{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Calibri;}} {\*\generator Msftedit 5.41.21.2510;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\lang9\f0\fs22 Mark Dunn\par Dr. Sherry\par YA LIT\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\qc\fs32 The Hunger Games\par \pard\sl480\slmult1\tab\fs24 "The Hunger games" is a fascinating story that has become one of the most popular young adult series released in recent years. The setting of this story is based in the future where "Hunger Games" are held every year to remind the people of the twelve kingdoms of a failed rebellion. A young male and female are selected from each kindom to participate in a tournament to the death. "The Hunger Games" in part is such a major success because of the ability to create a relatable and engaging character that is able to battle against all odds and survive.\par \tab The character in focus here is Katniss Everdeen. At very first glance, the audience finds out that Katniss is an exceptionally strong character that is acting well beyond her years. When her younger sister of twelve is found to be the participant of the next hunger games, Katniss is shown to immediately take her sisters place and volunteer for the games. This is just one example of the brilliance and courage of this young individual because "the word tribute is pretty much synonymous with the word corpse,volunteers are all but extinct"(22). Knowing that she faces imminent death but is willing to volunteer is an admirable trait that the audience cannot help but respect and awe at.\par \tab Authors use many different tactics to engage their audience and produce an authentic and compelling story. Thinking about the power of the character Katniss and the audience's magnetism towards her seems to reveal an insight into human nature. Humans cannot help but feel a connection towards those individuals that are able to succeed and survive. Everyone faces different levels of challenges in their lives but the ability to survive hardship and certain death is a truly noble characteristic and one that is central to this story.\par \pard\sa200\sl480\slmult1\tab\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\tab\fs22\par }