When I originally read the premise for this book a few years ago, it sounded so disturbing and brutal, I decided against reading it. The story of a distopian society where the government forces young people to participate in a battle to the death for everyon's entertainment? And the book was for young people to read? I was not a little irked that something like this was getting so much press. 
 However, with the release of the movie this month, I've heard more and more about it. Not just from excited tweens who had already read the series, but articles talking about it relating to current events and on NPR where a college professor was using it for a sociology class. It was clear that this book was much more than the premise I had originally read. 
 And I have to say, it was an incredible read. I was completely taken with the character's internal and external struggles; their wanting to fight for their district, but wanting to keep their own identity and not give their allegiance to a capitol that forced this on them and keeps their family and friends in poverty. From the very first chapter, it was clear that this was not a book about bloodlust and how evil society had become, but a story about survival and how to take a stand in a world where no one but the government has a voice. 
 I found myself really caring about these people and the outcome. So much so, that I was afraid to keep reading; wanting to keep them in whatever stable situation I left them in the previous chapter. I didn't want them to fail or get hurt. 
 I really had to pace myself and not read the entire book in one day. I wanted to live with the characters for a while and let them really get into my head. Having said that, I only lasted 3 days. But I still have 2 more books in the trilogy to read. I can't wait to see where it takes them...and me!