HUNGER DEFINITION: having a desire or vital need for food PHYSICAL SIGNALS: Trembling hands Licking or chewing at one’s lips Staring at food Breathing in deeply to catch the scent of food Openly watching others eat Moaning or groaning at the sight of food Swallowing often Begging for food Limbs that quiver Moving closer to the food source Lips that are slightly parted Talking about food constantly Fingers twitching involuntarily toward food sources Touching or rubbing the stomach Arms cradling the stomach Overeating when food becomes available Cramming food into one’s mouth with no thought for propriety or table manners Chewing on a stick or grass stalk to mimic eating INTERNAL SENSATIONS: An empty, gnawing feeling in the belly The stomach twisting in knots Dry mouth A gurgling in the belly Nausea An over-sensitive sense of smell Quick salivation at the sight or scent of food Lightheadedness Headaches or migraines Stomach pain A hollow ache in one’s mid-section MENTAL RESPONSES: Obsessive thoughts of food Lack of focus Lethargy The feeling that even little actions are too hard An inability to concentrate Impulsiveness and impulse buying regarding food Desperation CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM HUNGER: Distended midsection Weight loss or emaciation A willingness to commit violence for food Clothes hanging on one’s frame Bony shoulders, fingers, or legs Hollowed-out eyes Prominent facial bones, like a skull Sallow skin Thinning hair Crying Teeth loosening in the gums Health problems from a lack of essential nutrients Shiny, glittery eyes Oversleeping Exhaustion Weak movements Body tremors Loss of consciousness Sagging skin An unhealthy complexion (greasy skin, discoloration, acne) Protruding cheekbones Unfocused thoughts A whispery voice A willingness to eat anything, even food that is rotten or unsafe An uneven or racing heartbeat Death CUES OF SUPPRESSED HUNGER: Drinking lots of water in an attempt to fill the void A gaze that drifts back to where food is kept or displayed A clear refusal to look at food Chronic gum chewing, smoking, or other oral fixations Trying to stay busy or occupied to avoid obsessing about the lack of food WRITER’S TIP:As hunger intensifies, both common sense and determination erode. Characters will do things they normally wouldn’t do if it means alleviating their hunger.