Catching Fire

I was a little worried about this book going in. I didn't have good memories of the film, where I felt the first half was rushed and the second half repeated the first film over again. Plus, I've recently read a lot of contemporary YA that had the same style the Hunger Games books do (first-person present-tense narration) and really bounced off most of them.

Well, I needn't have worried. The movie's first half is actually the novel's first two-thirds, as Katniss tries to navigate her new post-game life, balancing her personal needs with the needs of everyone around her. In the films, it's hard to care about the character I could only ever remember as not-Peeta, but in the books you see her struggle over Gale much more clearly because show more you're always in her thoughts, so even though Gale isn't actually there very much, you see her thinking about him. There are a lot of nice bits that didn't make it into the films, like Katniss and Peeta watching footage of Haymitch's games. The other tributes in the Quarter Quell feel more like real people, too.

The actual Hunger Game doesn't feel repetitive, either, mostly because Katniss's mindset is completely different. In the first book, it was mostly about keeping herself alive. Here, it's about keeping Peeta alive, and working with a team. Back when I read The Hunger Games, I argued that the point of the novel was to reveal that cooperation is our natural way of being, but oppressors disrupt that: "'Survival of the fittest' isn't a natural ethos, it's imposed on human beings by a small subset. The natural inclination of human beings, we are shown multiple times throughout the novel, is actually to cooperate with one another. It's only when a powerful force compels them that they fight with one another." The thing is, I'm not sure that Katniss really learned that lesson. She wants to look out for Peeta, but is bad at doing it; she is really bad at imagining that other people could possibly be looking out for her, and why. Catching Fire is about how far she has to go to learn about cooperation, because the Capitol has done such a good job of forcing its subjects to prioritize survival of the self above all other considerations. During the Games, she is constantly learning that other people want to help her, and underestimating them anyway. I look forward to seeing how Collins develops this in the final book; I saw the third film but not the fourth, so I don't know how it all ends.

Also: I kind of feel like Peeta is a wet blanket in the movies. In the books, his steadfastness quickly made him into my favorite character. I'm Team Peeta all the way. Not in the sense that I want Katniss to be with him romantically (she should pick whoever she wants), but in the sense that he is clearly a stand-up guy that deserves happiness. show less

The second book in the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins continues the story first begun in The Hunger Games, in which Katniss Everdeen must fight for her life against 23 others in the 74th Hunger Games. Does Catching Fire maintain the same level of intensity and interest that held readers rapt in The Hunger Games? Can Katniss reconcile her feelings with her actions taken in the arena? Will Peeta or Gale capture her heart at last?

Synopsis for Catching Fire:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for

show more

themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Collins not only continues the excellent series begun with the first novel, but takes it to a whole new level in Catching Fire. Katniss is still the torn, ever-questioning character first introduced in The Hunger Games, but is now no longer hungry, or wondering where her next meal will come from. Her actions in the arena, however, after defying the Capitol have put not only her, but her family and friends at risk as well. Collins spins a web of intrigue so well-developed, it's impossible to put the book down. More than just a page-turner, this book is addictive to the highest degree.

Most of the familiar characters return, and each play their part in a remarkable turn of events that readers will likely not see coming. Peeta and Katniss continue their tumultuous relationship, and Haymitch is still the belligerent, crotchety figure readers met in the first book. Effie at last shows a little humanity, and Cinna continues to amaze and delight with his costumes. Still, the star of the show is Katniss, and the horrible events she's forced to endure in order to protect not just herself, but her family. As always, the dialogue is not only believable, but feels real, to the extent that it's impossible to think of the characters as pieces of fiction, but rather as if they were actual people. The conversations lend such an air of authenticity, it's easy to believe that the government of Panem is spying on us right now, listening to every word we speak.

The story in Catching Fire not only continues the events started in The Hunger Games, but returns to many of the places visited before. The Capitol in all its marvelous glory, District 12 and the countryside Katniss and Gale enjoy so much. Readers are also at last introduced to the other Districts, where it's clear things are much more strict that in District 12. A return to the arena is inevitable, and this arena is far different than the one from the first novel. It's immediately clear that things will be different this time, from the tributes' very first glimpse of the arena.

