Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games.

Set in the near future, the twelve districts surrounding the powerful capital, Panem, must pay for a failed rebellion by sacrificing two of their teens every year to compete in a violent gauntlet where they must fight to the death: the Hunger Games. In District Twelve, the poorest of the districts, Katniss, a skilled hunter and provider for her struggling family, chooses to take the place of her younger sister who was chosen to represent their district in the games as Tribute. She, along with her male counterpart, Peeta, experience the shock of leaving their hunger-stricken home for the luxury of Panem, the stress of wondering whether or not they can match the skills of the other twenty two competitors and finally, facing off with them in the arena.

After Katniss and Peeta enter the game, the action is non-stop and they must face the terrifying reality of being hunted by other competitors, many of them bloodthirsty. Almost driven to death by thirst, fire balls, and poisonous tracker jackers, Katniss must also be strategic, playing the audience's desire to see her and Peeta develop a romantic relationship...perhaps not a top priority considering the circumstances. Readers will be on the edge of their seats rooting for Katniss and Peeta and be fascinated by the broader message of survival and rebellion.