Collins,Suzanne Catching Fire - informal Buddy Read beings 15 June 2024

[Jenny]

Right? Maybe it was "only redheads" in the games, or only even numbered districts, or random children and their parents. I can't think of a scenario that isn't evil.

[Truitt_T]

Huh. That was a much better book than I remember it being. And I'd forgotten quite a bit of it.

Laura mentioned that they remembered the time in the Arena being more of the book - that was my recollection, too. And, at least in my case, I know it's not the film influencing me - I only saw it once, years ago.

Does anyone else fell that we don't get to know Peeta very well - much less Gale? I like Peeta - I think it's hard not too. Gale is a
trickier proposition. I can't dislike him - he's supporting his family the best way he knows how, and has been Katniss' friend for years. I'm starting to lean back toward my throuple idea.....

I love that the uprising is swirling all around Katniss, and she's being deliberately obtuse, I swear.

Once again, Haymitch and Cinna were the most fascinating characters, although there were several Tributes of whom I would have loved to have learned more.

I truly was not planning to read Mockingjay. For whatever reason, my memory of the book is entirely negative. But, having enjoyed Catching Fire so much more than I expected to, I suppose I'm destined to complete the trilogy next month. My team needs the points, anyway. :)

[Fiona]

Finally got the time to say something as well.

I have read this book for the first time a very long time ago and never read again after that. So this is my second time reading the book. Going in, the only two things I remembered about this book were (major spoilers) (view spoiler)[that the Hunger Games would be with the previous winners and that Katniss shoots the arrow into the point in the arena. I didn't even remember if it was Peeta or Haymitch going in with her lol (hide spoiler)]

I should be through with the book in a few minutes and I will take time to read all other comments after that. Excited to see what others think!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

This was not my favourite the first time around.... I only rated it two stars.

This time, 2 chapters in, I am appreciating the interaction with Snow more. I love the line "It must be very fragile, if a handful of berries can bring it down" when they are talking about potential uprisings. He has been made the right amount of menacing, creepy and cold

[Maddielucy(Patti)]

I just started and I’m listening this time. I ALWAYS prefer reading, but I needed something to listen to while I clean. 😝 I have to say I don’t love the narrator, but I’m getting used to her. I think this is a harder one just because of all of the unfairness at first. I hate the scene at District 11 when (view spoiler)[ they kill the old guy (hide spoiler)]. I’m looking forward to the games because I honestly don’t remember much about this book.

I just finished Chapter 6

[Upton]

Suzanne wrote: "I started this book a little early because both it and The Wishing Game came in last week for my Library hold (audio) so I wanted to be sure that I could finish them both before they are due back.
..."

I agree. I originally was going to listen to the audio version because that is what came in at the library. But I thought Katniss sounded petulant when I started listening. The Kindle version came in and so I switched over.

And while I do think that Katniss has changed and the "tone" is appropriate at times, I think it is too strong from the 2nd book.

Now Mockingjay is an entire different animal. The narrator might hit her tone perfectly in the next book. I might give that audio version a go.

[Jenny]

There are two points in this book where I wonder if things would have gone differently if the characters had spoken honestly to each other. The first is the horror that was the visit to District 11. If Haymitch and Katniss has let Peeta know what Snow had threatened, would he have spoken how he did at the ceremony? Would the people of District 11 have given the salute and suffered for it if they had stuck to Effie's script? If so, then would the uprisings have happened at all?

The other is in the arena, and keeping Katniss and Peeta out of the plan. Would Peeta have been captured by the Capitol?

I do know that there wouldn't have been a story without those things happening, but if this world was a real one, would those actions have made a difference?

I really like this book as a sequel. I like how it expands on the world and lets us learn a little more about the districts. I like getting to know Peeta more, and Haymitch.
I think that Katniss does pretty well hanging on to her sanity after the rug is so firmly pulled out from under her by Snow.
I keep thinking of soldiers and others who experience shell shock or PTSD, and know that she experiences that as well, but somehow keeps going.

