The Hunger Pains, a scene-by-scene parody of Suzanne Collins’ widely popular dystopian society trilogy The Hunger Games, will make you laugh until your stomach hurts.

This is subtly ironic and perhaps the intention of the masterminds at the Harvard Lampoon, where the likes of Conan O’Brien and writers for shows such as SNL, Late Show with David Letterman and The Simpsons finely honed their comedic craft. This parody follows Kantkiss Neverclean from District 12 as she competes in the Hunger Games, a reality show death-match competition put on by the Capitol of Peaceland.

The unfortunate teenager battles with the doughy Pita Malarkey of her district against the other 11 districts, which include the varsity jocks of District 1 and the scantily clad females of District 8, the red light district. I suggest reading this in private, as the cover resembles that of the real book so closely that your maniacal laughter is sure to bring looks of disapproval. Who could laugh at the plight of a poor girl fighting for her life?

Haven’t read the original? No worries. It follows so closely to The Hunger Games that reading the parody is a great way to bone up on the story before seeing the movie, which is set for release March 23.

Even if you don’t know the name of the original story’s main character is Katniss Everdeen, how could you not chuckle at the parody’s setup: “Nice one, Catpiss,” he says. That’s not my real name. My name is actually Kantkiss. Kantkiss Neverclean. Carol calls me Catpiss because the first time we met, I whispered my name so softly that he misheard me. And I had just slipped in a puddle of cat urine.”

MICHAEL NEWCOMER, Tarpon Springs High