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The Hunger Games trilogy is worth the read By Megan Lesiuta Grade 7, St. Bernadette C. S. s a literary trilogy, The Hunger Games is written by 45-year-old author Suzanne Collins. The trilogy began with the stand-alone novel The Hunger Games, which was so well received that Collins wrote two more books that continue the story perfectly -- Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Scholastic first published The Hunger Games on Sept. 14, 2008. Written for readers ages 14 and older, it has become very popular. A movie based on the first book has just been released with the film's script co-written and co-produced by Collins herself. It premiered worldwide Friday, March 23 and stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale. Let's all take our minds on a trip to the setting of The Hunger Games, hundreds of years into the future of North America. The continent we have come to call home is now known as Panem and has been separated into 13 poor districts all owned by the powerful and wealthy Capitol. Seventy-four years earlier, the Capitol killed off the 13th district to remind everyone of their power, leaving only 12 to fight in the 11 · Friday, March 30, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com A The District 12 tributes for the games includes 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, after she volunteers to take her 12-year-old sister's spot in the games. Katniss must leave behind her love for archery (which comes in handy), her mother, her best friend Gale, and little sister Primrose. Katniss' fellow District 12 tribute is Peeta Mellark, also 16. He must leave behind his job at the bakery, parents, and friends. Little do they know that they will soon be advertised as star-crossed lovers all throughout Panem -- as everyone is forced to watch games that they started holding annually. From each district one boy and one girl enter the arena -- for a total of 24 teenagers -- and the only way out is to be the last one alive. Those aged 12-18 are forced to have their name placed in the draw or be killed on the spot. You can trade oil and other items with the Capitol for your name to go in extra times, but you better be confident you can win the tough games. If you win, you get fame and fortune, plus you will never have to play in the dangerous games again; if you lose, you're dead. Other than the Arena, the story takes place in District 12, the home of coal mining. the games. I recommend reading this science fiction, young adult literature series. If the movie is as good as the books, good luck getting your eyes off the screen. Now, there's only one thing left to say and that is: "Ladies and Gentlemen, let the games begin! -- And may the odds be ever in your favour." If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out - School News column featured in the Beaver, e-mail Tom Dykes at dykes@cogeco. ca. EASTER FUN HASARRIVED AT HOPEDALE MALL! Renovate · Decorate · Celebrate KIDS EASTER Easter bunny Hours: Monday, April 2nd Tuesday, April 3rd from 1pm-4pm Time is Precious, Mistakes are Costly and Decorating is complicated. Wednesday, April 4 & Thursday, April 5th from 4pm-7pm Photos with Easter Bunny are available week of April 2 to April 5. COLOURING CONTEST G t ti ates C rt A l e For Kids ages 3-4, 5-6 & 7-9 Prizes will be awarded in each age category. The winners will receive beautiful Easter baskets or plush easter bunnies. The Easter Colouring Contest posters will be available at Center Court and can be submitted at Center Court as well. Deadline for entering is Wednesday, April 4th @ 1pm (No posters accepted after 1pm) Winners will be notified by phone Thursday, April 5th by 1pm. Inq q Inquire about your Personal P ersonal l Design Consultation At Fitz by Design we are committed to creating breathtaking, are unique as the individuals living in them. functional onal spaces that a