I admire her.
And I am looking forward to reading the third book again.

[Jean]

Part 3

The games this time around are brutal and I think Katniss is correct that the game makers are suppose to get them over as fast as they can. I remembered more about the games than I realized, it being laid out like a clock, the different times for the different challenges to overcome, the force field between the hours and the outside rim of the games and that there were tributes that were keeping secrets from Peeta and Katniss.

What did surprise me or maybe I didn’t realize the first time around was about the people from the capitol that were aiding in the resistance. I think Haymitch and the others were correct to keep the plan a secret from Peeta and Katniss.

Poor Peeta now a captive of the capitol. Of course that is the set up for the next book so . . . . .

[Melissa]

Part 3

This is my favorite book in the series. I think it is the perfect combination of Katniss's fear of Snow/the Games/the rebellion. Finnick is a favorite of mine and while I am heartbroken at what happened to Cinna, I do enjoy the addition of Finnick to the series. The other characters are fun and enjoyable additions to the series as well.

I do agree with others and I don't understand why they kept Katniss in the dark about the plan. They could have said something to her even if it wasn't the exact plan. Haymitch could have told her there was a plan at least! I think it could have prevented a lot of what happened if that was the case.

[Angie ☯]

I read this series, I think when the movies were being made; it's been a long time! Of course I watched the movies when they came out. This year before Book Games, I read Snow's story. Now, I remember the premise of all the books, but it's amazing how many of the details I don't remember! First time around I read the books; this time I'm listening (and reading, I like to do both!) with Tatiana Maslany as narrator. I've listened to other books she has narrated and I have to say I really enjoy her as a narrator. (She did play 9 different character in Orphan Black, so I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that she can change her voice to fit her characters!)

I agree with Ashley's comments!

There were a few things that I noticed and remember from the first read. One was the change of Katniss just wanted to spare her sister as being a Tribute to embracing the rebellion and her part in it. Another was the irony that the one thing the Capital invented to torment and stamp out rebellion (the jabberjay), evolved into the symbol of the rebellion and resistance - the Mockingjay! Lastly, Peeta giving part of their winnings to the families in the districts....not realizing that it would never happen and that would also cause trouble all around....but it was a wonderful gesture.

It was hard to believe that Katniss didn't realize that District 11 was completely showing their disdain for the Capital and their support to Katniss and rebellion. Also that she thought the mockingjay the game maker (that fell into the punchbowl when she shot the apple from the pigs mouth toward the judges) showed her in secret was because he didn't want anyone to steal the idea! As someone else said, she is young and also a bit naive.

[Angie ☯]

Oh, and Haymitch, I forgot to mention him. While he obviously uses drinking to cope with his involvement in the Games, he is very smart and cunning. People only see him as a drunk now and that lets him do / say / get away with lots of things, I think!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Jenny wrote: "There are two points in this book where I wonder if things would have gone differently if the characters had spoken honestly to each other. The first is the horror that was the visit to District 11..."

Yes I agree with this.

The District 11 piece was particularly brutal but required to be so to push the story arc of rebellion forward .

Also being reminded again of how Katniss is 16… although she is frustrating at times with what she doesn’t share with Peeta she is also so young and it is in keeping with her age that she wouldn’t think about the consequences

[Maddielucy(Patti)]

Hmmmmmmm……not to complain…..but I’m really not loving this narrator. I’m halfway through the book and I can’t understand why they got someone that sounds so old to be the voice of Katniss. She should be the voice of Katniss’s mother! Ok — I’m in it, so I have to deal.

