This March marked the tenth anniversary of the Hunger Games movie franchise, which was based on Suzanne Collins’ novels of the same name. Additionally, it is one of the highest grossing film franchises of all time, accumulating over 2.97 billion dollars worldwide. Hunger Games fans were in for a surprise; as in the spirit of the celebration, Netflix US welcomed the Hunger Games to its streaming service for the first time. Thus, captivating new and old audiences alike. Rewatching the Hunger Games, seemed to take a new tone in this day and age. Especially, when pathos helps blur the line between politics, entertainment, and reality. 

Inspired by the United States’s obsession with reality television and 24 hour coverage of the Iraq wars, Suzanne Collins wrote the Hunger Games as a warning if our obsession with sensationalized violence went too far. Her 2008 novel would later become a Lionsgate feature film in 2012, with the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay following suit. 

The Hunger Games takes place in the ruins of what once was North America, in the fictional country of Panem. There, the countries are divided into twelve districts responsible for supplying resources and raw materials for the extravagant Capitol. Each year, the Capitol reminds why the districts are at the mercy of them with the annual Hunger Games. Through “reaping”, a boy and girl from each district are selected as tribute to fight to the death in an arena. Where, the competition and its sensational lead up will be televised to the nation. 

Horrifying right?! 

The events of The Hunger Games take place during the 74th Annual Hunger Games, where in District 12 Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawerence) volunteers as tribute in place of her younger sister. Allies with District 12’s other tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), she must navigate the decadence as well as the horrors the Hunger Games offers. Little does she know, she may set fire to a rebellion… 

If you’re into dystopian fiction, romance, and drama, then this is the movie and book series for you! And if you are tired of rewatching the movies and rereading the books, the film version of the prequel, The Ballad of the Songbirds and Snakes will be out this November! 

With that being said, Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!

P.S. the film series will leave Netflix March 30th – so watch it soon!