“In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying district. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and girl between the ages of twelve to eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.”
The book of Suzanne Collins has recurring themes that had been explored in numerous books and movies. Because of this, many critics had questioned the originality of her work. But the author offers a fresh perspective about post war District 12. It is the city where people suffer injustice and starvation. They despise the tyranny of the Capitol but all too powerless and scared to even dare to think of a rebellion.
What the author was able to achieve was to connect the readers with the heroine of the story, Katniss Everdeen. Through her eyes, we saw the despicable place that is the Seam. We felt her determination to survive, her love for her family, her hate with the social inequality that the Capitol burdened them with. We shared her burning desire for a reform and her doubt if she can even make a difference.
Katniss’ participation in the Hunger Games was to save her younger sister, Prim, from being the tribute of District 12. She played the game well because of her own skills, tactics and experience on being a hunter. She was the audience’ favorite because she knows how to be charming in the camera. But she still bitterly understands the essence of the Hunger Games when she cradled Rue, sang a song for her and laid some flowers as a farewell gesture to her fallen comrade. In the supposed ‘final showdown’ of the game, her quick mindedness and bravery saved her life and Peeta’s, as she outwitted the Gamekeepers and were finally declared as victors.
It is impossible not to care about what will happen to Katniss after she and Peeta triumphed in the Seventy-fourth Hunger games. It is interesting to know what will President Snow and the Capitol are scheming to save their ruined reputation after Katniss defied them in the arena. It is intriguing to learn if Katniss will still care for Peeta now that they are out from the games or if she was really in love with her friend and hunting partner, Gale. And most importantly, it is a must to know if the people from the districts will take a cue from Katniss to have the courage, to take a chance and start a rebellion. And should they try to finally fight back, how on earth can they win against the almighty Capitol?
Yes, The Hunger Games is just the first part of a Trilogy. I am not even sure if all the hanging questions can be answered in the sequel, Catching Fire. But I am hooked enough to hang on until the finale in the third book.
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