I saw the movie before I read the book, much to my misfortune. The story makes so much more sense read than watche

The Hunger Games is set in a dystopian world where a small group of affluent people control the rest that verge on starvation. The decadence of the controlling class is demonstrated in the grittiest of ways - a reality show where participants picked (by draw of lottery) from the poor are forced to fight each other to death. This much is old enough, referencing the arena games of the Romans. What's really interesting is the details of the socio-political structures that exist, where they're wearing thin and how this latest edition of the Hunger Games is a harbinger of revolution.

The protagonist Katniss Everdeen "The girl on fire" is complex, flawed and confused. Her decisions are often impulsive, brash and even cruel. But she sets into motion things that may have a lasting impact on the world around her. She begins as an unfortunate participant in the games and through the course becomes an unlikely contender to victory. What's even more unexpected is the conflicts this causes in her relationships, with her family, her frame of reference, herself and with two men who love her.

A gripping read.