Author's Note, "This piece is inspired by my connections and love for this intriguing, energetic, and entertaining."
Today was the day of the reaping, the day everything changed. As Effie Trinket slowly pulled out one out of thousand tiny slips of paper she gradually opened her mouth to say the name of the girl tribute. As she spoke the words my mouth completely dropped.”Congratulations to Primrose Everdeen”,she blurted out to the cameras. How could her name have gotten picked out of thousands, it seemed impossible. ”Any volunteers for the boys?” Effie was shouting now, no one spoke. “How about for the girls?”. It took everything I had in me but I screamed my name, “ I, Katniss Everdeen, wish to volunteer.” A large gasp came from the audience, but I didn’t mind it, I knew I had to sacrifice myself for Prim. I took my place on the stage next to the boy tribute and realized my life was about to change in a matter of minutes, for eternity. While reading “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, readers will figure out how to cope will fear, gain courage, and never give up.
The symbolism in this book really makes readers think. For example each tribute participating in the Games is allowed to bring in only one token from their district. Katniss decided to bring a mockingjay pin into the Hunger Games Arena. The mockingjay meant so many things to her: her father and how the birds would stop and listen when he sang, her family and her friends, Gale, hunting in the woods, and last but not least it was a sign of rebellion against the cruel Capitol. Katniss’ ally, Rue, brought a wooden star on a dull, green, straw rope into the arena. To Rue it meant family, friends, and music: her passion throughout life. As it was wrapped around her neck it made her feel as if she was at home, back in District 11. Another example of symbolism in this book is that when Rue died Katniss sang to Rue as she made her way to heaven: she wrapped her hair in flowers, and covered her body in rose petals. The symbolism in this book left me on end, craving more and more.
Although the symbolism in this book was intriguing, readers can’t help but wonder, what would it have been like if you had participated in the Games? Every move you make would be shown to millions through television. You’re loved ones would watch you die; innocent families would be watching their children suffer while the Capitol watched, laughing. Tearing families apart year after year, and making lives miserable and full of depression, the Games were held every year. Many couldn’t have done what Katniss had done to win. When you read this book you will feel like Katniss herself winning, you share her feelings, her happiness, and her depression at times. Readers will realize what it feels like to be in a life-threatening situation. Suzanne Collins, author of “The Hunger Games”, does a very good job at making you feel like are a part of the Games.
Many good questions pop up in your mind while reading this novel, but you will make even more connections to the writing than you ever though possible. For example reader's will know how Katniss felt while she was inside the arena competing in the games: protective, scared, and brave. Not knowing what is coming around the corner is a very frightening emotion. Also, reader's will make a connection with Rue. I and other reader's as well can relate to Rue because she really loved music during her 12 years of life, like so many do. To me music is the most powerful thing out there in this world: music is so diverse, it can be so depressing yet so extremely energetic.
Coping with fear, gaining courage, and never giving up are all things you will learn how to do if you read the book “The Hunger Games”, by Suzanne Collins.This book is highly recommended by people all over the world, it has a sappy love story, and intense battle. This book changed my perspective about life and it can change yours too.
