cat's corner

Twenty-four children: twelve boys, twelve girls; tributes selected by random lottery every year and sent to the capitol city of Panem to compete in a brutal, bloodthirsty fight for survival, with the last participant standing declared champion. Welcome the the Hunger Games, a grim reminder to those living in the twelve districts comprising what was once the United States, of their place as virtual slave to the gleaming Capitol at their center.

Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen is this years female representative for District 12, having volunteered to take her younger sister Prim's place. Sent to the arena with the baker's son and classmate, Peeta Mellark--a boy who, several years prior, saved Kat and her family from the ravages of starvation after her father's death in a coal mining accident--neither competitor from the final district seem to be contenders. But Peeta's good nature and Kat's small stature belie the former's cunning intelligence and the latter's experience as a hunter; while a revelation from Peeta during the introductory ceremonies sends Katniss into the first day of competition more than a little off-kilter.

The stage is set, the tributes have arrived, and the cameras are watching...let the games begin.

It is no exaggeration to call THE HUNGER GAMES a pulse-pounding, page-turner. Collins grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. While Katniss isn't always a the most likable character (in fact, there were plenty of times I much preferred the affable Peeta, or even sweet, birdlike little Ruth), she is always compelling thanks to her rational approach to every challenge and dogged determination.

While HUNGER GAMES is a plot driven novel, the characters and their relationships are the heart of the story. Ms. Collins has created a dystopian tale of Orwellian caliber for young adults, giving any reader plenty to churn their minds between now and the next installment of this trilogy. My only complaint is having to wait.

Originally posted at TeensReadToo.com.

Post Script 08/31/09: May I just say, the wait for CATCHING FIRE has been almost *unbearable*!