There are times when a book rises to the top not because of story or imagination, but purely based on the authors ability to grip you and keep you hooked.  Hunger Games falls into that category and Collins deserves high praise for producing a page turning epic.  The idea is not wholly original; the theme of struggle in an apocalyptic future having been presented in uncountable variations.  Yet readers will find themselves instantly engaged finding difficulty putting this book down as the pacing of the action throughout the whole book is outstanding.The story revolves around the idea of a distant and vague future where the vast bulk of the population is controlled by a central capital city.  Living in separate districts, the general population lives in squalor while forced to produce and serve the capital city.  To remind the districts who is in control, the capital city forces each district to produce two children for the Hunger Games, where they fight to the death for the entertainment of the Capital.The idea is unquestionably violent as it contains elements that will make most people shudder.  But one cannot help feel that Collins is delivering a message, perhaps aimed directly at those that would deliberately turn a blind eye toward the topic.  When you consider life in a first world nation where our biggest concerns often revolve around cars, clothes, and the newest smart phones and tech gadgets, while third world nations filled with people that live in squalor are invaded for oil or work for ridiculously low wages to export cheap products to the rest of us, you really have to wonder.  We have athletes that come from nations where potable water is often a luxury and we marvel at their athletic prowess and turn them into millionaires if they succeed, but send them packing back to their nations of poverty without a second thought if they fail.  What is Collins really saying here?  The Capital City may or may not represent anything, but you will look at your values a bit differently after finishing Hunger Games.  There is a lot to be said for packing in a message this powerful in a book about children.The result is a very sad and violent epic, wrought with conflict and wrapped around a complex love story.  While the story is good, the writing is unquestionably exquisite.  Collins has the ability to pull you in with nearly every page, resulting in a book that is not just hard to put down, but one you will race to get back to until you finish. 

Question: What is the sentiment of the story?
Answer: the story is good