The Hunger Games is a 2008 novel by Suzanne Collins, centered around a 16-year-old girl named Katniss Everdeen who volunteers to take her sister's place in a brutal yearly event where tributes must fight to the death in an arena. The story explores themes of survival, love, and government oppression as Katniss navigates her relationships and the dangers of the Hunger Games. The book has gained widespread acclaim and recognition, becoming a bestseller and leading to a successful film adaptation.