The Hunger Games

I went into the book with little background knowledge (other than Brad's posts, which is why I picked up this book!), and once I moved past the initial shock of what "The Hunger Games" involved, I was hooked.  I'm about half-way through the book and anticipate I will move through the second half quickly. 

In this text, we have totalitarian Capital government and teenagers, or "tributes", from various districts.  In the games, teens are forced to kill each other, even the teen from his/her own district, in a controlled Big Brother type environment.  Yes, the games are broadcasted on live television and the teens are essentially sacrificing their lives for the entertainment of their capital.  Sounds crazy?  It is, but I'm engrossed.  I see the Hunger Games arena similar to the Coliseum during Roman times.  How are the tributes different than gladiators fighting to their death for the citizens of the Empire's entertainment? 

Katniss, the main character, is a strong survivor.  Having lived in poverty, she hunted and gathered to feed her younger sister and mother.  At the beginning of the story, I felt as if I was reading a book about the past, back in the "olden" days when people hunted and bartered for food.  I later found out that this is rather a district inequity.  The Capital is modern, filled with the latest and greatest, and this book takes place in the future.  One quote that made me think and rethink our values is the following:

"They do surgery in the Capitol, to make people appear younger and thinner. In District 12, looking old is something of an achievement since so many people die early. You see an elderly person, you want to congratulate them on their longevity, ask the secret of survival. A plump person is envied because they aren't scraping by like the majority of us. But [in the Capitol] it is different. Wrinkles aren't desirable. A round belly isn't a sign of success." (Ch9)

It's all about perspective, right?

Anyway, when Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place at the reaping, the reader begins to develop her identity.  Yet, as the plot progresses, it's as if she is working to find her identity too.  I'm unsure if how she is being portrayed by the media is changing her identity.  And then there's Peter, the other tribute from district 12.  He is the biggest mystery to me in this story.  As the games have begun, I can't help but wonder how these two "star-crossed lovers" will handle a face-off in the arena, and will that happen?  I expect a rebellion, perhaps if these two unite, or even an escape.  I don't predict a sole winner in these games -- something complicated instead (as I know there are two more books to continue this series!). 

Collins has a craft for well-planned plot twists.  Looking forward to figuring things out as this plot unfolds. 

Till next time,
Dr. K.