The Hunger Games is the story of Katniss, a sixteen year old girl living in District Twelve on Panem, of what was originally North America. Every year, two children, a female one male, are chosen to enter in the Hunger Games to fight in a televised massacre to the death. Each contestant is pitted against one another, with the winner as the last person alive standing. Katniss's sister Primrose is drawn as a contestant, and Katniss volunteers to take her spot. Meanwhile, the male contestant is Peeta - a boy that Katniss has a particular memory of. The rest of the book is a thrilling adventure of life over death, and survival of the fittest. 
 I think I could dedicate a whole review just on how cool Katniss is. She's extremely capable as she's been hunting and providing meals for her family for years after her father's death. With her mother unable to handle the stress of life, Katniss has stepped in to become the caretaker and breadwinner of both her sister and her mother - saving her family from the throes of death. Katniss is mature, able to think critically about her actions and yes, most importantly think before she talks, and usually before she acts. She's strong, slightly cynical and manipulative, but genuine and sincere and has the charisma to win over the world. I really adore her as a heroine; personally, I think she's has got to be the greatest YA heroine out there. Katniss never falls into the whiny, dependent on the guy, type of heroine and rather she provides and saves Peeta a number of times. Willing to take a stance and fight for her own destiny, Katniss lands as an amazing heroine in my book. 
 Just for the heroine part, I fell in love with the Hunger Games. It's rare to see such a strong heroine, but also likeable at the same time. For example, the girl in Graceling is a strong fighter, but too fierce, dense and stubborn to be likeable. Katniss is crafty, and cunning. Quite frankly, she's just really really cool; and I'm just really gushing over her. 
 Aside from that, I think the novel was also very well written, with a fast pace, but not too overwhelming at all. The events, action packed and addicting keep you page turning, and the words are easy and flow well together. 
 I will definitely be reading Catching Fire, and hopefully finish the series! I definitely recommend this novel!