The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Book Review

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Reading Level: Young adult
Genre(s): Dystopian
Pages: 384 (hardcover)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 2008
My Rating: 5/5

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

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

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, 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 dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts:
This is my second time reading this book; I wanted to re-read it before reading Catching Fire so it's fresh in my mind.
The second time made me love it so much more. I noticed a lot of things I didn't notice the first time I read it.
Everything in this book stuck out so much for me, I don't think it's a book I'd ever forget.
I liked Katniss instantly. She was selfless, brave, and strong. She was an amazing heroine. What she did for her younger sister, Prim, was as selfless as you can get. I wonder, would I take someone's place in the Games?
I liked Gale, but that's it. I feel I didn't get to know him enough throughout the book, seeing as there wasn't much dialogue between him and Katniss.
Peeta! Love. Him. He's super sweet and cares a lot about Katniss. I can't wait to read more about him in the other books. I think I may be team Peeta. It could change throughout the series though, who knows.
So, yeah, major standout would have to be the characters.
Moving on...
I hate the Capital, I think they're horrible. I found myself thinking while reading this "Just rebel against them, Katniss. Do something effing crazy!" but then I realized it isn't that easy. The Capital holds the power.
I must say, if you haven't read this book, get Catching Fire before reading The Hunger Games. You will want to know what happens next.
Hmm, I feel like I'm missing a lot in this review, but I'm sure everyone who reads has read this book already, so my review really isn't needed.
Anyways, I'm gonna go read Catching Fire now.