Hunger Games - Chapter 1

Part I – “The Tributes”

Chapter 1 (p. 3-20)
In chapter one, we are introduced to the main character, Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen year old girl living in District 12 of the nation of Panem, in a poor area known as the “Seam.” Hunger and poverty are widespread for many of the residents, and since the death of her father, Katniss supports her younger sister and mother by hunting and gathering on restricted lands with an older boy named Gale. They split what they acquire between them, selling some things on the Black Market.

The opening chapter takes place on a holiday, with the tradition greeting being “Happy Hunger Games!” We learn that being selected to compete in the Hunger Games is not something to be desired. It is meant to reinforce poverty, strengthen the Capitol’s control over the Districts and to be a lasting reminder of the futility of revolting against the Capitol.

At the conclusion of the chapter, despite the odds against her being selected, Katniss’ sister Primrose is selected to be District 12’s female competitor in the Hunger Games.

1. Describe the narrator. What is her family situation?



2. Describe District 12 and the “Seam.”



3. What happened to father?



4. Why don’t most people have weapons like Katniss’ bow?



5. Who is Gale?



6. What is the Hob?



7. How is the reaping system unfair? How does it work? What is a tesserae?



8. What are the Hunger Games?

Reality Television

1. What are the basic rules of the show "Survivor?"


2. How does one win the game?


3. What obstacles are their for the contestants? Is their an injury risk?


4. Why is background information given on each contestant?


5. Why is each contestant given the opprotunity to speak on camera individually?


6. How could the producers change the game during the show (realisticaly) to effect the outcome? Why might they do this?


7. Is this show and others like it in fact "reality?" Why/Why not?


8. Could particpation on this show have a lasting impact on the contestants?

Most Dangerous Game Movie (1932)

1. What are three ways the movie is similar to the story?
2. What are three ways the movie is different than the story?
   
   

The Most Dangerous Game

In preperation for our next novel, "Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, we will be reading the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. The story is set on a remote island in the 1930s owned by a hunter named Zaroff. On to the island comes Rainsford, a world famous hunter who came ashorte after falling overboard off his ship. What ensures raises questions about the value of human life.

1. What is the purpose of the shipboard conversation between Rainsford and Whitney?


2. How does the author attempt to get the reader to root for Rainsford against General Zaroff? How does this increase the suspense in the story?


3. If you were to write an up to date version of this story, how would you change it? What would you change in terms of setting, characters and plot?


4. Why does Zarroff suggest Rainsford wear moccasins?


5. What caused Rainsford to believe Zaroff knew he was hiding in the tree? Do you think he was right? Give reasons.


6. How does Zaroff stock his island with “game?"


7. Do you believe that Rainsford’s views on hunting will change as a result of his experience on the island? Support your answer with at least two reasons.


8. What are your reactions to the story? In particular, what do you feel this story says about the value of human life?

Life As We Knew It - Final Project

For our final project for Life As We Knew It, please choose one of the following ideas:

1. Write another chapter to Life As We Knew It from Miranda's point of view, following the same journal writing format. OR Choose to write from Mom, Matt or Jonny's point of view.
2. Write an epilogue to Life As We Knew It, from Dad's point of view, in the chapters since he left the family.
3. Miranda gave Matt some colored pencils and paper to begin drawing again. Draw some pictures Matt might have drawn to illustrate events the family may have experienced.
4. Write a FULL (physical, emotional, relational) description of three of the characters in the book. Draw a portrait to accompany each description
5. Prepare a front page of a newspaper or cover of a magazine describing weather related current events that may have occurred in the story.
6. Prepare a radio or television news broadcast that may have been transmitted during this story.
7. Retell part of the story from another character's point of view.
8. Rewrite the story for younger children in picture book form.
9. Write a movie proposal: What actors/actresses would have rolls as what characters? Create a flow map plot sequence. What changes would you make changing the story from book to movie form? Why? What songs might be in the sound track? Design a movie poster.
10. Choose another idea: http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/langarts/reading/bookrepts1.html

This project is due by Friday.

Life As We Knew It - Chapter 21

Life As We Knew It reaches its conclusion in Chapter 21.

1. Describe Miranda's decision to go to the post office. What is her expectations of this trip for her and her family?
   
   
2. Does Miranda seem at peace with the idea of dying? Why?
   



3. What did Miranda initially see upon arriving in town?
   



4. What was on the yellow sheet of paper posted at the post office?
   



5. What does Miranda realize in terms of why she has been keeping a journal? (p. 337).
   



6. How does the future look for Miranda and her family on her 17th birthday? Why?

Life As We Knew It - Chapter 20

Life goes on in Miranda's household. Matt makes limited progress, but Jonny is feeling better. The food situation grows dire.

1. While infrequent, the return of what utility gives the family hope?
   


2. Why is Mom ok with wasting the batteries on using the radio each night?
   


3. What news is reported on the radio? Though the news is bad, what does Miranda feel about it? (p. 321).
   


4. What is the state of the family's pantry? (p. 325).
   


5. Describe the health of Miranda and the family at the end of Chapter 20.