The Hunger Games phenomenon: why it was more than just a YA bestseller

With the highly anticipated release of Sunrise on the Reaping, I recently posted a TikTok video about how The Hunger Games is a dystopian book series. I know that feels obvious, but as explained, it's because there's a whole new generation of readers who didn't grow up in the YA dystopian frenzy of the 2010s and so while they may have read Suzanne Collins' epic series, they might not know about the dystopian genre.

ANYWAY, someone commented on that video with a thought that inspired this article. They said 'these books shaped my political identity without me even realising it.'

FASCINATING, right?

This made me consider how The Hunger Games really was a cultural event for a generation.

The Hunger Games as a cultural event

For those not familiar, The Hunger Games is a YA dystopian trilogy set in the world of Panem, which is supposedly a post-apocalyptic version of North America. Panem is split into twelve districts, all of which supply resources to the Capitol - effectively where the rich and famous live. The original series follows Katniss Everdeen, a girl from the poor sticks of District 12, who, in short, without telling you every detail, ends up in 'the hunger games' - a televised contest between twenty-four district children who have to fight to the death.

Its popularity is still prolific, especially with the releases of its prequels, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and now, Sunrise on the Reaping.

So when Scholastic first published the book in 2008, why would it be considered a cultural moment?

Well, it was released during the height of dystopian fiction, as well as a time of deep economic insecurity. It is thought that Suzanne Collins birthed the idea when flicking through TV channels, seeing a reality TV show right before a report on the war in Iraq. In the wake of series such as Harry Potter and Twilight, the world was ready for a new franchise, but this one took on a deeply political stance - in true dystopian style!

It was probably the first of its kind to be addressing political, economic and social injustices in a YA format.

Wouldn't you say that our younger generations are more politically aware and speak louder about injustice than generations before us? Maybe. I'm not saying The Hunger Games was the spark, but it certainly encouraged a plethora of new YA literature that kept the romance and plots we all loved, but also brought to life some concerning realities about our world.

A different kind of protagonist - Katniss Everdeen

And then there's Katniss. She isn't quite your typical 'chosen one.' Yes, there is still an aspect of a teenager saving the world but not for most of the series. In Catching Fire, in particular, you see Katniss' status as a victim, having to cater and bow to the ruthless power of the Capitol. It is only when the masses start to react that she has any true power herself. And perhaps, that's encouraged a resurgence of younger generations to engage with politics and social issues on a mass scale.

But hang on, The Hunger Games came out almost twenty years ago. Is it still relevant?!

How The Hunger Games remains relevant

I don't think it's ever been more relevant. Wars and political unrest aside, the way these stories highlight the complications around media, celebrity culture and the ethics of reality TV is a deeply appropriate conversation when we're all consuming non-stop through the dreaded social media scroll. All this consumption only gives raise to the monopoly on celebrity's lives and now, perhaps through their own making, social media influencers.

One teaser line that they realised from Sunrise on the Reaping is: 'they will not use my tears for their entertainment.' Are we doing that when we consume the latest drama? Interesting thought.

I'm so intrigued to see what social and moral issues will be tackled in this next instalment. Despite it being a prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes had themes that were deeply relevant for our cultural moment. Especially around our moral compasses in a fast-paced AI-driven world where we have the choice between our own ambition or success over the right ethical path. (Don't think that's me saying AI is evil but it's not ethically straightforward either).

I know, it's deep stuff, and important for us to digest. I can't wait to see what Suzanne has for us next as I'm stuck in another book right now (more on that soon!)

Sunrise on the Reaping is out now - I'll let you know my thoughts once I've subjected myself to the emotional trauma.