It's somewhat disquieting that the same parents and educators who are horrified by the notion of child soldiers have bestowed upon 'The Hunger Games' a double mantle of critical praise and global bestsellerdom.

If you were closer, I'd slap you," she said. "Let me help," I replied, and stepped closer. She promptly slapped me, which surprised me only a little. We glared at each other in the near dark, and then she looked away. "I'm sorry I slapped you," she said. "That's all right. I quite enjoyed it.

You can't eat [literature], that's the problem," he said. "I've tried, it's very dry, and not at all nutritious.

If my heart were a compass, you'd be North.

The world of 'The Hunger Games' is a paranoid survivalist's dream.

I know you pretty well." "Better than anyone I think." I smiled. Her compliment was like a gift itself, only more precious than anything that could be bought.

But chance runs like a river through all our lives, and being prepared for surprise is the best we can do.