Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Year: 2009

# Pages: 391

Category: Fantasy choice

Genre: Fantasy: Sci-fi/dystopia

My Summary & Critique:

Catching Fire, the second installment in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, picks up right where The Hunger Games leaves off. Katniss and Peeta have survived the games, through an act that could be interpreted as an act of defiance or an act of love. Their lives now are different because they live in the Victor’s Village of District 12 and no longer have to scrounge for basic necessities such as food. They must participate in a Victory Tour, visiting the districts of the other Hunger Games contestants, in anticipation and preparation for the next installment of the games. To protect their families, Katniss and Peeta must convince everyone of their devotion to each other, because their small act of defiance at the end of the games has ignited the fires of rebellion in the colonies and set in motion a series of events that put them great personal danger. Peeta’s love for Katniss is genuine, but Katniss is torn between her feelings for Peeta and those she has for her long-time friend, Gale, but she accepts Peeta’s staged proposal and the two prepare to be married.

When it is announced that in honor of the 75^th anniversary, the Quarter Quell will be a special version of the games. Participants will be chosen from the previous winners of the games, which puts Peeta and Katniss in the ring to particpate in the games again, much to their horror and surprise. Katniss and Haymitch plot to do what they can to ensure the Peeta will emerge as the victor of the Hunger Games. The games are interrupted through an elaborate plot by forces of the rebellion and Katniss finds that she has become an unwitting participant in this plot and a symbol of the growing rebellion.

This book ends with the biggest cliffhanger EVER!!!!!!! It is a fitting continuation of the story of The Hunger Games. Although it doesn’t open with action, the first part of the book helps to set up the emotions and motivations that help propel the story forward. Young adults will be captivated by this story. Collins keeps the reader guessing during the games, guessing what will happen next, who will be allies, who will fall, and the end comes as a surprise. It leaves the reader begging for more. Like the first novel, violent content makes this novel more appropriate for mature readers.