"The Hunger Games" is a dystopian novel written by Suzanne Collins, set in a post-apocalyptic nation known as Panem. The story follows sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in District 12, one of the twelve districts ruled by the oppressive Capitol. Every year, the Capitol hosts the Hunger Games, a televised event in which one boy and one girl from each district are chosen to compete in a fight to the death.
The novel begins with the reaping, the event where the tributes are chosen. Primrose Everdeen, Katniss' younger sister, is selected, but Katniss volunteers to take her place. The male tribute chosen is Peeta Mellark, the baker's son, who has a history with Katniss. They are taken to the Capitol, where they undergo training and are showcased to the wealthy citizens of the Capitol.
As the Games begin, Katniss and Peeta must navigate a dangerous arena filled with lethal traps and face off against other tributes, some of whom have trained for this their entire lives. Katniss uses her skills as a skilled archer and her resourcefulness to survive, while Peeta uses his charm and charisma to gain sponsors. They form a reluctant alliance, but Katniss is torn between her growing feelings for Peeta and her loyalty to her friend Gale back in District 12.
Throughout the Games, Katniss becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed people of Panem. Her defiance against the Capitol sparks a rebellion in the districts, as they see her as a symbol of resistance. Katniss and Peeta manage to outlast the other tributes and are the last two remaining. However, the Capitol announces a rule change, allowing two tributes from the same district to be declared victors if they are in love. This leads to a conflict between Katniss and Peeta, as she believes their love is just a ploy for the cameras.
In a desperate act, Katniss threatens to consume poisonous berries, forcing the Capitol to declare them both winners. However, the Capitol sees this as an act of rebellion and punishes Katniss for her defiance. The novel ends with Katniss and Peeta returning to District 12, but their lives are forever changed as the seeds of revolution have been sown.
"The Hunger Games" explores themes of survival, sacrifice, love, and the consequences of a totalitarian government. It sets the stage for the subsequent novels in the trilogy, "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay," as the rebellion against the Capitol intensifies, and Katniss becomes the face of the revolution.