The Hunger Games is the story of Katniss Everdeen, a young girl who lives in a dystopian United States where the outer districts are ruled by the fearsome Capital. Every year each of the 12 districts is to offer up "tributes", one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18, at the reaping. These "tributes" are then swept to the Capital to train and participate in The Hunger Games, where they will fight to the death until a only one is left alive. The "victor" is then sent to live in the victors village and be taken care of for the rest of their lives. This year Katniss is 16 years old and her younger sister Primrose is 12, it will be Prim's first year to have her name in the reaping. Katniss is awestruck when Prim's name is chosen from the bowl of potential female tributes. She does the only thing she can think of, she volunteers so take her sisters place in the Games, along with the male tribute, Peeta Mellark, the bakers son. Katniss is thrown into the Games with some knowledge of hunting but doesn't hold much hope for herself.

I can't say it enough, I LOVE THIS SERIES. I have now read The Hunger Games three times, and every time I fall in love with the story and characters more and more. I think what I love most, and what makes this my favorite dystopian series I have read is that Katniss isn't the typical hero/heroine. She didn't go looking to be in the spotlight. The last place she wanted to be was in The Hunger Games and kill innocent children because of a war that happened over 70 years earlier. By volunteering for her sister Katniss starts a bit of a spark. She is the first person in her district, District 12 the coal mining district, to ever volunteer for someone. The scene when she hears Prim's name called after Katniss assured her there was no way her name could be called, was so powerful. Katniss did the only thing she could think to do to save her sister. 

I didn't find the fight scenes as gruesome as I had first heard. Of course the concept of The Hunger Games is revolting. Children being thrown into an arena full of weapons they are suppose to use to kill each other? Not so nice. So I wouldn't tell you to go into this story expecting happiness, fun, and fair governments. But I will say the love that I felt while reading this book was incredible. Suzanne Collins's style of writing love really makes that love jump off of the pages and work its way into your heart. Not only the love between Katniss and Peeta (which of course is swoon worthy) but even the love Katniss has for her sister and mother and best friend Gale. I truly felt the love seep into my soul as I read. 

I can honestly say there is not one negative comment I can make about this book. I loved every bit of it! I gave this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars. (if I could give it more I totally would) If you haven't read this book I strongly urge you to go out right now and pick it up...Go on your ereader and get it...however you can get your hands on this book right this very minute, do it! I will recommend this book to anyone of any age, or gender. It is an amazing story and you're missing out if you haven't read it!