16-year-old Katniss Everdeen lives in the poorest sector of Panem-its coal producer, District 12. Along with her younger sister, Prim, Katniss awaits the yearly lottery to see who will participate in the Hunger Games, a nationally televised battle where contestants-one boy and one girl, ages 12 to 18, from each of Panem’s 12 districts-fight to the death. But when 12-year-old Prim is chosen as that year’s “tribute,” Katniss spares her sister’s life by volunteering to take her place. Katniss is shipped off to the Capitol-and certain death-along with her fellow District 12 Tribute, the peaceful Peeta Mellark. The pair’s mentor, an arena survivor named Haymitch, comes up with a ploy to pass the two off as star-crossed lovers to gain public sympathy. Katniss and Peeta play for the camera and attempt to avoid a terrible death at the hands of their arena competitors. With the help of her hunting skills and sharp instincts, Katniss gradually becomes a symbol of hope for Panem’s oppressed citizens-and a pawn in a rebellion. Throughout the series, Katniss struggles with her place in the spotlight; her feelings for Peeta and another young fighter from District 12, Gale Hawthorne; and her purpose as a warrior. [Read more…]