End of the Game

From where I sit, it is easy to survey the damage. The dishes in the sink remain untouched from breakfast this morning.  My empty coffee cup sits on the ledge of the sink, right next to my cup from yesterday morning.  The mail from this week is rapidly accumulating and balances precariously on top of the papers Mr. B brought home regarding the school's fundraiser. Dust coats the table tops and toy cars are lined up across the couch, evidence of a traffic jam that lies uninterrupted.  Upstairs, the chaos continues. Laundry, although clean, waits patiently to be folded and beds are haphazardly made. This house is in a state of turmoil; tasks left unfinished, chores completely untouched.  The culprits lie silently in front of me at the kitchen table. Red, Black and Baby Blue, they sit innocently on a place mat oblivious to the upheaval they have wreaked these past few days. As my heart continues to beat wildly, the effects of these little three, I wipe the tears from my eyes and prepare for damage control.  Somewhere in Connecticut, I hope that Suzanne Collins is basking in her glory, a smug expression on her face.  The Hunger Games trilogy is over and its aftermath is brilliant.

I stumbled across The Hunger Games shortly after the first book was published.  Looking for something that didn't involve vampires, werewolves and whiny teenage girls, The Hunger Games appeared to be a safe bet.  What I discovered was a strong, independent teenager in a world of violence, poverty and government control. Published as a Young Adult trilogy, The Hunger Games is nothing short of brutal, disturbing and amazing.  The lead character, Katniss Everdeen emerges as an unknowing source of hope in a world where hope is almost nonexistent. Formerly North America, the country of Panem has grown out of the ruin left from the Dark Days (frustratingly, the hows, whens, and whys of this ruin are not delved into).  Divided into twelve districts and ruled by the all-powerful Capitol, order is maintained by an annual 'reaping' which is designed to serve as a reminder of the control the Capitol possess over all who reside in Panem.  Using the children of each district to enforce this reminder, two children (1 boy and 1 girl) from each district are sent to the arena where in the face of man-made creatures, poisonous plants and Capitol controlled natural disasters, they will fight until only one is left standing.  Yes, these children will kill one another. Oh, and I almost forgot the most important part: it is all televised for the citizens' viewing pleasure.


Repulsed by the violence, overcome by interest in these characters and curious about the mind of Ms. Collins, it does not take long for the reader to become the typical Capitol viewer...engrossed in the tragedy of the players. But it doesn't end on the last page...she leaves us wondering, "what happens next?" Catching Fire, the second book in the series, does not disappoint either with drama, romance, and suspense at every corner.  Unsure whether I wanted Katniss to fall for Peeta or Gale, I alternated between the two of them much like she did. After the whole Team Edward/Team Jacob ordeal, I was not sure that I had the energy to invest in a teenage romance and was worried that Collins would succomb to the pressure and have this love triangle become the central storyline.  I greatly underestimated this author. Catching Fire proved to be as much of a ride as the first book and leaves you wondering at the end. (it should be noted, that these books are best read back to back...for your own sanity as well as that of your loved ones).


Going into Mockingjay I held conflicting emotions.  One, I had absolutely no idea where it was going.  Two, I had absolutely no idea where I wanted it to go. Three, I was saddened by the knowledge that with each page turned, I was heading closer to the end. I devoured each page, having to reread passages just to savor each one. Like a meal you don't want to finish, I wanted this book to last forever. At 400 some odd pages, it sometimes feels like it might.  The plot twists and turns, alliances are forged and broken, trust is given and betrayed. Love is sought...and found. (Sorry, I will not divulge any more as I refuse to be the one to completely spoil the end for you)

Fraught with themes of waste vs. limited resources, communism vs. democracy, and war vs. peace, Suzanne Collins has given us a trilogy that gives one pause and is unforgettable.  Needless to say, this is a story that sticks with you, one you will want to share with your friends. Even though its over, I find myself mulling over the message that it sends, the statements that are inferred about our society and our gruesome need to follow "reality" for our own entertainment.  But above all, I find myself contemplating the traits that make us human, how we reveal ourselves when our backs are against the wall. The survival skills of Katniss, the inherent goodness of Peeta, the fight in small and determined Rue (oh, Little Rue, you have truly stayed with me). How would we respond to a world like Panem and really, how far are we from it?   A feel-good read this is not.  If you are looking for light and fluffy, stay away.  But if you are looking for a book you can't pull away from (and some housework you would rather not do), then I highly, highly recommend this series.