I had heard of this book, but didn't know much about it. I am apparently one of the few few because it is hugely popular. At the center of this story is a girl named Katniss. Katniss struggles to survive with her younger sister and mother after the death of her father in a coal mining region of what was once Appalachia. She becomes the provider - providing wild game and trading with merchants for other food items. She becomes an adult quite early because her mother shuts down after her father is obliterated in a mine accident and Katniss steps into the adult role to save herself and her remaining family. Katniss extends her care giving when she steps into her sister's place when her sister's name is called in "The Reaping" which draws the name of a boy and girl from each of the 12 Districts to compete in The Hunger Games.
The Hunger Games are a fight to the death between 24 contestants. The Games are a yearly reminder of the power The Capital holds over the 12 Districts. A reminder that the rebellion that destroyed the 13th District was futile and shall be forever punished. This reminder takes the form of an annual televised blood sport featuring teenagers reaped from the Districts. Some of them are highly trained and some just forced in by chance and hunger.
The story is fantastic and completely gripping. The narrator does a wonderful job. I was thrilled to find out there are two more books in the series. The characters are well drawn and engaging. I won't give anything away because I hope you read, or as did, listen to this great story.
You can listen to a sample of the audio book on Audible.com. http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B002V8MA2A&qid=1303450823&sr=1-1
