The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is the first book of the homonymous trilogy written by the American author Suzanne Collins. Publisher Scholastic Press published it on 14 September 2008. This is a novel of adventure and science fiction told in first person from the perspective of Katniss Everdeen, a teenager of sixteen who lives in Panem, a nation post - apocalyptic located in what that was previously North America. The book shows most of the experiences lived by her in "The Hunger Games", an annual event held in Panem where a boy and a girl from each district with ages ranging from twelve to eighteen will have to fight to the death between them while they are watched on national television.

Inspired by the experiences of its writer and some stories from Greek mythology, The Hunger Games deal with issues such as extreme poverty and hunger. Several critics gave positive reviews of the book, although several noticed similarities with Battle Royale of Koushun Takami. After being distributed around the world, it sold more than twenty million copies, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. In addition, an audiobook narrated by actress Carolyn McCormick was also released.

In March 2009, Lionsgate Entertainment acquired the copyright to the book and began creating its film adaptation, which would then be published on March 23, 2012 with Jennifer Lawrence playing Katniss, Josh Hutcherson with Peeta and Woody Harrelson with Haymitch. Other actors include Liam Hemsworth as Gale and Alexander Ludwig as Cato. The film became a blockbuster worldwide, raising $694.4 million and also increasing book sales.