by Ye Rim Park, staff writer

“The Hunger Games,” written by Suzanne Collins, has been sweeping the nation with its refreshing, action-packed plot.

The trilogy follows a 16-year-old girl named Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a dystopian future of North America called Panem, which is divided into 13 districts. The Capitol has complete power over the whole nation and holds an annual Hunger Game to celebrate its rule.

Despite the overly-sweet display of happiness and festiveness the Capitol promotes, Hunger Games are actually cruel duels set up between the “lucky” chosen contestants, who are one girl and boy from each district. All contestants must strive to survive or be killed, either by the harsh traps set in the Arena or by the hands of other competitors.

Basically, the book is about an evil government that forces children to kill each other on TV.  But in the current 74th anniversary of the Hunger Games, Katniss’ sister, Primrose, is selected as a contestant. Being the protective and brave sister she is, Katniss takes her place and travels to the Capitol.

Many teenagers have fallen in love with this book series, including some of the avid fans at Cal High.

“The post-apocalyptic world of Panem, and the Hunger Games used to control its citizens were some of the best and most creative futuristic settings I’ve read,” said sophomore Abbey Radermacher. “Even just the psychological aspect of the Games as a concept is an immense challenge and it instills fear and desperation in the reader.”

Others compliment the way the story is brought to life through Collins’ descriptive words and imagery.

“It really makes you feel a connection to the characters and the trials and tribulations they go through,” says junior Jourdan Lieblich. “I highly recommend it.”However, everything has a few flaws and certain qualities that people find less than perfect.

Many of the students who voiced their opinions agreed the romance could have been better or took away from the main action.

“The setting of the book was very good, although the Twilight-like turn in the plot took at the end needed some work,” says freshman Zoe Chan.

Some also said parts of the book seemed manufactured to appeal to the majority of readers, diminishing its originality.

But even so, there are hundreds of fans who enjoy the book’s romantic scenes and embrace it as wholly original, and  are looking forward to the  new“The Hunger Games” movie, which is coming to theaters March 23.

Many look forward to how actress Jennifer Lawrence, an Academy Award nominee, will portray the widely-popular heroine, Katniss.

“The book was worth reading, I’m probably going to see the movie,” says senior Ian Woodward.

The book is taking the world by storm and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to stop anytime soon.  Best thing to do is lay back and watch what happens to our protagonists as they struggle to win the Games.And for all you “Hunger Game” fans , “May the odds be ever in your favor.”