Two years ago a publicist sent me a pre-publication copy of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games (Scholastic, ages 12 and up) along with a strong recommendation. The break-neck pacing of the story stimulated my literary appetite so completely that I wolfed it down in two days. I mourn now as I have just polished off the last in the three book series.
Hunger Games’ plot is a mix of reality TV gone mad and Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”. Set in the dystopian world of Panem, the construct is tantalizing. Yearly, a boy and girl are selected from twelve districts, becoming tributes who fight to the death in a realistic, lethal arena created by the Capitol. And all Panem tunes in. The series’ heroine is sixteen-year-old District 12 Katniss Everdeen who steps forward to take the place of her younger sister. Peeta, who’s always had a secret Katniss-crush, is selected as male competitor. Katniss’ leaves her impoverished mother and sister in the care of Gale. She’s grown up poaching with Gale, but more recently their caring has developed the potential for passion. I won’t reveal the play book for the games, but count on non-stop surprises and a dozen life-death situations in which Katniss shows her brilliance in hunting, avoiding hunters and matching the manipulations of President Snow and his cadre from the Capitol. The series is a rich blend of science fiction, romance, political intrigue, and adventure, mixed with suspense and unexpected plot twists.
I craved the sequel. But would it be as satisfying as the first? Could the author match the tension? Catching Fire (Scholastic, 2009) gave Katniss and Peeta no time to rest on their laurels--action and intrigue began immediately as Panem edged towards revolution. And as that fictional stew bubbled, Suzanne Collins added an ingredient that hurtled the plot into hyper-action, deepened characters, and amps up reader anxiety. The resolution, though satisfying only left fans starved for a third that wouldn’t disappoint. Could Collins pull it off?
Mockingjay, released in August, begins with a suck-you-in situation. Readers (and Katniss) must adjust to the world of District 13, the only district in Panem that might withstand cruelties lobbed by the Capitol. Collins’ constructs are, again, fascinating. Each morning, for example, District 13 residents, put their arms in a mechanism that tattoos individual daily schedules. Katniss is again at a crossroads as she learns the Capitol is torturing Peeta, resumes an uncomfortable relationship with Gale, and grugingly becomes the Mockingjay, a symbol and a mascot to unite Panem’s rebel forces under the leadership of District 13’s leader Coin.
The book brews up conflicts every page turn and emotions mount with multiple plot torques. Captivated by Katniss’ immediate viewpoint, consumed by her sarcastic view, engrossed in every action, it’s only the series’ end that allows readers to savor Collins’ mastery. Those who have thrilled at Katniss’ victories, seen her strength ebbs, flows, and builds, now break free from the novel’s gripping power, to see the bigger picture. They view Collins’ uberintelligent plotting, the enormity of Katniss’ role as pawn, the power of imagery that unites themes, events and symbolism.
I had only two complaints. The Epilogue is a bit rushed. Worse, I was starved for more. I’m treating myself to fourth helping, the Hunger Games audio (Scholastic, unabridged, 10CDs, approx. 12 hours). Narrator Carolyn McCormick, who’s read all three books captures Katniss’ sarcasm and hardness, worry and surprise, disgust and horror as well as the ironical and enthralling story tone. Listening brings me a dessert-quality rediscovery of all that escaped me when I devoured the books.