Hunger Games Summary

"The Hunger Games" is a dystopian novel written by Suzanne Collins and published in 2008. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which the country of Panem, once North America, is divided into 12 districts ruled by the Capitol. The Capitol holds a yearly event called the Hunger Games, where one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected to fight to the death in a televised arena.

The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, lives in District 12, the poorest district. When her younger sister is chosen as a tribute for the Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from her district, and they are sent to the Capitol to train and compete in the Games.

Throughout the Games, Katniss and Peeta form an alliance and use their survival skills to outwit and outlast the other tributes. However, the Capitol changes the rules, forcing them to choose between killing each other or committing suicide. Katniss and Peeta decide to eat poisonous berries instead, which forces the Capitol to declare them both winners.

As a result of their defiance, Katniss and Peeta become symbols of hope for the oppressed citizens of Panem. The novel ends with the implication that their actions have set in motion a rebellion against the Capitol, setting the stage for the two sequels, "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay".