Reflection on The Hunger Games

The sad truth is that the number of pieces of literature I have read is not very high for a high school student almost finished with his sophomore year. I feel books aren’t read as much today as they were a few decades ago. One book that I have read not too long ago is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Published in 2008, it is a science fiction novel depicts a dystopian, future society. In this dark, deceptive world, each year a male and female child from each of the 13 districts of Panem are chosen to compete in the Hunger Games. These televised games are part entertainment for the citizens but also retribution for past rebellions against the Capitol. The competitors are placed in an arena where they must kill each other until one person is left alive, who is then crowned victor. The Hunger Games, through the actions of the characters and qualities of the totalitarian nation, taught me important life lessons that help me build my character. These lessons are weaved into the very intriguing plot that is full of action and fun to read.

"When I was younger, I scared my mother to death, the things I would blurt out about District 12, about the people who rule our country, Panem, from the far-off city called the Capitol. (Collins 6)" Panem is a post-apocalyptic nation under the rule of a single party which is led by President Snow. The the rulers of Panem live in one, rich city called the Capitol. They live lavishly while the 12 districts are not as fortunate. When a coalition between the districts happened and uprisings against the Capitol broke out 75 years before the time in the novel, the Capitol stopped the rebels and created the Hunger Games to show their power. The contestants of the games must kill each from other dist...

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...g also affects many students. If I see bullying, I try to stop it or report it to an adult so they can intervene.

Even though The Hunger Games had killing and gore, I found the novel to teach a lot of salutary values and truths about life. Katniss’ character is a good role model I use to shape my own today. I also strive for success in what I do, following Katniss’ example of never giving up even with obstacles. Politics may have seemed silly to me before, but now keeping up with the news keeps me informed about what is going on in the government. After reading The Hunger Games, I have hope that other books are just as beneficent and I will give them a try. The Hunger Games is certainly a novel I will remember for both being interesting and teaching me life lessons. I hope other readers are also able to extricate these lessons from all the violence in the book.