Independant+Novel+Study

Logan Willis

The Hunger Games

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Author: Suzanne Collins

Journal Entry #1 - Dec. 2 (Pages Covered 1-34) 1. Why did you select this novel?

The reason why I selected this novel was for a couple of reasons. The first reason being that many of my friends and family members loved this book. I can remember quite a few occasions where this book was brought up and almost everyone knew about it, and out of those who did know about it, loved it. I remember always hearing about how great of a book this was, and it always made me feel left out because I had no idea what the hunger Games series were like. The second, smaller reason of why I chose to read this Novel was because it is a book with a lot of action, which I like. I prefer books that always keep the readers hanging, and not sure of what is going to happen next. This book is a perfect example of that. In the end, I am very happy that people encouraged me to read this book because it has turned out to be a very interesting novel so far.

6. What is the setting of the novel? Is the setting important or could the novel be happening anywhere? Why?

The setting of this novel is in the future, after something terrible has happened to the world. In the ruin of North America, lie twelve districts, and the Capitol. I believe the setting for this novel is important because it really adds to the story. For example, there are only small districts with people struggling, trying to stay alive and fight problems such as hunger. Also, if the story did not take place in the future, I do not think the story would add up to what has become of the world now. In my opinion, this is a very interesting setting that really keeps the reader thinking about what’s going on in the story.

2. What information did you need to know before reading the novel?

Before reading the novel, there were a couple of things that took place that the reader would need to know. The first thing the reader would need to know is the fact that all throughout the story, things are happening in the future, after something devastating has happened to the world. This is why there are only 12 small districts and the Capitol in all of the remains of North America. The second thing that the reader would need to know of would be the war of the twelve districts and the Capitol. This war began because the Capitol treated everyone within the Twelve Districts as if they were disgusting animals. All the Twelve Districts fought the Capitol for freedom and peace, and to be treated fairly by everyone in the Capitol. After losing to the Capitol, all the Twelve Districts were punished by a cruel and evil punishment called “The Hunger Games”. The hunger games is an activity held by the capitol, where two children, a boy and a girl, within the ages of 12-18 are chosen from all twelve districts to battle to the death in an arena. The winner will get all the glory and food they could ever dream of, but for the rest, it is to their death.

**Journal entry #2 - Dec 15 (pg. 34 - 72)** = = = =

What is the initial or first problem faced by the main character?
The first, most important problem faced by this character is the Hunger Games. Every year the hunger games occur to punish the twelve districts for the uprising on the Capitol. The Hunger games is a nasty even held by the Capitol that has 24 members, two members from every district, to fight to the death. The winner is assured glory and wealth for the rest of their life. As the story begins, it is the day that the two people from each district get chosen to go off to the capitol and fight to their death. At the ceremony of the choosing, Katniss’ (the main character) little sister has been chosen to get sent off to the Capitol. Once that has happened, Katniss then volunteers for her little sister, because she is the most important thing in her life and she would not let anything happen to her. Which leaves us with Katniss being sent to getting prepared to fight in the Hunger Games with 23 other people.

= What's going on as the story begins? =

As the story begins, it is the day of the choosing for The Hunger Games. It is a very dark and gloomy day, and almost no one is happy. This includes Katniss, the main character, and her two family members, Prim, her little sister, and her mother. Katniss is usually left collecting food for her family since her father died in a mining accident. Katniss has had a hard time trying to take care of her family, and has almost starved to death many times. When it is time for the choosing of The Hunger Game participants, Prim, Katniss’ little sister, is chosen. Katniss could not bear to have her little sister be sent off, so she volunteered to take her place. Now Katniss must trust and hope that her family will be ok, while her family must trust and hope that Katniss will be okay.

= Who is telling the story? How does this person’s perspective effect the way the story is told? =

Katniss, the main character, is telling the story. I believe that this person’s perspective effect’s the way the story is being told dramatically because of many reasons. The first reason being that Katniss is the only person that we can accurately know what she feels like. For all other characters of the book we must assume and guess what they are feeling, but since Katniss is telling the story, we always know what’s on her mind. The second reason being that we must always be thinking of what all the characters are saying, because that is the only way that we can tell what they are thinking. If the author was telling the story, it would be very easy to see what everyone was thinking, which wouldn’t be much fun. I prefer books that the main character tells the story because it seems more realistic, and it leaves the reader to have some opinions on what people are thinking about.

