I originally read The Hunger Games shortly after it was released when I was in my mid-twenties. I enjoyed it very much, and as usual when I really love a book- I kind of avoided the movies. I have seen bits and pieces of them, but not enough to feel like my memory is just the movies and not the book (I hope that makes sense.)

So when I dove back into book 1 for a buddy read, I was surprised by how much I remembered. That is, until the games began. Then I realized I didn't remember so much detail as much as the general gist and I loved being back in that tension that Collins so expertly crafted. 

There are things about Katniss that are annoying in this book, sure. She is negative, but wouldn't you be if you lived in District 12 of this corrupt and greedy government? As a frequent reader of YA, I must say this is top tier for the genre and really stands the test of time. I can't wait to reread books 2 and 3, and then maybe I'll finally get around to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.