The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The ultimate guide to dystopian nightmares get ready for The Hunger Games.

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@shereadsbooks.sometimes

Dates Read: 29/10/25 to 03/11/25

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Word to describe: Fight

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

May the odds be ever in your favour - or at least in the favour of our scrawny, underfed, and determined protagonist Katniss Everdeen. Having watched the movie franchise several years prior to (finally) digging into the series I had already anticipated several plot points and knew how this was going to go. Katniss would volunteer, herself and Peeta would be drafted into the hunger games where Katniss' brazen personality would make her enemy No.1 to several other tributes. She would then be rescued and tragically lose young Rue which, if you have a heart, should make you sob. All the threads come together to bring about a romance between Peeta and Katniss when they are crowned joint winners of The Hunger Games. If you didn't know the plot where have you been the past 10 years?

Suzanne Collins writes a fast paced and brilliant introduction into the series. I devoured this book, savouring each moment probably as much as Katniss did food in the arena. The plot is compelling and driven, forcing readers to seek out more pages as each one turns. There is a level of discomfort that is revealed with the atrocities and gruesome descriptions of death in the arena that can only be matched by history (and modern day) itself. Whilst reading the book I had researched Suzanne's inspiration and it turns out war was a big one (go figures).

What I love about young adult fiction is the naivety of the characters and Collins writes this so beautifully in the budding romance between Katniss and Peeta - however truthful it may be, and is able to show that Katniss is a child. Her entire persona revolves around her stubbornness, her unchecked bravery, and, yes, her temper tantrums. She is the epitome of teenage girlhood wrapped in a girl forced to grow up too fast. Isn't this how every teen views the world? Just me? Katniss is rough around the edges, hard to love, and yet has charmed an entire generation of booklovers with her devotion to those around her and being genuine inspiration.

Had I of read this book at 14 when the scholastic book fair gave me the entire trilogy I would have worn my hair in a fishtail braid for years (it would've been extremely self-righteous). But reading this book as an adult created a different kind of love and appreciation for this book. The clear influence of past atrocities, the fear and governmental control, the lingering sense of hatred amongst poverty and starvation, mirrors the harsh realities we see daily on the news and social media. Sure, a literal Hunger Games is a far-fetched idea but the lasting impact of this book leaves a sour taste in my mouth (in a good but uncomfortable way).