The Hunger Games

I read The Hunger Games for my blog review. I found it to be an intriguing book that I enjoyed, although I felt much of my intrigue stemmed from the noteworthy cliffhangers Suzanne Collins wrote at the end of each chapter. The story revolves around a narrative of a dystopian society in which a boy and a girl from one of 12 districts—formerly known as North America—are chosen to compete in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a competition which produces one survivor who has fought and killed off as many of the other “Tributes” from the opposing districts in order to survive until the end.

Katniss Everdeen has taken the spot of her sister Prim, landing her as District 12’s girl Tribute. Her story is complicated and disenfranchised as she must fight against other Tributes who she has no will to harm, including Peeta Mellark, the other Tribute from District 12 who she has a personal history with and who claims to be in love with her.

As the story progresses, Katniss’s struggle is not only for survival, but also for the right to freedom and life for all of humanity. What is encountered in the Hunger Games is the effect of a society that is so focused on entertainment and “surreality” that it has lost touch with what it means to be a living being. Katniss’s plight, though to extremes, shows the brutality man will put his peers through if society allows itself to be driven by hyper-sensationalism and extreme needs for drama and other realities. 

Dear Katniss,

            I watched you on television last night. Ever since your sister was chosen to represent District 12 I’ve been following your story—as you were the one to claim her spot, taking her place. You did more than just stand up for your sister that day. You represented the voices of our nation that fail to be heard over the Capitol’s.

When watching you in the Hunger Games, I see the lack of affection you have for Peeta Mellark. I know there’s a place for him in your heart, that he means something to you, but I don’t think it is a place of romantic love. When you sheltered him, I saw apprehension and a need to prove to others what your intentions are, perhaps to win outsiders’ votes. Deep down, I know your only wish was to make it out alive, or for Peeta to make it out alive—a win for District 12 meant the world for your people, as it had been a long time since good fortune came your way. But watching you and Peeta both win The Games last night was unheard of. I suppose the Capitol would have received too much hostility and admonishment from the nation if they broke apart a pair of “lovers.” Something tells me you know that’s why they kept you both alive, allowing a double win for District 12.

Be careful, Katniss. The Capitol may seem to be allowing you a dual victory now, but I know its kindness can’t last for long. It’s only a matter of time until somehow they use your personal matters to hike up the ratings for the next Games. I only hope you’re in good health now and in a better place than the technological world of the Hunger Games. 


Sincerely, 
An observer