**Journal entry #3 - Jan 6. (pg. 72 - 103)**

= What new things are added to the original problem as the novel progresses? =

As the novel progresses, many new things are added to the main problem. One example of these problems would be how Katniss, and Peeta (the other tribute from district 12) are force to do many things together, such as acting like they enjoy each other’s company, wear the same thing, and worst of all, they are never allowed to be apart. This really bothers Katniss because she is forced to be with someone that she might have to kill, or get kill by, in the future. Another problem that has emerged into the story line is that they must be faces with competitors, and size up how threatening they are. All twenty-four of the tributes are now being put together to do activities, such as training and eating, which is really nerve racking for Katniss. She knows that it is an advantage because she can size people up, but also a disadvantage because people are able to find out her weaknesses and strengths. Another big problem that has come to the surface of this story is their leader, Haymitch. Haymitch has won the Hunger Games in previous years, and now is trying to show Katniss and Peeta how to play it right. There's only one problem. He's a drunk. He is usually intoxicated with all types of drinks, and almost never has anything intellectual to say the Peeta and Katniss. Although this problem is starting to fade as the story goes on and Haymitch becomes more serious, it is still a huge problem that they did not get the start training that almost everyone else did.

= How does the author get you to read on or hold your interest? =

The author gets me to read on and holds my interest by having quite unusual events occur. Some unusual events that have happened so far that have held my interest are the stories that have been told, such as the destruction of District 13, who rebelled against the Capitol and now has paid for it. Another example would be how Peeta and Katniss have some back-stories from their hometown, such as when Peeta gave bread to Katniss when she was about to die, or Katniss always hunts food that Peeta's family eats. Also, the author has things happen in the story where you want to find out how the events will turn out, such as when Peeta and Katniss had to wear the flaming costumes; I was interested in what the reaction would be from the crowd. Also when Peeta and Katniss are sentenced to be together, I always wonder how that’s going to work out. All of the crazy, unusual events that happen in this book help to keep my interest.

= Comment on the style of the novel. Is it easy or hard to follow the events? =

In my opinion, this book is quite easy to follow along with. This is because of a couple of reasons, which I shall share. The first reason being that it is not choppy, at all. The author completely finishes his train of thought without starting a new sentence, or a new event. Also, the events that occur in this book seem to correspond with each other, and co-operate as well. All the events in this story seem to complement each other, and one event always leads to another in an extremely clear way. Also, the style this book is written in really helps the story line. I think this book would be a lot worse if it were not told in first person. I like first person books because they leave you wondering what the other people are feeling, and that way you get involved more. I guess you could say I find it a bit more intriguing. Overall, this book is fantastically written and I wouldn't like the book any other way.

= = Journal entry #4 - Jan 13. (pg. 103 - 247) = = = To what age group is the novel aimed? Support your answer with evidence. = = = In my opinion, this book is aimed at a very large audience. I would say this novel is aimed at approximatly 12-60 years of age. I believe this because for the young people, it offers a very exciting and outrageous plot, that will keep their attention because of the book's wild changes and brain teasing cliff-hangers. For the older readers of this book, it offers a very well thought out plot, that is never dull, and can teach you a couple of things about life lessons. This book also has good spirited characters, and it shows that even the hardest obstibles can still be passed if you try hard enough. For me, a 14 year old boy, this book kept my attention because of its wacky changes and outrageous cliff-hangers. I found myself constantly wanting to read more to find out what was around the next bend or corner. And although this book may have a couple of things that I have yet to understand, being this age, but I can still easily follow along with the story line. Another thing that interested me about the book was all the small life lessons that you learn as you read along. The list of these lessons are endless, but they are all meaningful in their own way.

= = = Is there a message or main theme emerging in the book? How is it shown? =

The message or main theme that has come to my mind while reading this book would be that taking people for granted is wrong. In this book, people from the Capitol act like they own all the 24 tributes from the 12 districts. This book trys to show you that doing all these horrible things to people that you dont even know, but you think you own, is horrible. There are also a lot of small lesson in this book that help contribute to the big picture of the story. The first one being that if you try hard enough to complete a task, and put your mind to it, you will complete it no matter how hard it is. The second one being that somimes you think you know someone, or that they are your close friend, and then they betrade you. Also, vice versa of that lesson happens, where you think that someone is your enemy, when actully that person just wants to be a friend of yours. Another example would be that you should never judge a book by its cover. For example, Rue is the smallest of the 24 tributes, but she makes it into the top 8 who survive. The list of minor lessons go on and on to create one big picture. So sure, there is one or two big themes emeging in the book, but what really interests me in the book is how many small one there are that create the big picture.

