Catching fire is the second installment in the Hunger Games series. Riding the coat tails of the original battle-royale story, this is a tale of further fighting and death, but differing from events. This time around, the games pit past winners against each other in the Quarter Quell. The story also goes into detail about what happened to our heroine after winning the previous games, and how much of an impact those events have on her life, as well as the inhabitants of many of the other Districts. Throughout the story, the plot continues to thicken as it builds up the reader for a looming conflict.
When I was looking for something to read, I had no idea where to start. But then, knowing the events/story from the original Hunger Games book, and since my girlfriend had Catching Fire sitting around, I decided to pick it up. Going into it, I understood the fact that it was a continuation of the story following Katniss and Peeta, in the wake of their victory in the arena of the games. Beyond that, I had absolutely no idea what the story entailed. I found the story very easy to get into, flowing from one plot point to the next. I also thought it was interesting how it dove into what happens after the games, having to go on a victory tour to all of the other Districts, giving speeches and meeting the people. It wasn’t too much of a surprise however, when the people she was meeting began telling her about their plans for rebellion, and that she had become the symbol of this uprising due to her actions in the arena. And even with the brutality of the government, and how ruthlessly President Snow makes sure that the laws are enforced to keep the citizens in line. What was somewhat surprising to me was the boldness with which the people were showing their rebellious side. Shortly after Katniss meets several people who tell her about a District that has been rebuilt as the base of the rebellion, it is time for her to go back into the arena, fighting the winners of the previous games. After making allies and fighting off many of their enemies, Katniss and company succeed in escaping the arena, learning that her allies were working together to keep her safe, to help lead the rebellion against the government.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It really continued to build through the entire story, leaving off in a good spot for an easy continuation into the final installation of the trilogy, which I believe is going to be my next choice-read.
When I was looking for something to read, I had no idea where to start. But then, knowing the events/story from the original Hunger Games book, and since my girlfriend had Catching Fire sitting around, I decided to pick it up. Going into it, I understood the fact that it was a continuation of the story following Katniss and Peeta, in the wake of their victory in the arena of the games. Beyond that, I had absolutely no idea what the story entailed. I found the story very easy to get into, flowing from one plot point to the next. I also thought it was interesting how it dove into what happens after the games, having to go on a victory tour to all of the other Districts, giving speeches and meeting the people. It wasn’t too much of a surprise however, when the people she was meeting began telling her about their plans for rebellion, and that she had become the symbol of this uprising due to her actions in the arena. And even with the brutality of the government, and how ruthlessly President Snow makes sure that the laws are enforced to keep the citizens in line. What was somewhat surprising to me was the boldness with which the people were showing their rebellious side. Shortly after Katniss meets several people who tell her about a District that has been rebuilt as the base of the rebellion, it is time for her to go back into the arena, fighting the winners of the previous games. After making allies and fighting off many of their enemies, Katniss and company succeed in escaping the arena, learning that her allies were working together to keep her safe, to help lead the rebellion against the government.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It really continued to build through the entire story, leaving off in a good spot for an easy continuation into the final installation of the trilogy, which I believe is going to be my next choice-read.