Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

     

       

            The novel, Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins is the second book of her series, The Hunger Games. The story continues after Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark win the Hunger Games when they cause a problem with the Capitol. It seems like their actions (at the end of the Hunger Games) are seen as rebellious, which gets the attention of the citizens. To prevent themselves from being punished, Katniss and Peeta have to pretend that they took those actions out of love and continue being this way as they go on their Victory Tour around the districts.

            The main event of this novel is the 75th Quarter Quell; it is like another version of the Hunger Games. It occurs every 25 years to remind the citizens to never rebel against the Capitol again as their punishment for doing this is in the form of these games. This year, the former winners of the Hunger Games must re-enter, which means that Katniss and Peeta have to go back to fight for the death again. The result of the Quarter Quell has a surprising twist that no one would have expected, leaving me with many questions in my head on why and how it all happened. The ending is very significant to the overall plot because it affects how the story will continue and change everything. Thus, for those who want to read this novel, it ensures that they will read until the very end and continue on to the next book, Mockingjay.

            The Hunger Games series is a phenomenon in general, but people told me that this particular book was their least favorite. I can understand why because it is the second book, and the first and the last ones are usually the best. However, the ending left the readers on such a cliffhanger that it makes them want to read the next, final book right away. Thus, people told me to get the second and third book together, which I did, and they were right because I went right to the third book after I finished reading this one. I think all age groups can enjoy the Hunger Games series, and I recommend watching the movies as well (the second one comes out this fall).