All of that being said, I think the author is doing a very good job of getting us to hate Snow and build tension for the uprisings. Snow is really a sick unit. I honestly can’t remember what happens to him, but it better be bad. I’m glad I’m revisiting this book, but I’m looking forward to the games…let’s go! ;) 🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️🤺🗡️

[Laura]

All this hatred for Snow is funny. Don’t get me wrong. I hate him, too. But he’s only been on the page for 1 small scene. Everything else about him is Katniss’ feelings. I think all of us who are re-reading remember more than we realize. And/or we are affected by the movies and people’s comments in here. Because just going on Hunger Games and Catching Fire, no other books or influences, I don’t remember disliking him this much during my first read. That was saved for later.

[Ushashi]

I forgot how much I admired Mags' character last time and I love her even now. Her death was a hard one to read. I remember they did this scene really well in the movie too. I agree with everyone, the games in this book is really brutal. Although I wonder with all the plan going around did they really need to make it so difficult to survive till the rescue? Katniss and Peeta could have died multiple times already even with everyone protecting them.

[Melindam]

Oh, I just learned that Donald Sutherland died today. :'(
Another iconic actor gone. :'(

[Keely]

I started my re-read of this today. I'm about a quarter of the way through so far. Like my re-read of the first book, I am listening to it as an audiobook. I have the same narrator for both books (and hopefully the third) and I am glad it is the same. Tatiana Maslany has definitely grown on me as Katniss' voice.

For some reason I remembered this book taking longer to get back into some action than it did. I seem to remember Katniss wallowing in depression for a bit, but maybe that is later or book 3. I enjoyed seeing into other Districts and I am already annoyed about things that are to come.

[Laura]

I’m pretty sure the wallowing in depression comes in book 3.

[Keely]

That must be what I am thinking of then. I was starting to think I had made it up!

[Sarah]

Looking at the beautiful orange sky tonight and thinking of Peeta's favourite colour being sunset orange. That's something I didn't remember, and also appropriate for the summer solstice. :)

I've also been remembering all the furore when Jamie Oliver said the first book (his dyslexia made it difficult) he'd ever finished was Catching Fire - he'd seen The Hunger Games film and couldn't wait for the next film to find out what happened. Probably only UK people will remember that.

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entr...

[Angie ☯]

For part 2

I agree with Melissa about people who only watched the movies missed so much!! I read the books before seeing the movies and I remember thinking how could anyone be understanding everything that is really going on without all the information that was in the books!!

I think that it was poetic justice for Snow to use his authority and power to make a huge play to stop Katniss and the rebellion to have it blow up in his face and actually gain more support from his actions with the quarter quell. There were small signs before the Quell announcement that pointed to all levels of people in the capital siding with the rebellion, but I don't think they would have shown their stance as quickly without that jab.

Snow was trying at every turn to take the spotlight off of Katniss and every time it just made her burn brighter and the rebellion to gain strength. (The holding hands by the tributes and the changing of the dress by Cinna were powerful statements!)

[Angie ☯]

Jenny wrote: "There are two points in this book where I wonder if things would have gone differently if the characters had spoken honestly to each other. The first is the horror that was the visit to District 11..."

I wondered that as well! I say it probably would have still happened if Peeta had spoken up to give part of their winnings to the families in D11, because I can't see Katniss not saying something to them about Rue. I feel like Peeta may have listened and stuck to the script, but Katniss not so much!

[Preeti]

Melindam wrote: "Oh, I just learned that Donald Sutherland died today. :'(
Another iconic actor gone. :'("

Such an amazing actor! The very first movie of his I ever watched was The Dirty Dozen.

[Keely]

I am nearing the halfway point of the book. The "reaping" has just happened.
I have a thought though. If the Quarter Quell's are planned years in advance, how did they know District 12 would have a female victor to contend? Did they have a back up option? Did they only arrange it that way because of what happened in the games before?

I've watched the films at least twice since I read these books, so there are a lot of details that I am relearning about because they were not in the films.

I'm looking forward to them getting back into the arena.

[Laura]

Keely wrote: "I am nearing the halfway point of the book. The "reaping" has just happened.
I have a thought though. If the Quarter Quell's are planned years in advance, how did they know District 12 would have ..."

