Is The Hunger Games good?

[Coolerranch]

I was thinkin': "Is the value of Life truly appreciated in the Hunger Games books?" After all, this is a book & movie series about a nation that thought it necessary to literally have children fight to the death on national government sponsored TV. It may try to hint at God supporting certain characters like Katniss or Peeta (even Snow) and how that has affected their choices in life and the people around them. But I wonder if the idea that God values all human life is properly represented here if at all. You see (despite reading/watching the whole series), I don't know if Collins actually articulates clearly how all the characters in the series have value according to God. In essence, how we the readers or viewers can genuinely empathize with the actions that all the characters make or participate in by knowing how God loves these people and how they reject or accept His Love. If you know the series, what are your thoughts on this?

 

[PloverWing]

The books (and movies) are not explicitly religious, but they do explore the question of power and control, and I think that's an important ethical area for Christians to think about.

As to the value of life, I'd say the books speak especially of the value of lives in poorer districts -- folks like farm workers and Appalachian coal miners. That's a point worth making. The books also speak uncomfortably of a population that's willing to go along with the hunger games -- why? Because the viewers are entertained? Because the stability of Panem's authoritarian government makes their lives more comfortable? Because they're too afraid to say anything? All interesting, and very human, motivations to explore.