Catching Fire

Collins, S. (2009). Catching fire . New York: Scholastic Press.

 

Catching Fire is a New York Times Bestseller.  It is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy.

 

Summary:

After Katniss and Peeta survive the hunger games and return home, Katniss learns that she has become the symbol of a revolution.  By defying the Capitol in the arena, Katniss has unknowingly become its enemy.  President Snow visits Katniss and demands that she do everything possible on her victory tour to squash the rebellion.  No matter how much Katniss tries, she only seems to fuel the rebellious feelings of the other districts.  To her horror, Katniss learns that the tributes for the next hunger games will be chosen from past victors.  This means that she and Peeta will have to enter the arena again. She soon learns that everything isn't as it seems, and whether she likes it or not, she is becoming a major part of the rebellion against the Capitol.

 

Personal Reaction:

Just like the first book of this series, Catching Fire delivers a fast paced, action packed read.  I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the characters, and the complications that arise because of Katniss and Peeta's victory in the hunger games.  I also enjoyed the complication caused by the conflicting feelings Katniss has for both Gale and Peeta.  The character development of the tributes from the other districts was also interesting to see.  These tributes had all been a part of the hunger games and had survived.  They knew what they would be facing in the arena and they showed a great deal of courage.  Furthermore, it was interesting to see how their previous time in the arena had affected them in their lives.  It is obvious that being the winner of the hunger games is not a distinction that one would want to have.  I did not like the way the book ended, since it leaves the reader hanging and wanting to know what happened next.  Overall, the book is exciting and would appeal to most young readers.