Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is the first book of a now-famous trilogy drawing all sorts of attention from young adult readers.
The plot: In a near-future, the United States has been brought to collapse by war and famine. In its place, a country called Panem has united what is left into twelve districts--plus an all-powerful "Capitol." To keep the districts under control, the ruling faction televises yearly Hunger Games where two representatives from each district are thrown into brutal competition. The rest of the oppressed population is expected to watch on televised programming. When the other 23 contestants are dead, the winner returns to the home district bringing wealth and honor.
When her young sister is chosen as a contestant, Katniss volunteers in her place. Thus begins a violent story--full of twists, turns, and fascinating characters.