CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 391 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (September 1, 2009)
Catching Fire begins with Katniss Everdeen after her victory in the Hunger Games. Katniss and the boy tribute from her district, Peeta Mellark, who stayed alive, too, through her rebellious performance in the Games and defying the Gamemakers, have angered the governmental leaders in the Capitol. So instead of enjoying life as a rich celebrity in the Victor’s Village of District 12, Katniss and Peeta are tricked by the Capitol government back into the arena for the Quarter Quell Hunger Games. The Capitol government views Katniss and Peeta as a threat, and this a desperate move on the part of the government to stave off a revolutionary tide from the districts, which are stirring with growing unrest and hatred toward the oppressive government, and who regard Katniss as their leader and symbol of rebellion. Katniss decides to assume her role as rebel leader and face whatever the corrupt President Snow will throw at her to squash the start of the uprising.
Catching Fire digs deeper into the world of Panem, and we get a closer look at its power structure, the beliefs and morals of its citizens and political and societal structures. We also learn more about the other districts, and whispers that District 13 is actually alive and well. The book also delves into broader themes such as survival, oppression, morality, rebellion and sacrifice. Collins also creates a love triangle between Katniss, her old friend, Gale, and Peeta, which will leave readers begging to know who Katniss ends up… if she lives through Catching Fire and the final installment.
The characters that we met in the Hunger Games all show wonderful development in Catching Fire. Katniss, especially after having survived the Hunger Games, is stronger, older and more sophisticated in this book, displaying much more insightful observations of people, including President Snow, and in her realization that she might stand for something greater than herself.
Collins writes in a way that is fast-paced and with any and all messages hidden beneath the surface, making this a wonderful read for both teenagers and adults. And just as in the first book, Catching Fire does not shy away from describing how bloody and ruthless the Games, and the world, are; just before Katniss enters the arena for a second time, she witnesses someone she loves, a Capitol citizen, being beaten and dragged away, making us realize that anything can happen in Panem, and that no one is safe. After reading the second novel in the Hunger Games trilogy, you will be counting down the days until the final book is released. Collins has penned a sequel that does not disappoint, but rather improves upon the first installment and delivers a novel that is satisfying while bringing up new questions about the fate of the characters that we have come to love and hope will be answered in the final book in this trilogy.
You can purchase Catching Fire at Amazon.com
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