In theory the Quarter Quells were planned when the Games were started. I doubt it occurred to them there might not be any.

But having read Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes I think it's more likely those were planned out after that 10th game. They didn't have the Victor's Circle houses and quite all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the games at first. But I also totally believe that Snow is capable of having switched cards.

[Melindam]

Preeti wrote: "Melindam wrote: "Oh, I just learned that Donald Sutherland died today. :'(
Another iconic actor gone. :'("

Such an amazing actor! The very first movie of his I ever watched was The Dirty Dozen."

It was the first movie I saw with him, too. :)

[Keely]

Laura wrote: "Keely wrote: "I am nearing the halfway point of the book. The "reaping" has just happened.
I have a thought though. If the Quarter Quell's are planned years in advance, how did they know District ..."

That makes sense. I haven't read Ballad of Songbirds yet so I guess I am missing some information given in that book. I'm hoping to get around to reading it before the end of the Games. Maybe even Round 2 if I make it through my other planned books.

[Ushashi]

Keely wrote: "I am nearing the halfway point of the book. The "reaping" has just happened.
I have a thought though. If the Quarter Quell's are planned years in advance, how did they know District 12 would have ..."

My theory while reading this was that Snow must have been changed up whatever was there in the cards to this specific plan for the quarter quell to fit the scenario. I don't buy that for all his evil genius, he would have stuck to something written decades ahead.

[Keely]

Ushashi wrote: "Keely wrote: "I am nearing the halfway point of the book. The "reaping" has just happened.
I have a thought though. If the Quarter Quell's are planned years in advance, how did they know District ..."

I agree that I don't think Snow would have stuck to something written a long time ago, especially if he wasn't apart of writing it. He'd want the credit.

They have made it into the arena in my reading and I really liked the unity the victors showed when they are together on stage.
My memory is a bit hazy as to how this book ends so I'm looking forward to remembering/relearning.

[Maddielucy(Patti)]

I finally finished and realized I remembered pretty much nothing! 😝 I kept saying “Oh yeah I remember that ” but to tell you what happened next — not so much. I just “remembered” it as I listened to it. I totally did not remember the twist at the end until it happened. Pretty much the only thing I really remembered was Katniss shooting and arrow into the dome/field (whatever it was) — but I was surprised 😜 at the end. I also remembered from the get-go the Cinna situation/scene right before Katniss heads into the arena.

I did enjoy this, but not as much as the first book. I’m going to skip the audiobook for Mockingjay and actually read it like I did the first. I’m looking forward to reading it.

[Sarah]

Like others have mentioned, I'd forgotten just how long it takes to get to the Games in this book. It's taking forever!

I have noticed just how much attention is paid to the characters PTSD (even if it's not called that), which I don't think I remember other YA dystopia really covering. I'm glad it's in there. For all this is fiction, it's good to highlight it.

[Ashlee]

Part 1

Having read this so long ago, I'm realizing how much I have forgotten.

Although it gets her in trouble, I love Katniss' headstrong personality. I find that I would react in the same way; trying to do everything to save my family.

It does drive me crazy with this book that it takes so long to get to the Quell.

[Angie ☯]

For Part 3

The arena and game for the quarter quell seem be have been set up to ensure failure of all the tributes! Since this time all of the tributes were previous winners, they know what the capital does and why; I don't know why they didn't all work together to spoil the Capital's plan. Especially since at the reaping on stage, the all joined hands which seemed like a show of solidarity.

This time it seemed like everyone, except Katniss and Peeta, knew about the plan. Now, I do understand that they needed those two to not give anything away. I still think a lot could have been avoided if they all had sat down for a conversation. Probably not as easy with everyone living in the Capital but a girl can dream.

I still hate that Peeta was taken by the Capital and don't feel that he has ever been given any credit that he could handle himself or at least play along with the rebellion plans.

