BOOK SUMMARY: Grades 7 and Up. In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed,
weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and
12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate
in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised
games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally,
with all citizens required to watch.
When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss
volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have
all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have
trained for this their whole lives.
Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the
face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the
generation raised on reality shows like Survivor and American Gladiator. This is Book One of a trilogy.
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