As the middle part of a trilogy, Catching Fire does an excellent job of moving the story along, expounding on the events from the first novel, and luring readers in for another chapter. There is much in Catching Fire to be amazed by, from the ingenious design of the arena, to the intrigue and sub-plots occurring--seemingly behind the scenes--all the way up to the final words of the novel. Readers will be left salivating, unable to wait to read the final book in the trilogy. show less

Depois da improvável e inusitada vitória de Katniss Everdeen e Peeta Mellark nos últimos Jogos Vorazes, algo parece ter mudado para sempre em Panem. Aqui e ali, distúrbios e agitações nos distritos dão sinais de que uma revolta é iminente. Katniss e Peeta, representantes do paupérrimo Distrito 12, não apenas venceram os Jogos, mas ridicularizaram o governo e conseguiram fazer todos – incluindo o próprio Peeta – acreditarem que são um casal apaixonado. A confusão na cabeça de Katniss não é menor do que a das ruas. Em meio ao turbilhão, ela pensa cada vez mais em seu melhor amigo, o jovem caçador Gale, mas é obrigada a fingir que o romance com Peeta é real. Já o governo parece especialmente preocupado com a show more influência que os dois adolescente vitoriosos – transformados em verdadeiros ídolos nacionais – podem ter na população. Por isso, existem planos especiais para mantê-los sob controle, mesmo que isso signifique forçá-los a lutar novamente. show less

As a sixty five year old grumpy Yorkshireman I am sure I am not the target audience for this book. However having thoroughly enjoyed the films when I saw all three books at a bargain price in my favourite Barnardos charity shop I couldn't resist. I was not disappointed engaging from first to last page with the ending setting up book three. Clever descriptive imaginative with superb characters who leap of the page, and plenty of action.
Completely and utterly recommended.

This was one of my many re-reads of this book and I still love it as much as the first time. Katniss's fights and struggles with her daily life and the Capitol are heart breaking and infuriating. The idea that something like that happens is also terrifying.

The Quarter Quell itself is particularly saddening. The victors already went through hell in their own games and to be dragged back for another round is horrifying. The drug use, anger, and depression that runs rampant among the victors is 100 percent undertsandable. I think if I was forced to participate and won in the Games, I would probably wind up like Haymitch in an attempt to forget the horrors I witnessed and committed.

I also feel particularly bad for Katniss when she realizes show more that she is still being used as a pawn, and not just by the Capitol. show less

Catching Fire was a fabulous follow-up to The Hunger Games and the second book in the series of the same name. I wasn't sure what Suzanne Collins could do that would possibly top The Hunger Games, but somehow she managed to create a book that was equally good if not slightly better than the first. It had plenty of action, adventure, and taut suspense that kept me turning the pages. There were a number of surprises along the way, as well as plot twists and turns to keep me on my toes, and the cliffhanger ending makes me so glad that I already have the final book of the trilogy on my TBR pile, ready to read as soon as I have the time.

Katniss is no longer just the girl on fire. With her winning the 74th Hunger Games in a way that was show more perceived as rebellious to the Capitol, she has unintentionally sparked a mutiny among the people of Panem. She has become an unwitting, and at times, unwilling, symbol of hope in the face of hopelessness, and President Snow will do just about anything to squash that before it gets out of control. Katniss, on the other hand, would do just about anything to protect the people she loves from the Capitol's threats, including sacrificing herself. She is a very strong, independent-minded young woman who doesn't take kindly to being used as a pawn. She likes to live life on her own terms and when someone takes away her choices, she automatically fights back. Katniss is also a young woman with very conflicted emotions. She thinks she might be in love with her long-time friend, Gale, but at the same time, she can't deny that she feels something for Peeta as well, although what exactly that is, she's not sure. I think that in some ways, she fights her feelings for both of them, but more so for Peeta, because she views him as the Capitol's choice. A match between her and Peeta is what the Capitol wants and more than anything Katniss desires to distance herself from their manipulations. Still, she harbors a reluctant respect for Peeta and often finds herself turning to him for help and comfort.