I, like others, have enjoyed the books very much in this reread! Looking forward to the next one - and the new one written during Hamish's time in the games!

[Angela]

Just finished Part 1 and am excited to continue reading. Since this is my first time reading it, I will have to go back and read this thread once I have finished the book in order to avoid spoilers.
The book begins with Katniss meeting with President Snow about her making a fool of the Capitol and how there is a potential for an uprising. Peeta and Katniss with be forced to continue this ruse for the rest of their lives in order to protect their loved ones from punishment or death. I wish we would not have yadda yadded all of the Victory Tours that part felt rushed to me as we only really spent time in District 11. I enjoy learning about the different Districts. I know that love triangles are not usually a popular trope, but I am enjoying it in this book. Of course all of the devastation discussed in the book at the hands of the Capitol is so disheartening to read.

[Jax]

I forgot how much of this book was the lead up to the quell. And how there's all this political intrigue going into it. The first time I read it, it felt like a different series altogether. This time I think I'm tying more things together. I do appreciate how all the tributes have some form of trauma but all manifest differently. Also....Katniss seems less of a surly teen and more of a straight up troublemaker this time around. I can't put my finger on why I feel that.

[Insiyah]

Thoughts on Part 1: (Posting these all in a series of messages because I noted this down on my phone in the middle of the night)

- My first thought is literally, "God, do these kids need therapy. And a system overhaul."
- Something that struck me during the interaction with President Snow is how he doesn't really need to do much at all - Katniss lives in so much fear that her imagination does all the rest for him.
- Peeta's behaviour is quite interesting as well. He's taken such a giant step back from Katniss, especially after they come back from the Victor's Tour but at the same time he can't stop himself from trying to take care of Katniss like with the cheese buns.
- Katniss is left almost entirely isolated even while being surrounded by people - Peeta's pulled back, Gale is too busy being upset about Peeta, Haymitch is at the bottom of a bottle, and while Katniss loves her mother and sister and is desperate to protect them, they're not people she relies on as sources to draw strength from.

[Insiyah]

Thoughts on Part 2:

- I really feel for how trapped Katniss feels after Gale gets whipped. She's trapped in this engagement she would not have chosen, trapped in a house she feels unsafe in, trapped in her world.
- Her one escape is taken away from her, and the solace she finds in Peeta or even Gale is gone - one to training for the Quell, and one to his feelings.
- This quote really struck for some reason: "It’s the first time since they announced the Quarter Quell that he’s offered me any sort of affection. He’s been more like a very demanding trainer, always pushing, always insisting Haymitch and I run faster, eat more, know our enemy better. Lover? Forget about that. He abandoned any pretense of even being my friend."
- The entire book seems to have a sense of loneliness up until they head to the Capitol for the Games.
- I wish Madge showed up more. She's such an interesting character.
- Katniss is always so worried about hurting Peeta and Gale.
- And so, so traumatised at the thought of having to hurt people.
- There's some message in how Haymitch's Games has everything beautiful being deadly. I don't want to think about it too much.
- What a coincidence that Cinna started being District 12's designers just when Katniss became tribute...
- Peeta is just as reckless as Katniss is, he just hides it better. Because she hung Seneca Crane, but he painted Rue.
- Poor Cinna.

[Insiyah]

Thoughts on Part 3:

- Part of me now wants to go see the movie because the arena reads as absolutely fascinating.
- Ironically, this group is a lot more relaxed compared to where Katniss and Peeta were in the Games in the first book.
- A lot of this part of the book seems so incoherent, especially the second to last chapter. I get it, Katniss is confused, but I'd appreciate some less confustication.
- Katniss planning to kill Peeta to save him from the Capitol is actually pretty smart. And again, indicative of her constant worry about him.
- That pearl. I remember it plays a little role in Mockingjay.
- Her reliance on Peeta to be her stability in the midst of everything - she basically shuts down after they're rescued from the arena. She says it herself - "it takes more than that to keep a person going once she’s lost the will to live."
- "No one in their right mind would let me make the plans. Because I obviously can’t tell a friend from an enemy." She's so hard on herself here. She's an unexperienced teenager playing in a game where her allies are experienced adults against equally experienced adults. And yet, she's the one who they're rallying around?

