The Hunger Games

Well, I finally got around to starting the second famous recent trilogy (with the other one being The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This book was a very fast, engaging read. The story line takes place in a post-apocalyptic society in the area of the former US. In this society, the Capital controls almost everything that happens in each of the 12 districts of the country. The main character, Katniss, grew up in District 12, where she is one of the poor children of "The Seam." One way that the Capital reminds residents of the districts of their total lack of power is by the Hunger Games, which involves one boy tribute and one girl tribute from each district entering a brutal weeks-long competition from which only one will emerge alive. This event is televised, and citizens are required to watch it.

Katniss, who grew up protecting her younger sister Primrose, took Prim's place as a tribute. Although Katniss appeared to be an underdog in many ways, she was a favorite by the time the actual competition begins. She outwits many competitors but is confused by the kindness of Peeta, the boy tribute from her district. Since Peeta had spun a tale about he and Katniss were star-crossed lovers, the Capitol changed the rules of the Hunger Games to allow both tributes from any given district to win. Basically, a lot of fighting and out-smarting occurs, and Katniss and Peeta are left alive. In a not unforeseen twist, the Capitol dictates that there can be only one winner, as watching Katniss and Peeta (who seem to actually have legitimate feelings for one another) fight to the death. Katniss gets the last laugh of the official Games though, so they both live.

Katniss and Peeta are returned to the Capitol, where their various injuries are miraculously healed. This appears to be a happy ending, until Katniss learns that Capitol officials want her dead to punish her for her final stunt at the end of the Games. This is further complicated by Peeta's love for Katniss and Katniss's confusion about her feelings for Peeta. This book ends just as Peeta and Katniss return, victoriously, to District 12. Of course, this cliff hanger is a very effective way to sell the second book in the trilogy.

This book reminds me of the last book I read...government control of the masses, using people for whatever purposes suits them, etc. These themes are very thought-provoking and disturbing. I'm going to be mulling this over for quite some time.