Being the only other person Katniss personally knows besides Haymitch who has survived the Hunger Games, Peeta understands her and what she's going through in a way that no one else does. Survival for them came at a high price. Both suffer from nightmares of their time in the arena, and both of them are being unwillingly pushed into their roles as victors and mentors. Peeta finds outlets for his pain through his art and his words. Katniss doesn't possess his talents, so he becomes a strong shoulder for her to lean on when her own strength fails her. Peeta is a young man with an underlying, internal strength that is sometimes easy to miss, and for that, I absolutely adore him. He is smart, resourceful, and affable, naturally winning over nearly everyone with whom he comes in contact. He is peaceful and diplomatic and would far rather negotiate with someone than kill them. But I think that perhaps Peeta's greatest strength lies in his unwavering and devoted love for Katniss. She is his whole world, and he would do anything to protect her. Peeta is definitely going to go down as one of my greatest literary crushes of all time.

I mentioned in my review of The Hunger Games that for the last couple of years, the series has made the top five on the ALA's most banned/challenged books list. In my opinion the maturity level increased a bit from the first book, but as a parent of teens, I still no problem with teenagers of about 14-15 and up reading it. The violence level has increased somewhat in this book, because it is no longer contained only in the arena. It has begun to spread as the people rise up in protest and the Capitol responds with greater brutality. Several characters die in various ways throughout the story or are severely punished, but when taking into account the fact that a revolution has been sparked, it was not nearly as violent as it could have been. It was less about graphic details and more about eliciting an emotional response from the reader through the use of suspense and an overall sense of peril throughout. However, I will admit that the violence has the highest potential of being objectionable content. There is no bad language, and little in the way of sexual content. A couple of characters engage in nudity or near-nudity, but it is intended more to intimidate other characters than to titillate, and as with the first book, there is a scene where it is done in the context of helping someone who's injured. There are several tender kisses, one of which turns a bit more passionate with mild descriptions of how Katniss's body is responding. Two characters often share a bed, but nothing more occurs between them. On the positive side, there are many wonderful messages to be gleaned from this book about loyalty, love, courage, friendship, what it means to be a family, and doing what's right in the face of evil.

Overall, I can't recommend Catching Fire and the series in general highly enough. It was very difficult to put down and I was always anxious to get back to it. Ms. Collins has a real talent for ending each chapter with a strong hook that keeps the reader coming back for more. With the cliffhanger ending, I can't wait to read the final book to see how everything turns out, and I'm also eagerly awaiting the movie version that will be released in a few months (Nov. 2013). show less

Since putting down Suzanne Collins' Catching Fire, the second installment of her brilliant Hunger Games Trilogy - and yes, since I refuse to even consider the possibility that Mockingjay won't be just superb as the first two installments, I think it acceptable to describe the entire trilogy in such a way - a little more than a week ago, I have been floundering about, struggling for something to say about it, other than "I loved it," which should be fairly obvious, given my five star rating. As I've considered how to "approach" my review, these last few days, and what, if anything, I wanted to say in it, the same thought has surfaced, again and again, until finally (yes, sometimes I need repetition, for things to sink in) it occurred to show more me that this was what I wanted to say: Everything has its price. By which I decidedly do not mean that everything is for sale. What I do mean is that everything - everything we do and don't do, as individuals and as a group; everything we want to have, or to give away, or to keep others from having; everything that we want to accomplish or become, everything that we are - costs something, in the long run. Be that cost hard work (our own or others), or suffering (great or small); be it loss (of choice, of comfort, of safety), or be it surrender (to that which we loathe, or to some other terrible fate, for opposing what we loathe); be it death (of enemy or friend), or destruction (of love, of pride, of civilization as we know it); everything - every choice we make, every breath we take - costs something. It is one of the inescapable realities of our world, that everything has its price.

