This thriller by Suzanne Collins is one of my top three. When 16-year old Katniss Everdeen volunteers for her little sister, she must face battle in the arena. Set in the future, in a place where every year one boy and one girl is chosen to represent their district in the annual Hunger Games, the story follows the 24 tributes who must fight till death leaving just one standing. Once in the arena there is one rule: kill or be killed.

I remember when I first started reading this book I was not sure whether I liked it or not, as I found the beginning rather slow. However, after the first chapter I was hooked and I could not put it down! What I really liked was how Collins is able to make you feel Katniss's pain, happiness and anger. I cried, I laughed and I felt angry. I think this is the first fantasy book I have really read and loved. I was never really a fan of vampire romance novels. If you are like me on this, read this book because it is not necessarily the same plot.

Personally, my favourite bit is when they actually go into the arena, plus the cave scenes between Katniss and Peeta. I have become a great fan of Peeta - he is so sweet and vulnerable. I was surprised at how brave his character was. Rue, I think was my favourite character. As she is my age I can empathise with how she might have felt in the arena.

I think the book is much better than the film as the book explains things that I did not understand in the film. But on the other hand, I think the film helped me understand some parts that made less sense in the book. But I now wish that I had read the book before the film so I could picture my own Katniss instead of already having a picture in my head.

Finally I must admit that I have become sort of obsessed, staying up till 2 am to find out if Katniss will escape! I have to say Suzanne Collins is an amazing author. I will definitely read another one of her books and the rest of the Hunger Games series. Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be forever in your favour!

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