There’s
exactly ONE MONTH until
The
Hunger Games hits
theaters. And, as we all know, it’s everywhere.
While
some of you have read the Suzanne Collins series multiple times,
those who haven’t opened them might be a little confused. Thought
The
Hunger Games was
about a food-eating competition gone wrong? Might wanna get up to
speed with everything and read this ultimate guide…
The
Basic Story
In The
Hunger Games, the world as
we know it basically does not exist. The book says the ocean covers
most land now, and what’s left is a nation called Panem—right
around where the U.S. is today. Pamen is divided into 12 districts,
all in charge of producing different things for the country, and the
Capitol, where everyone lives extravagant lives.
Seventy-four
years before the story takes place, citizens in the 13 districts
revolted against the Capitol. The Capitol defeated the districts, and
even demolished District 13, which is why there are only 12 in the
story. Angry at its districts for rebelling, the Capitol begins a
tradition called the Hunger Games to remind the districts of what
little power they have. In these annual games, a boy and girl tribute
are sent to the Capitol to fight to death until only one survivor
remains. It is a televised event, especially for those in the
Capitol.
The
Hunger Games story opens
just before the 74th
Hunger Games, with Katniss Everdeen narrating. Katniss, 16, is from
poor District 12, which is in charge of coal mining. When her father
died in a mining accident, Kat’s mother became too depressed to do
anything, leaving Katniss as the breadwinner for her mom and younger
sis, Prim.
Katniss
befriends Gale, a boy who also lost his dad in the mining accident,
and they hunt and barter illegally together to provide for their
families. They dislike the Hunger Games and Katniss is nervous
because Prim is now 12 years old and eligible to participate.
Tributes are selected in a lottery-like system called the Reaping,
and it’s Prim’s name that is called to be District 12’s girl
tribute. Katniss immediately volunteers in her place, and along with
Peeta Mellark, the boy tribute, is sent away to compete.
The
Characters
Katniss
Everdeen
Katniss
has lived most of her life struggling to survive, and has a different
attitude than most girls her age. She can be stubborn, but is
determined to return home from the games, as she promised her sister.
Katniss’ survival skills are important during the games, but she
also learns more about herself than she expects. She doesn’t know
Peeta much beforehand, but remembers that he once gave her food when
she was starving, and feels like she owes him.
Peeta
Mellark
District
12’s boy tribute was raised as the baker’s son. And since he
didn’t grow up starving, he led a slightly better life than other
kids of District 12. Peeta makes up for all the feelings Katniss
seems to lack. He is good-natured and determined to show the Capitol
that they don’t own him. He also reveals that he’s had a
long-time crush on Katniss, which certainly affects how things go
during the games.
Gale
Hawthorne
Katniss’
hunting partner and bestie is like her, but more angry at their way
of life. He despises the Capitol and even talks about running away
from the district life. When Katniss volunteers as a tribute, he is
confident she will survive and promises to provide for her family
while she’s gone. A question of possible romance between Gale and
Katniss begins to develop in the first book, but gets complicated
with Peeta.
Primrose
Everdeen
Katniss’
12-year-old sister is caring and nurturing, which is shown by taking
care of her two pets: A goat and cat. She is Katniss’ reason for
everything, and her primary determination to survive the games.
Haymitch
Abernathy
In THG,
past district winners of the games serve as mentors to the fresh
tributes. Haymitch is District 12’s only winner. At times, he just
seems like a nasty old drunk, but he is shown to be helpful and
resourceful to Katniss and Peeta.
The
District 12 Team
Each
district’s tributes are assigned a prep team to help them get ready
for the games. Effie Trinket, a bubbly and elegant woman with pink
hair, is Katniss and Peeta’s escort. Cinna serves as their stylist.
Venia, Flavius and Octavia are other members of the team who help
beautify Peeta and Katniss.
Most of
the tributes go unmentioned, but a few are memorable. Rue is a
12-year-old tribute from District 11 who reminds Katniss of Prim, and
they become allies in the games. There is also a redheaded tribute
whom Katniss names “Foxface,” Rue’s fellow male tribute,
Thresh, who is remarkably huge and strong, and the District 2
tributes, Cato and Clove, who have trained for the games most of
their lives.
So,
there you have it! Be sure to check out the big screen adaptation of
The Hunger Games
when it premieres March 23.
Wanna
meet some of the stars before the flick hits theaters? Some are
embarking on a national mall tour March 3-10. CLICK
HERE
for more deets.
Are you
pumped for The Hunger Games?
Blog about it, babes.
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BY RACHEL NUGENT ON 2/23/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN entertainment, movies, The Hunger Games, Celebs, Josh Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence