Book Report

In The Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins has created a captivating dystopian world. Reading The Hunger Games can lead to interesting discussions about our own world and how reality shows, possible acts of war, strict governments and obsession with fashion trends influence us daily. Due to the gloom of the story, it is best suited for teens and young adults rather than tweens.

While the creation of Panem is not fully fleshed out in this first book, we know that this controlling society was the result of a horrible disaster during the Dark Days, resulting in the establishment of twelve districts under the rule of the government in the Capitol. Peacekeepers and a local government are instituted in each district, but the rulers in the Capitol have strict control over everyone and everything within all districts. Each district has its own specialty that aids the Capitol, such as coal mining, agriculture, fish, etc. Some districts provide the Capitol with energy or material goods and some provide the manpower to keep those in the Capitol in power. The people who live in the Capitol contribute little to their own living and pay more attention mostly with the latest styles and delights.
The Hunger Games are an annual tradition directed by the Capitol leaders, not only to amuse the citizens, but also to preserve control over the districts by demonstrating the Capitol's authority. Each year, the twelve districts must send two representatives, a girl and a boy, to participate in the Hunger Games. These representatives are called “tributes” to make people believe that representing their district is an honor, even though each person lives in fear that someone they love will be chosen. The entire nation must watch as these 24 tributes battle each other to the death until only one is left as the victor. Having a victor is important to a district. Extra food and