false 4 0 false true Tue Jul 07 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Fri Jul 03 18:26:02 -0700 2009 Sat Jul 25 06:40:17 -0700 2009
The games play out much differently, however, this year. When Peeta publically confesses his love for Katniss, they gain an immediate following among the spectators. People want to sponsor them, want the young lovers to win. The Game Makers even make a change in the rules, allowing a team from the same district to win, if they should choose to work together. When they try to renege on this change later on, Katniss forces them to let it stand when she and Peeta pretend to eat poisonous berries (the Games must have a winner). While the story ends on a triumphant note for Katniss and Peeta, there’s an undercurrent of danger, because of their rebellious actions.

I seriously can’t wait to read the next book in this trilogy. Catching Fire is coming out in September of 2009, and I hope it’s as excellent as Hunger Games. Katniss is brave and fiery (although a bit slow when it comes to recognizing Peeta’s feelings for her) – and I love her name. She’s intelligent and capable, too, which makes for a great strong female character. She and Peeta are caught up in something much larger than just the Hunger Games, they’ve likely (through their actions) become heroes in the eyes of others who would rebel against the Capitol that’s made sure to keep its citizens in line through poverty and violence. This is an excellent dystopian novel. ]]>