Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) in Hunger Games Trilogy

Feb 21, 2010 Vis rated it it was amazing

Damn you and your amazing storytelling, Collins!

Obviously, this book isn't necessarily quite as amazing as the first, as there isn't quite the element of surprise anymore - but it's still an excellent novel. The whole "love triangle" element didn't consume the book, partly because Katniss knows there are more important things to worry about (like survival and protecting their families). It manages not to be repetitive (it's hard to explain how without spoiling it for the reader), and introduces ...more

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Jul 01, 2009 Wendes rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, top-shelf

***MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***

The essence of this novel is strengthening and inspiring. Set in a world many years from now, when the government is corrupt and a dictatorship, the people of Panem have no freedoms, rights or liberties. They are oppressed by the Capitol who rules with an iron fist. Uprisings and rebellions are punishable by death as during the Dark Days. As the years slugged on the Capitol did what they could to forfeit any further possibilities of uprisings. The Capitol knew that true ***MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***

The essence of this novel is strengthening and inspiring. Set in a world many years from now, when the government is corrupt and a dictatorship, the people of Panem have no freedoms, rights or liberties. They are oppressed by the Capitol who rules with an iron fist. Uprisings and rebellions are punishable by death as during the Dark Days. As the years slugged on the Capitol did what they could to forfeit any further possibilities of uprisings. The Capitol knew that true power came from the uniting of the people. That their strength in courage and hope alone is enough to take down a common enemy. So the Capitol did what they could. They turned the people against one another. Every year during the Hunger Games, there’s a bloodthirsty tournament where two people in each district are forced to fight one another. Over the years, the hatred and fear harbored towards the Capitol spreads towards the people in the other districts. There is little or no contact with people in other districts.

But the hatred and fear suppressed by the citizens of Panem is insistent and present. The Capitol is hated for they do, and there is the crushed rage in every citizen that needs only a spark to light it up. That spark took form of a sixteen-year-old girl by the name of Katniss Everdeen from District 12. Forced to take part in the Hunger Games, she unwittingly became a symbol of hope for the rebels throughout Panem. They gathered the burning courage hidden deep within them and dared to lash out towards the Capitol. She inspired them with her strength and her refusal to succumb to the law of the Capitol. She united the people and gave them a chance, an opportunity for a different future. It shows what people can do once they unite. Strength in numbers.

The deal with Katniss, Peeta and Gale is rather disconcerting. I don’t think there is anyone who can possibly guess who it is that Katniss is really in love with. She herself doesn’t even understand. Without a doubt, if it were not for the Hunger Games, she could have possibly even married Gale. She says so herself. But the Hunger Games did happen and she was forced to act the part of lovers with Peeta. Katniss finds herself in a very sticky situation. Her feelings for Peeta and Gale become confused as she no longer knows what to think. There is the thought that the one she willingly kiss’s is Gale after he was whipped for poaching. All those kisses with Peeta were staged and none of them were formed through her love for Peeta. On one hand without a thought she puts herself between Gale and the whip while on the other she sleeps with Peeta to fight the nightmares of the Hunger Games. Both boys obviously love her and she loves both of them, albeit at unknowingly different levels. To chose one would break one heart and she can't do that to the two most important people in her life. So how does Katniss really feel? Who will she choose?

The uprisings increase into mayhem and confusion throughout Panem and at the same time, so does Katniss’ feelings. The true question now is what will Suzanne Collins put Katniss through next?
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Jan 31, 2010 Jacqueline rated it it was amazing

I read this book in the matter 2 days. But when I did tear myself away from this book, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I thought it was a GREAT sequel to an amazing first book. When there is an amazing movie and they make a sequel, there is just too big of shoes to fill and you are left in disappointment. That's how I felt when I entered this book, I highly doubted it would fill in those big shoes. And let me tell you, this book filled into those shoes very nicely. This story is so deep and I ...more

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Jul 06, 2009 Mike Stanley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2009

I knew I had to finish it before my classes started Monday so I flew through it Friday through Sunday.

My friend pointed out that not a lot of past tense is used when it could be and I partially agree, but it doesn't annoy me.

I love the excellent description of their surroundings with the partial omniscience of the author telling what Katniss is thinking. The imagery almost takes me there..... scary!!

Of course can't wait for the 3rd and I would really like to see the Ender's game style side st ...more

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Sep 02, 2009 Savannah rated it it was amazing

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! It was one of the best books that i've ever read!!!!!!!!!! I love the Suzanne Collins writing doesn't let you easily predict the future! ...more

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