Hunger games

Suzanne Collins

Novel

June 2019

The hunger games is a novel written from the first-person perspective of 16-year-old girl Katniss Everdeen by Suzanne Collins. This fictional story is set in a future dystopia in which everyone lives split into 12 different factions, ranking in wealth from the least wealthy, faction 12 to the wealthiest, faction 1. Katniss Everdeen lives in faction 12 in a very dull, depressing and slum-like lifestyle. Every year an entertainment event takes place called the hunger games where 2 randomly selected citizens of the opposite gender are selected to part take in this event. During the hunger games, each individual are spawned into a realistic life-like arena and are forced to fight to the death until there is only one winner. This story illustrates and a directly narrates from Katniss’s perspective and experience. Suzanne Collins cleverly portrays different themes and ideas that are relevant to today’s society.

A character I found quite interesting throughout this novel was district 12’s male tribute, Peeta Mellark. Peeta is the local baker’s son whose life was much less than desirable as like most citizens of district 12 he and his family struggled to get by. We are first introduced to Peeta when he notices Katniss and her family in starvation. knowing the consequences of his actions will result in physical abuse he purposely out of the kindness of his heart burns a batch of bread allowing him to “throw it out” only to let Katniss and her family satisfy their starvation. I believe he is a very compassionate and selfless character which I admire. For someone to put aside their own well-being in hope to benefit someone else’s situation is to me, a really valuable trait. My judgement of Peeta is supported by Katniss when she describes him as “known for being nice”. This character shows and reminds me as the reader that simple gestures can really benefit someone else’s well-being and situation which is why I find him interesting.

There are many different messages displayed within this novel and story but the main one that stands out to me is standing up for what you believe in. we are quickly shown that Katniss is not someone lets more powerful people walk over her and control her. Which is a very powerful attribute or quality to have. We are shown this quality multiple times through her stubborn yet enlightening attitude but it is most obvious at the end of the hunger games when both Katniss and Peeta are left, the rules state only one tribute may survive but Katniss has an idea to overcome this. She discovers a special poisonous berry bush and decides if one of them cant win they both will lose. This frightened the game makers because it would cause huge upset to the cities capital not having a crowned victor. They quickly act on this and allow them to both be victorious. This shows if you stand your ground and stick up for what you believe you will more often than not benefit and gain what you wish or aspire for. It is important in life that you do not let people control and manipulate you because it can cause major unhappiness. I believe Suzanne Collins as cleverly portrayed this message to me and anyone who reads it.

The Hunger Games is a story full of many difficult challenges but the most outstanding challenge overcame to me was when Katniss’s 12-year-old sister Prim was selected at random to compete for district 12 in the 74th annual hunger games. Katniss had to figure a way to secure Prim’s safety. She was lost left in a hysterical state when this was announced and had to act fast. Then it clicked. “I volunteer as tribute” Katniss volunteered herself as tribute so that Prim would not have to part take. Again this shows themes of selflessness, empathy and most of all bravery. Sometimes in life, you must sacrifice things or even your self for the people you love. I may not be able to relate to this situation because I have not had to make such an extreme sacrifice but I can still admire and respect such bravery displayed. Another huge challenge present is the state of poverty living in district 12. For each and every citizen, every day is another challenge in itself. Things that even I take for granted such as a roof over my head, food on the table and a luxury lifestyle living in such a beautiful town, things that district 12 could only ever dream of having. Although I cant relate directly to this situation because of my fortunate upbringing and lifestyle I can still have empathy and compassion for others who are not as fortunate as I am. This challenging lifestyle of district 12 really emphasizes how lucky we actually are.

The title of this book is definitely appropriate because of its clever double meaning. The title “Hunger Games’ has both a literal meaning and a metaphorical meaning. The literal meaning being, during the games people are actually fighting for survival and hunger is one of the biggest factors. But the metaphorical meaning is much more fitting. Metaphorical hunger for social and political freedom chance to prove to the capital your strength, courage and bravery. Winning the hunger games would mean they become somewhat of a celebrity effectively giving them wealth. This idea of wealth and freedom is what each and every individual are striving for and his what I interpret Suzanne Collins is meaning by this title.

All in all the hunger is a must-read classic. It has aspects of thrill, danger and excitement while addressing and delivering many different messages and morals. I would definitely recommend this book to other teenagers because while you don’t realise because of how enticing the story is you are actually being presented with multiple hidden messages that you may or may not relate to. Which makes for an awesome read because it has the best of both worlds.