JOURNAL ENTRY 4: THE HUNGER GAMES

    The Hunger Games is a science fiction roman series written by American writer Suzanna Collins. It was first published on September 14, 2008. Since its release, it has sold 1.000.000 copies. Moreover, the book has been translated into 26 languages. I have chosen this topic because it is one of my favourite series. I have read this series twice. This series consists of three books: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mocking Jay.

    Suzanna Collins states that her inspiration came from on television. On one channel, she saw people competing on a reality show. After, on another show she saw the invasion of Iraq, and idea for the book formed.

    The Hunger Games take place in a nation known as Panem. Panem consists of Capitol and twelve districts. While Capitol is quite wealthy, districts have difficulty in living because of poor living conditions. Long time ago, 13^th distinct rebelled against the Capitol, and it was destroyed. As a punishment of this rebellion, one boy and one girl who are between the ages of 12 and 18 from each distinct are chosen by a lottery. Afterwards, selected children have to participate in Hunger Games. In this game participants have to fight to the death. The book tells us the story of Katniss Everdeen who is a girl from Distinct 12. Katniss and Peeta Mellark who is a schoolmate of Katniss compete for Distinct 12. Hatmitch, victor of 50^th Hunger Games, instructs them. During games, Peeta appears to join another distinct. However, he protects Katniss from others. Everyone believes that Katniss and Peeta have a love affair. Normally, just one person wins Hunger Games. Nevertheless, a rule change, which allows two people from the same distinct to win, is announced. After this event, Katniss and Peeta fight together and win. However, game makers want one winner to kill other one. As a result of this, Katniss and Peeta decide commit suicide, but game makers announce that both Katniss and Peeta as winners.

    The book is quite successful. Lots of famous writers including Stephen King and Stephenie Meyer have made positive comments for it. In my opinion, everyone who read this series will like it.