Thanks to Kyra Tucker for a book talk with a gripping beginning quote. Audio book talk is read too fast, however.
Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.
“Nervousness seeps into terror as I anticipate what is to come. I could be dead, flat-out dead, in an hour. “
These are the thoughts of 16 year-old Katniss Everdeen as she prepares to enter the arena for the 74th
Annual Hunger Games of Panem. It is on the continent that used to be
called North America that the country of Panem exists. From the ruins of
North America, a once strong nation that was destroyed by natural
disaster, deep political strife, war, and economic failure, rose an
authoritarian Capitol and 13 dependent districts.
When the districts revolted against the Capitol, 12 were defeated and the 13th
was obliterated. From this rebellion, the Hunger Games were designed to
remind and restrain the 12 remaining districts of the futility in
fighting the Capitol. Annually each of the districts must draw the name
of a young boy and a young girl to send to the arena to fight to the
death until one victor remains. This is a reminder of the Capitol’s
dominance and control and the districts’ weakness and reliance. The
annual event, which is reminiscent of the gladiator arenas of Ancient
Rome, is televised and all of Panem is required to watch. The 12
districts are condemned to watch their children follow the one rule of
the Hunger Games: To kill and be killed.
The
Hunger Games have become a yearly event of ritual, punishment, and
imminent death. Winning means fame and fortune for the victor and food
for their home district. Losing means certain death. Only
one of the 24 tributes can survive. Katniss, a poor girl from the
coal-mining district 12, is certain she will not be the survivor when
she volunteers in her 12 year-old sister’s place on reaping day. When
her male counter-part is called to the stage to stand next to her,
Katniss knows that he too will not live to see victory. Peeta Mellark,
the baker’s son, is privileged and hasn’t had the experience of fighting
for life like Katniss has. The two districts 12 tributes have a history
that makes Katniss feel in debt to Peeta and she quickly realizes that
her efforts to keep Peeta alive in the arena will be just as important
as protecting her own life.
How
will Katniss handle the conflict of choosing between her life and
Peeta’s life? How will Katniss be able to protect Peeta and herself when
pitted against 22 other enemies seeking blood and the constant hurdles
of the arena, such as thirst, hunger, and the wiles of the Gamemakers?
Who will become the lone victor of the 74th Hunger Games? Find out by
reading The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.
Hear my book talk here: http://vocaroo.com/i/s0hPkdjPuOqd
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