The Hunger Games Book 1 by Suzanne Collins

When the book opens, North America as we know it has been destroyed and is now divided into 12 districts, ruled by an oppressive government located at the Capitol. Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, takes her younger sister’s place as one of 24 “tributes” selected every year to participate in the Hunger Games at the Capitol.

The Hunger Games are held annually hosted by none other than the Capitol, the Authority. This game is devised To commemorate the up rise of the Districts against the Capitol years ago. This is a punishment so the districts must always remember that even the lives of their children are at Capitol's mercy. 2 Children ages 12 to 18 from each district are randomly drawn each year, they will be brought to an arena, an artificial environment highly controlled by the game organizers. Everything is televised. For days they will fight to death until only 1 is left. The victor's village will enjoy a year long supply from Capitol and will temporarily be fed. the loosing districts will continue their struggle with their oppressed life where people normally dies of Hunger.

The story revolved on Katniss as she struggle to keep herself alive. She battled  thirst, fire, hunger, wild animals, injuries, and other delegates for her survival.Her skill in using Bow is a big help and her experience in hunting in the outskirts of district 12 for wild animals were a very good training. She couldn't have survived without those. Katniss was popular and her kindness and thoughtfulness as seen on TV has gained the people's sympathy. She made a friend out of the youngest contestant, Rue who is the same age as her sister, Rue died in the end and her killer was Katniss' first kill too.

There's just one thing alarming i should say, this book is written for young ones (its actually in the children's section) but the intensity of the scenes are so not for the kids. Example a 16 year old girl pulling her bow and planting an arrow to someone Else's heart, the view of Rue dying as the spear entered her tiny body, the blood shed in the initial brawl of the contestants for their camping supply, the gross description of dying body and people eaten alive. I guess that's so not for a young one. 

Anyway I loved this book, enthralling and heart stopping pacing, amazing plot and great strong witty characters.I found it very hard to put it down. I also heard the audiobook from Scholastic Audio (the one by Carolyn McCormick) the narration is just exemplary..I saw the movie twice and realize there are only a few differences from the books. But i wont tell what, just read the book because its a gem anyhow.

Drop a comment if you want a copy of  Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins :)

May the odds be always at your favor!