The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

So this weekend I had the chance to read the first two books by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games and Catching Fire.  (Yes, finally, I know!) Upon finishing them I really must say that I can see why they are such a sensation. 

From Goodreads: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

From Goodreads: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

The books were high voltage from start to finish, making me feel a whole range of emotions from laughter to tears.  I've notice that people that read this series always seem to pick a team, Team Katniss, Team Peeta, etc.  I've decided to be Team Cinna.  Cinna is Katniss's stylist, who also seems to be the ONLY person in the Capitol with some inteligence.  He is brilliant and stands by Katniss through everything.  (And for those who have read the book, I LOST IT when that happened before the Quell!)  I can honestly say that I enjoyed Catching Fire the best and I am definitely going to read Mockingjay when it comes out this week.  Suzanne Collins is sure to make your heart race and the tears fall in the third installment of this series.