Naturally, like anything else that is inescapable, this can be a very, very difficult reality to accept, at times. So difficult, in fact, that we have evolved entire ways of speaking that circumnavigate our discomfort at the idea, and allow us to pretend that it isn't so. "I can't help you," after all, sounds so much better than "I could help you, but then I'd have less for myself (or my family), and I don't want to pay that price." It certainly sounds better than "I could help you, but I can't be bothered/don't want to invest the time and effort/don't think you deserve it." You see the difference? The first option denies choice - the choice of whether or not to pay the price, be it in personal hardship or effort - while the second acknowledges it. Needless to say, the denial of this choice is itself something that comes with its own (rather high) price-tag.

As someone who is usually a champion and defender of children's literature, it pains me to admit that children's authors often do something similar, in their stories, setting up all sorts of difficult choices for their characters, seeming to require some sacrifice of them, and then relenting, allowing them to escape from the consequences of their decision. To use a well-known example: do Harry and his friends, in some of the early Harry Potter books, have to choose between the good of their house and the good of the wider wizarding world? Not at all! Their conscious choice to break the rules, their decision to put the larger good first, won't result in any real consequences: the benevolent Dumbledore will step in, allowing Gryffindor to triumph, and the main characters to revel in a completely happy ending. Of course, as the characters in the series age, they find that Dumbledore is no longer able to set all to rights, so perhaps these early books speak to our need, especially as young children, to be protected from the true reality of choice, to be shielded from its harshness. Perhaps such stories, such fantasies, are necessary sometimes, even to adults?

But whatever the case may be, whatever motivates this kind of subterfuge, these are not the sort of stories and characters that Suzanne Collins writes. No, in Collins' world, the choices are always for real, and, given the nature of that world, they are almost always heartbreaking. This is especially true here, in this second installment, as Katniss Everdeen, the "girl on fire," confronts the consequences of her actions in The Hunger Games. Thinking only to stay alive, her unprecedented gesture of defiance - televised live to all of Panem - had been transformed into a symbol of rebellion. Now, the sinister President Snow, threatening Katniss and all she holds dear, is demanding that she play his game, a game which will lead her back to a place she never expected to see again...

Like her creator, Katniss is not one to hide herself in comforting half or un-truths - indeed, she is her own harshest critic - and is fully aware that, much as she saved Prim, and her family, by volunteering for the Hunger Games, she has also endangered them, and all of District 12. She has made choices, and those choices - as is so often the case - have consequences, not just for herself, but for all those around her. This knowledge goes with her, whatever she does, giving her character a kind of bleakly triumphant realism and strength, and her story a power that is unforgettable! And while our heroine has no way of foreseeing the result of her actions, during the Quarter Quell - a horrifying, heartbreaking result that left me feeling physically ill - it is an outcome entirely in keeping with the truth-telling that Collins is doing here, through Katniss' story.

Catching Fire is all about choice, and Katniss isn't alone, in facing consequences. Other characters too must "pay the price" for their decisions, one of them - in a horrifying scene midway through - being beaten and hauled away before her very eyes. Collins just never seems to take the easy path! Even the love triangle involving Katniss, Peeta and Gale, which some readers have so decried, offers a realistic depiction of the dilemma of making decisions, of choosing, and paying the price for that choice. Somebody is going to get hurt (probably more than one somebody), and Collins never tries to smooth over that uncomfortable truth. This isn't a [book:Twilight|41865] style love-triangle, after all, with the "loser" getting to imprint (whatever that means) on the unborn child of his beloved, as a consolation prize.** No, I strongly suspect that there are few consolation prizes to be had, in Collins' world.

It's hard to imagine a more devastating finale, than the one which the reader confronts, at the close of Catching Fire. As I said above, Collins really ripped my heart out, and I suspect that she's going to do it again. That's OK. As long as she keeps telling the truth, I'm going to keep reading - onward to Mockingjay!

** Can I just mention, for the record, that I find any mention of "Team Peeta" and "Team Gale," utterly absurd? This is a story about an exploitative society that gets its kicks from watching and betting upon a horrific reality TV show, in which the lives of others are put on display for their amusement. Sort of like turning a human tragedy (even a fictional one) into a competition with teams... show less