The Hunger Games’ feeding Potter fans by Gabrielle Cestone, staff reporter

Move over Harry Potter, The Hunger Games penned by Suzanne Collins has taken over readers nationwide. The first book of the intense, young adult fiction trilogy has everything a young adult novel could contain; thrilling action scenes, mind-boggling suspense, and a passionate love story.

As the story line is begun in the post-apocalyptic world, the continent of North America is non-existent and 12 districts now take its place. Each district has to send two children, known as tributes ages 12-18 to compete in ‘The Hunger Games’ which is a fight to the death with only one winner. The event is televised live throughout all 12 districts.

The main character, Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl from District 12 takes her sister’s place as one of the two tributes, the other one being 16 year old Peeta Mellark. The author plays up the intensity of the games by throwing in a relationship between the two tributes who are forced to compete against each other. It’s up to Katniss to choose between fighting in the games or to choose love and ultimately death.

“I like how she writes in the perspective of the main character. She uses so much description to create this image in your mind in all the adventurous scenes,” said freshman, TinaMaria Kouridakis. “She’s a really good author. My favorite part is when Katniss is first entering the battle arena.”The Hunger Games, which was first released on September 14, 2008, was a #1 New York Times Bestseller and a #1 USA Today Bestseller as well.

“There are no words to explain my love for the Hunger Games. It’s the perfect story, it has adventure, love, action, coming of age. I feel as if its a book that anyone of any age, gender, race, or religion can identify themselves with. I guarantee if you start reading it, you will be mind-blown,” said junior, Maria Apostolidis.