Books
The Hunger Games
*The Hunger Games* is a dystopian novel written by Suzanne Collins, set in a future world where the nation of Panem is divided into twelve districts, each under the oppressive rule of the Capitol. The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a young girl from District 12, who volunteers to take her sister Prim's place in the annual Hunger Games — a brutal televised event where children between the ages of 12 and 18 are forced to fight to the death. As Katniss navigates the deadly arena, she must use her survival skills and cunning to outsmart her opponents, while also grappling with the complex relationships and politics that arise. The series explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and resistance against tyranny, resonating with readers for its gripping narrative and sharp critique of power and inequality.
*Catching Fire*, the second book in Suzanne Collins' *The Hunger Games* series, continues the story of Katniss Everdeen as she navigates the aftermath of winning the 74th Hunger Games. Having become a symbol of rebellion and hope for the oppressed districts, Katniss is thrust into the spotlight and forced to maintain the illusion of a romantic relationship with her fellow victor, Peeta Mellark. However, their victory stirs unrest in Panem, leading to the announcement of the 75th Hunger Games — the Quarter Quell, where previous victors must return to the arena. As Katniss and Peeta once again fight for survival, they uncover deeper layers of resistance and conspiracy, with the Capitol tightening its control over the districts. *Catching Fire* explores themes of defiance, loyalty, and the consequences of being a symbol of revolution, setting the stage for an even more intense struggle for freedom in the final book, *Mockingjay*.
*Mockingjay*, the final book in Suzanne Collins' *The Hunger Games* trilogy, follows Katniss Everdeen as she becomes the symbol of the revolution against the Capitol. After surviving the deadly Hunger Games and the brutal Quarter Quell, Katniss is now in District 13, the heart of the rebellion, where she reluctantly agrees to become the "Mockingjay" — the face of the revolution. As the war intensifies, Katniss grapples with her role in the fight for freedom, the emotional toll of the violence, and her relationships with those around her, including Peeta and Gale. The book delves into the harsh realities of war, sacrifice, and the struggle for power, highlighting the psychological and emotional scars left by violence and conflict. *Mockingjay* ultimately brings Katniss's journey to a close, offering a poignant and bittersweet resolution to her battle for survival and the future of Panem.
*The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* is a prequel to Suzanne Collins' *The Hunger Games* series, set decades before the events of the original trilogy. The novel follows Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes the ruthless President of Panem, during his teenage years in the aftermath of the Dark Days and the fall of the previous Capitol regime. Snow is assigned to mentor a tribute from District 12, a young girl named Lucy Gray Baird, in the 10th Hunger Games. As he navigates the brutal and competitive environment of the Games, Snow's ambition, moral struggles, and personal development come to the forefront. The story explores the origins of the oppressive Capitol system, examining how power, manipulation, and survival can shape a person into the tyrant he later becomes. *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* delves into themes of corruption, the nature of violence, and the formation of loyalty and betrayal, offering readers a deeper understanding of the origins of the series' iconic antagonist.
As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
Gregor The Overlander
When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it -- until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance. Reluctantly, Gregor embarks on a dangerous adventure that will change both him and the Underland forever. This unforgettable novel by Suzanne Collins, the international bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, is rich in suspense and brimming with adventure.
Months have passed since Gregor first fell into the strange Underland beneath New York City, and he swears he will never go back. But he is destined to be a key player in another prophecy, this one about an ominous white rat called the Bane. The Underlanders know there is only one way to lure Gregor back to their world: by kidnapping his little sister, Boots.Gregor's quest reunites him with his bat, Ares, and the rebellious princess, Luxa. They descend into the dangerous Waterway in search of the Bane, and Gregor knows what is at stake. If he does not fulfill the prophecy, his life, and the Underland, will never be the same.
With two prophecies fulfilled, Gregor is now focused on the Prophecy of Blood, which calls for Gregor and "the princess," Boots, to return to the Underland to help ward off a plague. His mom agrees to let them go--on the condition that she travels with them.When they arrive in the subterranean city, the plague is spreading--and one of Gregor's family is stricken. Only then does he understand his role in the prophecy. He must summon all his power to end the biological warfare, or the warmblood creatures of the Underland will die.The adventure continues in the third book in Suzanne Collins's New York Times bestselling middle grade series.
Now, in the fourth book in Suzanne Collins's New York Times bestselling series, Gregor is drawn into a crisis. For generations, rats have run the mice--or "nibblers"--out of whatever lands they've claimed, keeping them on the move. But now the mice are disappearing, and the young queen Luxa is determined to find out why.When Gregor joins her on a fact-finding mission, the true fate of the mice is revealed. It is something far more sinister than Gregor or Luxa had imagined--and it points the way to the final prophecy he has yet to fulfill. Will Gregor's role as warrior be put to the test?
Everyone in the Underland has been taking great pains to keep The Prophecy of Time from Gregor. Gregor suspected it says something awful but he never imagined just how awful: It calls for the warrior's death. Now, with an army of rats approaching and his mom and sister still in Regalia, Gregor the warrior must gather up his courage to help defend Regalia and get his family home safely. The entire existence of the Underland is in Gregor's hands, and time is running out. There is a code to be cracked, a mysterious new princess, Gregor's burgeoning dark side, and a war to end all wars. This is the thrilling conclusion to Suzanne Collins's New York Times bestselling middle grade series.
