I was given the chance to read the Hunger Games before it was released but sadly the book found its way under my bed, collecting dust and finally I had to give it back to its original owner. I never did like hard-cover books... 
 A week ago I saw my friend reading Catching Fire. I of course was skeptical about the series since the first time I tried to read it I was not interested. I picked up her copy read the last chapter (bad habit of mine) and the first two. Needless to say I was hooked. Two days later I bought The Hunger Games, yesterday I finished it. 
 The Hunger Games is a wonderful book that has a little of everything for everyone. There are high and low moments and the as the reader you will get caught up in the whirl wind storyline and be breathless at the end wanting more. 
 My suggestion is buy the trilogy because you will want to know what happens right after The Hunger Games.