Bingo Square: YOUTHS!
As punishment for a rebellion, the 12 districts of the nation of Panem must put forward two tributes every year for the Hunger Games. One boy and one girl selected at random must fight to the death live on air for the entertainment of those in the Capitol.
16 year old Katniss Everdeen is used to fighting for survival. Her father died when she was young, leaving her to take care of her mother and sister, Prim. She hunts in the woods beyond her home with her best friend Gale, hoping to avoid watchful eyes who may punish them. On the day of the Reaping, Prim’s name is called and Katniss instinctively volunteers to take her place.
With the male tribute, Peeta Mellark, Katniss is sent to the Capitol for a few days of Hunger Games preamble before being thrown into an arena. She’s good with a bow and arrow but will that be enough to save her from her fate?
I have read this book A LOT. I’m really not sure how many times but I enjoy it every time. I’m not sure what it is about it that I love, except the concept is so well thought out and executed, plus it doesn’t seem too far-fetched, given how horrible us humans are. I also love that Katniss isn’t perfect, that actually she can be stern and awkward, but is also brave and loving in a world that can punish you for that. I remember being very surprised by how it turned out when I first read it, and I think part of why I keep returning is to feel that excitement of turning the page not knowing what was going to happen or how she was going to get out of it.
I think the series overall really holds up and I’ll probably re-read the others shortly too.