The Hunger Games [Paperback]

The first novel in the worldwide bestselling series by Suzanne Collins!

Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun. . . .

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Praise for The Hunger Games

A violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense. . . . I couldn't stop reading.

--Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly

I was so obsessed with this book. . . . The Hunger Games is amazing.

--Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight saga

Brilliantly plotted and perfectly paced.

--John Green, The New York Times Book Review

Suzanne Collins is the inter?nationally bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, which also includes the novelsThe Hunger Games,Catching Fire,Mockingjay, andThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Together, the books have sold over 100 million copies and were the basis for five popular films. Her other books include the acclaimed Underland Chronicles series, which begins withGregor the Overlander, and the picture bookYear of the Jungle, illustrated by James Proimos. To date, her books have been published in fifty-three languages around the world.