In a futuristic world called Panem, there are 12 districts. Every year, a girl and boy are chosen in an annual reaping to be sacrifices in The Hunger Games, a television show. Every year, the lone victor between the ages of 12-18 is a reminder of the sacrifice that had to be made because of the rebellion, years before.

Katniss is a sixteen-year-old girl in district 12, who has looked after the family by hunting ever since her father died. She volunteers for her younger sister, Prim, in the reaping and goes to be one of 24 tributes in the hunger games. With a drunken mentor, her district's poor reputation and Peeta Mellark, a boy from her past, it seems the odds are not in her favour. But in the arena, she will try to beat all the odds and try to survive. She has to try to avoid the bloodbath, hide from the blood-thirsty Career Pack and find friends in order to live. Her friendship with the district 11 tribute Rue is also one of the most emotional, tear-jerking parts of the book, as Katniss says that Rue reminds her of her sister, Prim. She also has to pretend she and Peeta are star-crossed lovers in manner of Romeo and Juliet - but he is a boy she doesn't even like.

There is only one rule in the Hunger games: "Kill or be killed".

I found this book amazing in every sense, and cried so many times. The power of Katniss's character makes her come alive, and the detail and enthralling language kept me in this futuristic world of war, friendship and trust. 'The Hunger Games' reflects scenarios of our own lives, with people being killed for no reason, wars happening and an ever-present longing for hope. This book is just so vivid and well written you are immersed in the story from page one.

I recommend this to age 10+ as it is very gory and emotional.

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