So yes, you first hear hunger games and immediately think of food, or rather lack thereof, but actually the series is more robust than a story of starvation. I like to compare it to the old Roman times of the Colosseum. It's intense. I can't go any further because I do not want to give anything away, but let me tell you, there is a reason everyone is reading the books and an even greater argument attributing to the story since Hollywood has picked up on the buzz. And this is definitely one of those times where I actually would recommend reading the book before going to see the movie. It doesn't ruin a thing, but is rather the perfect complement to knowing the big picture on the big screen.
I do have to take a moment to pause for the movie. While there are a lot of parts of the book that were omitted, as is always the case with books turned to movie, and even some of the characters suddenly no longer even exist, the screening had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I don't know if it was just me and my obsession and love for it all, but I would look over to my husband ever thirty minutes or so with this huge smiling glowing from cheek to cheek, and mouth the words, "I love it."
It's an easy read, considering the initial audience to whom the book was intended, so I promise it will be quick. There's definitely a science fiction twist on it all, but when you really take a step back and think of world history and the unfortold future to come, the underlying basis really could be applied to reality (yes, it's maybe stretching, but yoga your mind a little). Enjoy!