Describe any new characters that are introduced? What is their purpose?
In this book, there are many new and exciting characters that emerge while the story goes on. Most of the important characters that emerge are people from the battle arena. in other words, the 24 tributes. The first important one that comes to mind is Peeta. Peeta is the other tribute from district 12, and has now fallen in love with Katniss. These two have a vague past together in their district, but once they are together, preparing for the Hunger Games, they get to know each other. The second, and one of the most important people involved would be Rue. Rue is a girl who is the smallest of the 24 tributes. Most of the other 23 tributes are quick to judge her, thinking she will be an easy kill, but Katniss knows that is not the case. Katniss is quick to alliance with her when they first meet in the arena, knowing that she will be of good help. Together, Katniss and Rue help each other out by sharing their food and going on missions to sabatauge other tributes together. But as this alliance comes to an end, she is killed by one of the Career tributes, the ones who practice year round for the Hunger Games. This introduces me to the next group of characters who are introduced. The Careers are a group of people who practice for the Hunger Games, and when the time comes, they easily can kill almost any of the 24 tributes without trying. The Carrers usually get the most supplies, and stay the healthiest throughout the whole time because of their sponsors and food they found. Almost no one ever dares to disturb the Careers because they fear what might happen if they fail. = = =Journal entry #5 - Jan 13. (pg. 247 - 374) =

=Is the novel believable? =

The book 'The Hunger Games’ is a very believable book. I think this because it happens in the future, so its possible that what is mentioned in the book we could have in the future, because this book did not mention any new creations that are way out of this world. The Plot of 24 people from 12 Districts being sacrificed into an arena to battle to the death as a punishment for them rebelling against the Capitol seems quite a believable activity.

Why would you (or why wouldn't you) recommend this novel to a friend?
I would recommend this novel to a friend of mine for many great reasons. These reasons are as followed. The first reason being that the novel always catches your attention, so that there is never a dull moment. The second reason being that it has many touching moments throughout the story to keep your spirit up and keep you interested. The third reason is that it is such a unique plot idea. I found myself constantly wanting to read more because i had never read anything too similar before. It was almost like it was all new material just waiting to be discovered. The list of reasons why I would recommend this to friend goes on and on, because it is such a great story, and always intrigues me.

Why did (or didn't) the novel meet your expectations?
The novel definitely met my expectations for countless reasons. The first reason is because it, as I have said before, it always kept me interested. It is one of, if no the most, intriguing novels I have ever read. Another reason is because of how unique of a story it is. The author put many great, new ideas into it that really helped keep my interest. Another reason why this novel easily met my expectations is because of the way it is told. This novel was told in a very easy to understand way, and i never found myself lost in a confusing set of words. The author always knew exactly what to say and exactly when to say it. The list goes on consisting of reasons why this book easily past my expectations, because that is how great a book it is. I would definitely rate this as one of the best books I have ever read.

#1—PLOT

Write a short plot summary of your novel. This should be about 250 words(1 page). Include information such as: What the title has to do with the book, where and when the story happens, who is telling the story, what the central conflict is in the story, what the climax is, how the climax is resolved – or if it isn’t, and whether or not you enjoyed the plot and your reasons.

The story begins in District Twelve, one of the 12 districts. As the story progresses, the main character, Katniss, moves to the Capitol, where the main events of the story begin. it story is told in first person, because Katniss is the one explaining what is going on. With Katniss explaining the story, it helps create the whole image of the story, and helps portray it to the readers. The central conflict in this story is how Katniss is chosen as one of the 24 tributes to go to the capitol and fight to the death. This happens because a long time ago, all the twelve districts rebelled against the Capitol, and lost. In return, the capitol summons two tributes from each district, one boy and one girl, to the Hunger Games. Katniss’ sister, Prim, was chosen to be a tribute, but Katniss could not let this happen. She took the bullet for her sister and because a tribute instead of her sister. She was then forced to to battle it out in the ring for her life instead of her sister. I think the title of the book is appropriate for the story because The Hunger Games is the main even in this story. Without the Hunger Games, this story would not be anything. I also like the Title of the book because it helps the readers understand what the story is about, so there is no confusion.

I would have to say the climax of the story was at the last part of the story, when only three tributes the three tributes, Katniss, Peeta, and Cato, were left to battle it out. This part of the story was the climax because it had so many things that added to the conflict. The first thing being that not only were they the only three left to fight, there were a raging pack of Ware-Wolfs coming after them. The second thing that added to the intensity was that Cato was the strongest Tribute out of all 24 from the very start. The final big contributing point that added to the climax was that it was the last battle of all. Either Cato was going to die, or one of the other two would die. The climax in this story is partly resolved because in the end, the main character Katniss, and the other important character Peeta, both make it out of the arena alive. Another way of seeing the climax is that it did not resolve, because Katniss initially wanted to Hunger Games to end forever, but they didn’t. In the end of this Hunger Games, a person, or in this case two people, were claimed the winners, just like every other year. The same thing will happen in the future. So in a way the problem was never resolved fully.

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