starvation, sickness, and fear of the capital that is ruling over them.
The day is a special day; the beginning of the Hunger Games. A grand annual tournament, that involves fighting to the death; literally. Only one from the original twenty-four is left standing; a glorious victor.
Prim, Katniss’ younger sister, is called forth to be a contender. Katniss jumps forth, throwing herself into the games instead. Along side her, the male District 12 contender is Peeta. A boy from her past, that at this point she can’t seem to figure out.
What’s next? Being from District 12, there is an almost guarantee of death in the games. But this year is different. The Capital and all of Panem quickly see that the ruling out of District 12 was a certain misconception. The games have begun, deaths have already been tolled, and the anticipation draws on.

As Peeta and Katniss fight to the end, we see new struggles arise. We see true loyalty, desire, and passion. The will to keep fighting for the ones they love. But what else is there? Throughout the beginning stages, these two put on a show of ‘true love’. A show that gave Panem something to hold on to, drew them into the two even more. But is it more than just a show?
Have the games brought about true feelings; or just unmasked feelings that have always been there?

What else draws a twist in the Arena? A new rule. Two tributes can win, as long as they are from the same District. Even more so, crippled by injuries and pain, they fight ’till the end. Forced to kill, and forced to never look back. Peeta and Katniss truly keep each other alive; battling some of the most unthinkable tolls and facing death one too many times, they strive to finish as one.
But it couldn’t be this easy, right? Of course not, because even when they are the last two standing, a ‘newer’ rule is placed, changing it all.
However, Katniss doesn’t let that stop her. With a threat to end both of their lives, the Games are ended, leaving to tributes as Victors.

Game over? Not quite yet; they’ve only just begun the true battle.

Panem is a place that draws readers in; asking, what kind of place is this? what are these games? how do these people live?. Sad to say, but the pure cruelty of the Capital, keeps readers going; what will they do next to these poor contenders? The endurance of the battles, and the constant ongoing struggle of the districts’ fighters. The readers also cling to the pure desire of Peeta and the constant loyalty of Katniss. Throughout the entire book, we fall in love with these characters; we cheer for them in the arena, and hope for them in the capital. We are drawn in, through suspense, danger, and love.

As readers we see the true love between characters, and are left pawing at the idea of what could possibly happen next in Catching Fire.

The Hunger Games is an intense, rule breaking, nail-biting, novel that is sure to capture any reader’s attention. Trust me, you’ll find yourself not wanting to put the book down.

Now, go get yourself a copy of this intriguing book, and may the odds be ever in your favor.