Instead of having a holiday to show their gratitude for the country’s founders by eating food around a table dressed with a cornucopia, citizens of Suzanne Collins’ fictional dystopia, Panem, sprint to their imminent death to an arsenal known as the Cornucopia. On a holiday similar to Thanksgiving, in the series “The Hunger Games,” the nation of Panem shows their respects to their founding fathers by holding an annual battle to the death.

The original book trilogy is a thrilling and heart-wrenching series. It was first published on Sept. 14, 2008 and has gained popularity because of its heavy topics of power and corruption.

In 2012, the first book was adapted into a movie. Since then, three more movies have been released, and currently, a fifth movie is in the making.

The upcoming movie is called “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” It is a prequel to “The Hunger Games” that follows the antagonist, President Snow, in his teenage years. It is said to release in theaters on Nov. 17, 2023.

The original four films have been released on Netflix for the month of March. This has led many people to start watching or rewatching the franchise. As a result, the franchise joined the top 10 most watched and most liked list on Netflix

Now, what makes this franchise so interesting? One reason why people enjoy this series is because of its originality. The movies emphasize how people are manipulated in Panem in order for things to stay the way they are. When Katniss Everdeen joins the fray, she makes people realize that the games are wrong and brings change to an outdated and corrupt system.

Another reason why “The Hunger Games” is so popular is because of Katniss’ relationship with Peeta. They are both tributes from District 12. Their relationship starts off as a mutual partnership that is needed for both of their survival. Later on in the series, it develops into much more.

The first movie follows the protagonist Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, as she sacrifices herself and takes her sister’s place in the Hunger Games. Her bravery and love for her sister, Prim, makes the audience root for her; Katniss is a good person despite the odds being against her. She works with Peeta, who is played by Josh Hutcherson, and they both manage to come out of the arena alive.

However, winning the Hunger Games doesn’t mean the fight is over. In the second movie, Katniss and Peeta have to put up a facade. Katniss puts on a deceptive act, making people question why she isn’t speaking her mind. When Katniss, Peeta, and other former victors have to participate in the Hunger Games again, Katniss has enough and rebels during the 75th Hunger Games.

In the third and fourth movies, “Mockingjay Part 1” and “Mockingjay Part 2,” Katniss joins the rebels fighting against the Capitol. She uncovers secrets and realizes the person she is fighting under is also corrupt. At the end of the trilogy, Katniss manages to help put an end to the former tyrannical system and lives a quiet life with Peeta.

The movies allow the audience to see the progression of the corrupt society of Panem falling apart. The first movie makes people root for Katniss and Peeta, just like the civilians from the districts. Some viewers don’t start to question society until the following movie. After that, people root for the rebellion without really seeing the darker side of it. The final movie shows that not everything is in black and white; it opens eyes to see that a middle ground has to be found.

“The Hunger Games” series isn’t overrated. Rather, it is a high quality trilogy that has gained the attention it deserves. If you haven’t seen or watched the first movie/book, pick it up or watch it, then see if you are hungry for more.