Book Title: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Book Title: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins                                                  December 1, 2013

In a place of hunger, suffering and death, how could a young lady protect her own life and the life of every people of her nation and stop all the cruelty and injustice? Is there a possibility that the Hunger Games will happen in the real world? I think there is a real Apocalypse, an Armageddon, because the world, as I see it, is slowly coming to its end. Or isn’t it?

The annual Hunger Games is too unjustly and inhuman to serve as punishment for every District in Panem for the rebellion that was once done by the Thirteen Districts long, long time ago. Two ‘tributes’ for every District are chosen to fight each other until only one is left to be called the Victor to whom his or her District will receive tons of supplies from the Sponsors of food and other needs that include medicines and things that will keep each man on the district alive. These Tributes aging from 12 to 16 years old are too young and vulnerable to face the battlefield. I can’t imagine the agony each family of the tribute feels because of their death, and the relief of every victor’s family. 1,702 lives were already taken away since the very first until the 74^thAnnual Hunger Games. When the name of Katniss’ sister, the twelve year old Prim was drawn, like Katniss, I was very surprised but because she loves her sister very much, she volunteered to take over her place. I can’t blame Katniss for hating the Capitol so much that it came to the extent of lying to the man who loves her very much— Peeta whose name was also drawn to join the annual battle. She was forced to act like she is madly in love with Peetato keep the both of them alive until the end and to protect her sister and mother from District 12. For that I pity forPeeta and Gale, Katniss’ bestfriend who I think, is also in love with her. I hated the Capitol as well because they keep on changing the rules as the game comes to an end. I felt relieved when the announced that if two tributes from the same district stay alive until the end, both of them will be held as victors, and it happened, Katniss and Peetasurvived the Hunger Games. Then, the Capitol changed its mind again and announced that only one should survive the game. But in the end, because of Katniss’ cleverness, both of them were still hailed as victors of the Hunger Games.

I really love this book and I can’t wait to read the Part Two— Catching Fire.

KatnissEverdeen and I have a lot in common. Like Katniss, I was born in a poor family. Every day, my parents strive very hard but it was barely enough to sustain our daily living. Reading the book reminded me of our old life. Our town was somewhat similar to District 12. I also have a little sister. She’s my greatest treasure because she is my only little sibling and I was the very first one to see her after she was born (my mom was unconscious because she delivered thru caesarian). I believe I should protect my little sister whatever happens along the way, even if it takes my life. One time, my mom scolded my little sister because of something she has done. Mom neglected her for several hours. I was upset with Mom because I know that my little sister did not do it on purpose. She was very young and unaware of what she is doing. My father was away working so I was the one who took care of her and reprimanded my mom. After sometime, she came back to her senses and definitely took over to take care of my little sister. Katniss’ mother also neglected them for some time after Katniss’ father died. Her mother became insane for several months. So Katniss took over the responsibility that was supposed to be her Mother’s.

After Katniss and Peeta’s victory from the Hunger Games changes the usual system, I presume that in the future, the Hunger Games will be less brutal and soon, there will be no more Hunger Games, just the friendly games. No one will be fighting just to be fed and justice will finally prevail in their country, Panem.

Part II

A.

·         What I most wanted to happen was the annual Hunger Games to end so that no more life would be wasted.

·         What I really liked was when I saw Katniss and Peeta having their entrance at the Opening Ceremony of the Annual Hunger Games with their outfits on fire.

·         What surprised me was to discover that Peeta has a special feeling for Katniss ever since they were kids.

·         What I most admired about the main character was her great will to end the injustice brought by the yearly Hunger Games.

·         What saddened me was when Rue died and Katniss sang for her as tears were falling from her eyes.

·         What I want to know was the author’s real motive for writing this novel.

·         What I hated the most was when the Gamemakers kept on changing the rules of the game to keep the audience from the Capitol enjoying the scene as if the Tributes participating are just characters in a computer game.

·         What I want the other readers to feel as they read the novel is the great need to love their own country and its people.

·         What kept me from reading the novel wasthe thrill and the suspense of knowing if Katniss will survive the Hunger Games.

·         What I realized as I watched the movie version of The Hunger Games was the book is a lot better than the movie but it helped me to somehow visualize what I was reading.

B.

“We could do it, you know..leave the district. Run off. Live in the woods. You and I, we could make it.”

–Gale

Gale said these lines when they were about to gather at the park of District 12 and get the participants’ names drawn. Based on these lines, I can feel how much Gale loves Katniss and how much he wanted to protect her from the dangers of the Hunger Games.

I believe Gale is a good man. He is Katniss’ best friend who I think, is also in love with her secretly. He shared with Katnisss every food he has gathered, and taught her to make traps for animals.

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!”

-President Snow

I wonder why the president and other high officials who come to the stage always start their speech with that line. The president is selfish, coward and weak because he cannot stand for the good and just. He was only thinking of the good of the few, he was not thinking of the good of the people of the nation he is leading.

“Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to . . . to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games.”

-Peeta

These lines are my favorite. Peeta, at the first part of the story is not as valued as Katniss. He is an average boy, son of a baker, no special skill except for decorating cakes, but as the story went by, his skills were slowly discovered which helped him and Katniss survive the games. He was willing to risk his life for Katniss because he is in love with Katniss for a very long time but didn’t have the courage to tell her. I was just disappointed because Katniss lied and pretended that she was in love with him. I just hope he will be loved by Katniss at the end of the story. I can’t wait to read the next book— Catching Fire to see if Katniss will finally fall in love with Peeta.