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Part 2

I felt this much more of a gut punch this time when they announced the tributes would be from the victors.
I think the first time I read this I found it a bit lazy to throw them all back in. Perhaps this time I appreciate the nuance more about how badly Snow needs Katniss to be gone to stop the rebellions .

Loved the scene in her house with the peacekeepers after she jumped over the newly electrified fence!

I did notice this read how we get to know more about life in her district - and what the other districts produce- than we did in book 1

[Judy]

It was really interesting to read this remembering what happens right at the end, and having some vague memories of before then - really fun to follow how things are set up and what we know about certain characters, how Collins is setting everything up to unravel for you (and Katniss) as you go along.

I do find it frustrating how long it takes Katniss to clue into certain things, but then again she's s traumatized teenager in a traumatizing situation - not exactly made to think clearly.

I completely forgot about Peeta telling everyone Katniss is pregnant, and I still haaaaate that. Sure it's a piece of information intended to incense the districts and capitol even more, but I can't help thinking it's sooooo stupid and how would anyone believe this

Anyway, I just finished and it was very entertaining this time around, too. I love the arena, it's so cool! Like Insiyah said, this has made me want to (re-)watch the movie, which is not something I felt about book 1 at all.

However, I'm not looking forward to book 3 at all. I remember disliking it quite a bit and while I think I appreciate the series overall more now than I did in 2012, I'm still not looking forward to having to read that...

[Sarah]

Since the announcement about the new book, I paid a lot more attention when we got to the part about Haymitch's games. So many things that could be included!

Will Katniss's mother be in it, and will we find out her name at last? She was in the video of the reaping. I had completely forgotten about Madge's aunt being in the games with Haymitch, and that the mockingjay pin was hers.

Now I wonder how much will be set-up before the games, and how much the actual games - and if we get any Haymitch unravelling afterwards. If there's lots of set-up, then that whole earlier generation could include Katniss's dad as well as her mother, and Peeta and Madge's parents as well.

It's taken longer than with the first book, but I'm finally at the point where I can feel the pull of the story and don't want to stop reading. I didn't dislike Mockingjay, but I don't know if I'll reach that point on a reread of it, without the focal point of the games. Guess I'll find out next month. ;)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Insiyah wrote: "Thoughts on Part 2:

- I really feel for how trapped Katniss feels after Gale gets whipped. She's trapped in this engagement she would not have chosen, trapped in a house she feels unsafe in, trap..."

I like that you have picked up on that sense of loneliness. I agree but wouldn't have thought it until I read your words! It does feel lonely eventhough they are all essentially trapped together

[Jax]

I forgot how much I like Peeta. I think about it and he has no business winning (he's a baker's son, he likes art, there's nothing that screams you're a deadly psycho like a lot of the other characters) but he manages to carry his weight. He also has great charisma and weaponized it in interesting ways like how he makes alliance or when he gets interviewed and convinces people they are married and Katniss is pregnant.

Also forgot how much little details about the various regions play in the various competitors strengths.

[Lisa]

Part 1

This is a re-read for me, although I really don't remember much of the book at all.

I believe I was team Gale on my first read-through, though and I am team Peeta this time through. I'm guessing that my former self latched onto Gale the first time I read the book just because we met him first and I could tell he cared for Katniss. This time I can see how she's changing and even though he might have been the right person for her if she hadn't gone to the games, that they grew in different ways and might not be right for each other now. (view spoiler)[ I believe I remember how the love triangle resolves, and that may be influencing who I'm rooting for this time around too... (hide spoiler)]

I haven't started Part 2 of the book yet (and avoided reading comments overtly labeled "part 2" above), but I'm inferring that there's going to be another round of games in this book? And maybe Peeta and Katniss will be forced to participate again? If true, I can see how the capital would think this is a good way of eliminating them and thereby dampening any sort of uprising.

