As a Writer: The Hunger Games

I suppose my passion for The Hunger Games really stems from my fascination with the propaganda of the Russian Revolution. It's the idea that people can be governed or calmed or emboldened by words rather than by force. Especially statements that are worded in such a way that the truth is barely recognizable, if at all, beneath the layers of rhetoric. So I was drawn early on to Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm, where the smallest of creatures looked past the words, made the smallest of actions (with or without knowing it), and lead a revolution.

My interest notwithstanding, I'd be hard pressed to find a book with more crucibles. Everyone belongs to Panem: a utopia, as touted by the government, and a dystopia, as felt by the people. This is the ultimate kind of crucible in literature--instant conflict where escape seems impossible but actions, and reactions, are inevitable.  The game itself is another crucible. You cannot win without living. But all of this changes when Katniss spends enough time at the Capitol to figure out it's all a charade. And her behavior, and more importantly, her choices in the game start a revolution. Combine all of these elements with the fact that every action could lead to the possible murder of her family and her one true love, then you have conflict and suspense on every page.

Katniss as a character is smart enough to garner respect, but not so smart as to be cloying. She's tough enough to survive, but not so tough as to be cold and aloof. It's this blend of survivalist and tactician that makes her a fascinating character, especially since she's up against such incredible odds. She is constantly forced to make choices, and each choice comes with both the good and the bad.

Collins created a rich and detailed history. From the plastic Capitol to the deadly coal mines, every piece seems to be at odds with each other, like the game itself. On one hand, the post-apocalyptic world seems so far away, and yet, nearer than we'd like to believe.

I was happy to share this world with Katniss but also afraid since it's a horrifying future.  But for every horror, there's a triumph. And when a book contains this much horror, the triumphs are all the more powerful and lasting.