Fiction

and characters that are easy to hate, as well.

Katniss is a strong, independent female, which is refreshing, to say the least. She is fiercely loyal and caring. I empathized with her. I was also relieved to see a series for young people put this kind of female protagonist forward. I am sick of seeing my girls enchanted with the self-destructive, needy, dependent Bella.

Peeta is kind, and humble, and loyal, as well, with an over-looked intelligence because he seems so simple.

Cinna is a hero, in a quiet, behind the scenes way.

Haymitch...I loved his character, with all of his dysfunctions.

Some of the other people from the capital working on Katniss' team started out displaying all of the despicable characteristics you'd expect from a shallow, corrupt, self-involved elite society, but revealed better human qualities as time went on.