Soon after its release in 2008, by became an international bestseller and marked the beginning of one of the 21st century's most successful franchises. The first book in a trilogy, this dystopian novel is set in the oppressive nation of Panem, in what was once North America. The wealthy Capitol now rules over 12 districts, having destroyed District 13 after a failed uprising. To keep the remaining districts in line, the Capitol enforces participation in the annual Hunger Games, with 24 teenagers–one male and one female from each district–selected to compete. Called tributes, these young men and women must fight each other–to the death. Katniss Everdeen enters the brutal world of the Hunger Games at age 16 when her little sister Prim gets chosen as District 12's female tribute and she volunteers to go instead. The novel's fast-paced, compelling storyline continued in the sequels, Catching Fire (2009) and Mockingjay (2010), and inspired four enormously popular Hunger Games movies, all starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. In 2020, Collins published a prequel to the series, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which was adapted into a 2023 film.
Below are 30+ quotes from The Hunger Games. Exploring central themes like love, hope, power, and survival, these quotes capture some of the moments that make this book, the first in the series, so powerful.
The best quotes from The Hunger Games on love and affection
"And then he gives me a smile that just seems so genuinely sweet with just the right touch of shyness that unexpected warmth rushes through me."
"And while I was talking, the idea of actually losing Peeta hit me again and I realized how much I don't want him to die. And it's not about the sponsors. And it's not about what will happen when we get home. And it's not just that I don't want to be alone. It's him. I do not want to lose the boy with the bread."
"He's dozed off again, but I kiss him awake, which seems to startle him. Then he smiles as if he'd be happy to lie there gazing at me forever."
"I take his hand, holding on tightly, preparing for the cameras, and dreading the moment when I will finally have to let go."
"This is the first kiss that we're both fully aware of ... This is the first kiss where I actually feel stirring inside my chest. Warm and curious. This is the first kiss that makes me want another."
"But because two can play at this game, I stand on tiptoe and kiss his cheek. Right on his bruise."
"But just the fact that he was sparkling leads me to doubt everything that happened."