[Catsalive]

I fell so sorry for Gale having to work in the mines, 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. He is so used to the freedom of the woods, it's like trapping a wild animal. It is expected, of course, it is the thing he does for his family. I also think he has a right to a certain amount of openness from his best friend, & he handles the nothing he receives from Katniss quite well, I think. If she had ever paid attention to anything he said about the Capitol, Katniss might not have been quite so ignorant of what to expect.

I don't believe Katniss & Peeta would have cut off their relationship over the previous 6 months, 10 seconds thought would have told anyone that the Capitol would be watching. I know Katniss is a self-centred idiot but not all the people around her are. I always thought Katniss & Haymitch were extremely short-sighted in not including Peeta in any of their discussions & strategy.

[Judith]

Finally getting to start this!

Only a few chapters in by Collins certainly doesn't mess around and know how to hit the ground running with a sequel. She managed to get everyone up to speed on where things stand in about a chapter. And it didn't feel like an info dump which was refreshing.

The divergence of Katniss's life from Gale's and the future she would of had if she hadn't become a tribute is telling. Though I wonder a bit what her job would of been. I don't think she could of mentally worked in the mines and she didn't seem cut out to help her mom with medcine/surgery.

And that first meeting with Snow (RIP Sutherland) was so creepy and terrifying. One step out of line and Katniss dooms her entire family and maybe even district. It's just crazy how much power is in one man hands.

[Louise]

Finally starting my reread of this and am really enjoying it. It is even more poignant with the loss of President snow recently.I do feel sorry for Katniss doesn’t matter what she does to try and appease the masses so as to keep her family and loved ones safe it is doomed to fail. Not letting peeta in on her and Haymitch’s plans was foolish and short-sighted

[Sammy]

Finally got around to starting this one.

First of all, you'd think Katniss would have matured and maybe learned from her experiences a little, but alas, no. She still has absolutely no clue about other people's feelings and motivations, and her internal dialogue on these just makes me cringe. As I said in the book 1 discussion, I live with autistic people, and they have a considerably better handle on this stuff than Katniss does!

She also hasn't managed to gain control over her temper/emotional impulses yet. (I can sympathise, I struggle with the latter too!) The cynic in me thinks this is purely for the author to be able to create conflict easily 😆

Also, I'm not team Gale. I'm not team Peeta either. Katniss isn't emotionally mature enough for any relationship in the situation she is in. Her mother got that one very right! It's a little sad that Katniss and her mother seem to be the only ones that realise this though.

[Leslie Ann]

I started yesterday. I am surprised on how much I do not remember. I am liking this book better than the first one. At least it starts out great. I can’t help but think of Donald Sutherland as I am reading. A great actor. I am only a couple chapters in. Hopefully I will continue to like it.

[Angela]

Part 2 The Quell
I enjoyed the scene with the Peacekeepers when Katniss goes home after jumping the fence. The back and forth with her and Prim about the goat and the shock that the Peacekeepers seem to have that she got around them putting electricity back on the fence.
You also get a feel for the tension within the districts and the start of an uprising. The scene with Katniss discovering the mayor's stream and seeing District 8 in chaos.
The heartbreak and shock Katniss feels once she realizes she has to go back into the arena due to her being the only female victor in her District. Seeing her go through all the motions and then later not being able to say goodbye to her loved ones.
A lot of this felt the same to the first book, as far as them preparing to go back into the arena. I liked we got a bit of background on Haymitch's game as well as some backstory there. Really looking forward to that books release! Also love what both Peeta and Katniss did when they went before the Gamemakers privately.