The Call to Revolution • Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #2
Previous Book: The Hunger Games
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
Source/Format: Bought || Hardcover

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.

Though I thoroughly drawn into the world of the Capitol and it's districts, it was a few weeks later when I was finally able to purchase Catching Fire. Once I started reading it though, I couldn't put it down all over again, as the story drew me in, held me captive and didn't let go until it was over.

Catching Fire was utterly gripping, as I've already said. I can't even explain very well what held me so intrigued, although I do have a few key points in mind:

- I enjoyed watching Katniss deal with the new problems brought on by the scrutiny of President Snow, the discontent stirred by her impulsive actions during The Hunger Games and her feelings for Gale and Peeta.

- It was interesting to read about how Katniss' inspirational stand against the Capitol (leading to her victory alongside Peeta) was starting to fan the flames of discontent and need and righteousness in the distracts. The book's title seems to refer not only to District 12 and the elaborate costumes Cinna and Portia put Peeta and Katniss in, but also to this subversive little message.

- Reading about The Hunger Games for the second time and meeting a brand new set of contestants (all of whom were former victors) was exciting. I enjoyed learning more about the districts, all the new characters brought into play and the arena's concept this time around.

- The ending of Catching Fire was amazing and totally unexpected. When I was reading it, I kept thinking (simultaneously as the reading) is this really happening? It definitely is a cliffhanger and leaves you wanting to know just what's going to happen next and how it all ends.

Honestly, the hype this series has been receiving is well-deserved. Suzanne is a fantastic writer and her words bring to life a world and characters that I can only imagine in my mind, but feel utterly realistic.

I definitely recommend Catching Fire and the rest of The Hunger Games trilogy.