Slowly dying… desperately trying to survive. Do you think you would have what it takes to survive alone in a forest? Or ever be able to fight until death in a forest based arena? In “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, the main character Katniss, is a 16 year old girl who is sent into an arena full of people trying to kill her. Whereas “The Hatchet” by Gary Paulson, the main Character Brian has to survive alone when his plane crashes in the forest. These are both amazingly, similar, yet different books. Even though the plots are similar, both main characters are trying to win a battle with nature, and both books are aimed toward young adult, action loving audiences. Although, along with every similarity comes a difference. Katniss is in an arena with other people, whereas Brian is alone.

In both books, “The Hunger Games” and “The Hatchet” there are similarities between the two main characters and the books in general. For instance the novels have similar plots. Something distressing or intense happens, they battle, then at the end there is a beneficial outcome for the main character. In “The Hunger Games” Katniss is chosen to enter battle, then almost dies while in combat, falls in love, and in the end reunites with her family. In “The Hatchet” Brian’s plane crashes, he uses what he has to survive, then finally he is found and happily returns to his life.

The author also keeps you guessing and builds suspense in both novels. In each of the books, the main characters are left in the forest where they can trust no one but themselves.

Although “The Hatchet” and “The Hunger  Games” have their similarities they also have their differences. Katniss is in an arena with other people and is fighting. The main conflicts are character vs. character and character vs. nature. On the other hand, Brian is only fighting the elements. The main conflict is character vs. nature. Another difference is that Katniss has way better defense then Brian. She has a bow and arrows, knives, water, rope, and more food. This is unlike Brian, who only has a knive and a small first aid kit to defend himself with. In addition, in the 3 “Hunger Games” books Katniss also has a partner… Peeta Mellark. However, Brian only has himself, his knife, and his home aid spears to rely on.

In the end, every book is unique. Even though there might be similarities between books, there will always be some differences to set them apart.