Written by Jennifer Schein
Death. Fighting. Despair. The sound of metal sparking against itself echoed in the arena. Sweat dripped off the young fighters battling to save their own lives. Finally, the match came to an end, resulting in death. These are a few of the common themes and events present in the hugely popular book series, The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, which has sold over 800,000 copies. The books are set in post-apocalyptic North America in a country called Panem. Panem contains 12 districts, each of which are forced to send two candidates every year to battle to the death for the entertainment of the ruling district, called the Capitol. The winners are rewarded with food and security for their district, providing the motivation to win. These so called “hunger games” are detested among the people, as is the Capitol.
Overall, the series is beloved by many people.
“I absolutely loved the books, and I am thrilled that they are finally making a movie,” junior Christy Kornher said. “They seem to have a great cast, and I am excited to see how they portray the story.”
The books are popular not just with younger kids, but students at West, too.
“My younger brother and I both enjoyed The Hunger Games,” junior Natasha Eskandar said. “They were some of the best books I have ever read. The author really knows how to bring the characters to life.”
Others who have read and adored the books have opinions on the upcoming movie.
“I am definitely looking forward to the movie, but I am a little skeptical,” junior Shreya Ghoshal said. “I hope they get everything right.”
Anytime a popular book is turned into a movie, there are potential issues.
“I just hope the movie does not ruin the book,” junior Andrea deLorimier said.
The movie, which will be based on the first out of three books, has not been without controversy.
The movie is slated for a 2012 release, and stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, the main character. It also stars Josh Hutcherson as Peetra and Liam Hendsworth as Gale, the two male leads. Jennifer Lawrence, the actress set to play Katniss, is under suspicion from fans of the books everywhere, who are not sure if they approve the casting of the twenty one-year-old blond actress to play sixteen-year-old Katniss who has dark hair, olive skin and grey eyes.
However, not everyone is as big of a fan of the trilogy.
“The Hunger Games is a simplistic trilogy that people meaninglessly obsess over. It is like Twilight with a Lord of the Flies twist,” junior Hannah Schiffman said.
Contrary to some opinions though, it is such a popular book the Honors English IV classes are now reading it.
“It is a pretty fast paced and fun book to read, and it is exciting for a book we are reading in school,” senior Paul Copley said. “I am actually enjoying it.”
More people agree with Paul than Hannah, as other seniors reading the book for English agree.
“Honestly, it is a great read,” senior Arielle Towsley said. “I encourage everyone, boys and girls to read it. You will not want to put them down, and the ending will leave you wanting more. I finished it in two days.”
