Angry teens, sadistic rulers, and a deathly game. This is the Hunger Games. The post-apocalyptic dystopian follows sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen into a future where the country Panem (formerly North America) is divided into ‘districts’ and the leaders are oppressing tyrants who hide away in ‘the Capitol’. To prevent their poverty-stricken citizens from further uprisings, children between the ages of twelve and eighteen are forced to enter a lottery to be in the Hunger Games. One male and female are chosen from each district.

The game challenges contestants as they are faced with physical, mental, and emotional obstacles. The entirety of the competition is broadcast across the nation for all to see. Taking place in a controlled environment, game makers dictate everything from weather, to terrain, to what foods are available. It is a fight to the death.

When Katniss’ little sister, Prim, has her name drawn, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She is swept first into the world of ‘The Capitol’. It is home to the rich and fashionable where status is key, and food is in abundance. A world away from Katniss’ district 12. Here she is fed, pampered, trained, and eventually sent to the Hunger Games. What ensues is a fast-paced survival story where the real enemies aren’t even in the arena; they’re in the Capitol.

Susanne Collins manages to weave a richly realized world without sounding long-winded and contrived. Everything is natural; from Katniss’ inner ramblings to the criticisms, fears, and anger that plague her and everyone around her. Characters are flawed and imperfect. We can see ourselves in the characters so much it’s scary. The choice they’re being asked to make, kill or be killed is terrifying. Which would you choose?