CATCHING FIRE

Catching Fire * Suzanne Collins
2009 * p. 391 * YA Science Fiction

Book Two begins much the same as the first. Katniss is hunting beyond the fence. Even though she's wealthy now for co-winning the Games, she still hunts for Gale's family now that he has to work in the mines.

Things are strained. Peeta is still hurt over the fact that Katniss pretended to be in love with him. Gale is distant after watching Katniss carry on with Peeta during the Games. Haymitch is as drunk as ever. And there are still rumors that Katniss purposefully was trying to start a rebellion against the Capitol when she pretended to eat those poisonous berries. All this weighs on her mind as she prepares herself for the Victory Tour.

She is less than thrilled to tour the other districts. Before she leaves, President Snow of the Capitol makes a surprise visit. He warns her that if she does not do her best to squelch these rebellion rumors all those she holds dear will be killed.

Yikes. But Katniss is the unspoken leader for the rebellion, even though she may not want to be. As she tours, she notices a few districts have started their own silent and civil demonstartions against the capitol. A mere whistle becomes cause for death. Katniss sees firsthand what she has started and must decide if she will help and put all the people she loves in danger, or abdicate her role and exterminate the hope that has been fueled by her defiant act in the arena.

But a new terror ensues. This year is a Quarter Quell. Meaning a specialized Hunger Games will be televised to "celebrate" the 75th anniversary of the Capitol's rule. A Quell has different rules than the regular games. When they are announced, everyone is horrified. No one, it seems, is safe from the Capitol's cruelty. Especially when the Capitol wants you out of the way.

Dum-dum-dum! Love it! Love it! Love it!

I was sooo excited to read the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy and I was definitely rewarded for my enthusiasm. :) It was amazing. The first book will always hold a special place in my heart, but the second comes pretty close. It was more psycholgical and emotional than the first, though there was still plenty of action.

The love stories are awesome as always. I'm a big Peeta fan.

I just can't get over how good of a writer Collins is. The book was engrossing and the writing excellent. I really hope these books are made into films (good ones, that is.)

I love the complexity of Katniss' situation. There are so many components! She's constantly in a psychological battle. Fight or flight? But when she has to fight, boy oh boy does she! Love it.

-Reading level: ages 15 & up
-Violence. A couple of swear words. Nothing too graphic.
-Themes of fight or flight, courage, rebellion, sacrifice, leadership.
-A WONDERFUL book!