Sometimes you just have to get from point A to point B. I feel like this is what Catching Fire, Book #2 of the Hunger Game trilogy was. I enjoyed Book #1 and I have positive hopes for the setup of Book #3, however, Book #2 left me feeling flat. There was too much filler for my tastes, and the big twist seemed lazy from an idea point of view. Ultimately, the book did get to point B and I do like thee potential that provides.

My other major complaint comes, I think, as a result of the book's target audience. I am writing off the author's characterization of romantic relationships, and the impact of certain physical manifestations of those relationships, as something that was simplified for a YA audience. I find it strange, however, to have those things to be so dumbed down while the violence is still so brutal. Ultimately, the surface level romantic interactions frequently pulled me out of what could have been a more engaging story.