The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins began her writing career in 1991 when she wrote children's TV shows. She worked on many Nickelodeon shows such as, 'Clarissa Explains it all' and, 'The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo'. She also penned many stories for, 'Little Bear' and, 'Oswald'. She was also the head writer for, 'Clifford's Puppy Days' and, 'Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!'. It was author James Proimos who talked her into writing children's books. Before The Hunger Games she wrote a children's series she came up with while reading Alice in wonderland, 'The Underland Chronicles'. Suzanne is currently at work on a picture book with James Proimos. She lives in Connecticut with her family.
Synopsis
This book is set in the future in North America after the apocalypse in what is now the nation of Panem. After the survivors connected they set about a system of government in which the people were divided up into 12 districts with the Capitol at the center. Each district had a central export that they produced. The story is of a teenage girl named Katniss Everdeen. She lives with her mom and her sister, Prim in district 12. They, along with most people in their district, are extremely poor. Katniss is a skilled hunter and has had to sneak over the fence to hunt since her father was killed in a mining accident. Her best friend is Gale Hawthorne who hunts with her. Gale is a revolutionary who dreams of running away from Panem. The scene is the day of the reaping, where they choose a male and female tribute to fight in the Hunger Games, and Katniss has her name in the reaping 20 times because the more you put your name in the more food you will receive. Gale's is entered 42 times. Prim is entered only once as Katniss refused to enter her more. Effie Trinket draws Prim's name and to stop her from being taken away Katniss volunteers. The male chosen is Peeta, the baker's son. While they are on their way to the Capitol to prepare for the Hunger Games they convince Haymitch their mentor and 50th Hunger Games winner to train them. Once in battle Peeta and Katniss must work together to stay alive.
Districts
District 1 makes luxury materials for the Capitol; they are the richest district. District 2 manufactures weaponry, makes trains and supplies peacekeepers. District 3's industry is general electronics, it is known for making automobiles and firearms. District 4 is the fishing district where the residents have experience using nets and tridents, making fishhooks from scratch, swimming, and identifying edible sea life. District 5 supplies power to the districts. District 6 supplies transportation around Panem. District 7 majors in lumber and many of the residents have experience with hatchets, axes, saws, and other tree cutting tools. District 8 has many textile factories that specialize in making peacekeeper uniforms. District 9 is a very unknown District that distributes grain. District 10's industry is livestock; they are one of the Districts on the route to the Capitol. District 11's industry is agriculture. Everything they grow is sent directly to the Capitol. They are the poorest District next to District 12. District 12 mines coal. They are the laughing stock of the Districts because they haven't won a hunger games since the 50th hunger games.
Characters
Katniss and Gale hunting (scene from the movie)
The main character's name is Katniss Everdeen. She is very closed off from everyone and very strong willed and mature. Gale is her best friend from district 12 who secretly loves her. Gale is protective of Katniss and her family. Peeta is the baker's son who was chosen for the Hunger Games with Katniss. While in battle he tells how he loves her and that he has ever since he threw her bread that night after she had no money to get anything. Katniss feels she owes Peeta because he saved her from starving. Prim is Katniss's little sister. Her sister was chosen in the reaping before Katniss saved her. Katniss takes care of Prim as their mother is still very upset from her husband's death. Along the series there are many other characters that help and become a big part of Katniss and Peeta's survival. Some include Finnick, Johanna, Cinna, Rue, Effie Trinket and Haymitch.