"Catching fire" is really an interesting phrase, when one thinks about it: different from lighting a fire, but an implication that the fire is already burning and now only needs to be spread. The same goes for the brewing social disrest that has come to a head in Catching Fire, sequel to the Hunger Games. People have become increasingly unhappy with the totalitarian government and its rule, and Katniss's defiance of their Hunger Game rules has become iconic for a looming revolution on the horizon.

However, my biggest problem with the book was how Suzanne Collins undermines the strength of Katniss, and the complexity of the social dynamics she has set up, in favor of making it more...YA? Or something. I loved the Hunger Games because it was YA that didn't patronize its audience, but Catching Fire didn't have the same quick-paced intelligence. Instead of exploring the politics and rebellion breaking out, so much of this book is devoted to the love triangle with Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. Ick - if I wanted to read Twilight, I would read Twilight (or not).

Collins doesn't take enough risk with the plot; while I understand much of Catching Fire was putting things in place for the next book, too much felt like filler. Just like the Hunger Games, it was devourable, but I finished it underwhelmed by how little had actually happened. ( )

Characters show the best and the worst of humanity. ( )

rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ( )

If you haven't read Hunger Games yet, read it! And make sure you have this copy checked out, too, because you'll want to read it immediately!

And now I'm sad. Because I have to wait for the third book in the trilogy. :(

(Spoilers if you haven't read the first book...)

Katniss and Peeta were the first co-winners of the Hunger Games and the Capitol is threatened by their popularity. You wouldn't know it by the newscasts, but some districts are starting to revolt. The Capitol wants to use the next Hunger Games to squash the rebellion so, um, guess what? Something very, very surprising and dramatic happens. I'm not telling. You have to read this book. I really like Katniss because of her awesomeness. Yes, she is that cool. :D ( )

Good read, but definitely not as good as Book 1. The ending was rushed and kinda dumb. I'm beginning to not like the main character, especially in the end. After the "rescue". I'll read the 3rd book just to finish the series. ( )