Collins, Suzanne. 2009. CATCHING FIRE. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023491
In the much anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are the newest victors in the Hunger Games and have received homes in the Victors Village in District Twelve. Before leaving on their victory tour of Panem, Katniss is approached by the evil President Snow who threatens the lives of her family as a result of the romantic antics between Katniss and her fellow tribute. As the two “lovebirds” travel from district to district, Katniss tries her best to prove to the television audience and to President Snow himself, that her love for Peeta is indeed real. But as the duo tour each district there is more in the air than a budding romance. There are subtle hints and the beginning of a rebellion; a rebellion President Snow believes is a direct result of Katniss defiance in the Hunger Games.
To exercise control over Katniss and indirectly the rest of the districts, the Capitol announces the theme for the 75th annual Hunger Games- the Quarter Quell- and Katniss is horrified to learn that she will once again compete in the games as Battle of the Victors is planned to remind the districts of Panem that “ even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the capitol”. Being the only female tribute from District Twelve means that Katniss will once again play in the Hunger Games with Peeta, this time playing against other victors and knowing there will only be one winner. With her mind made up to save Peeta at all costs, Katniss is determined to see to it that he is named victor but is surprised to find unlikely alliances with tributes from other districts. Together the form a plan to save their entire group from a gruesome fate as once again Katniss sets out to defy the Capitol.
Catching Fire does a fantastic job of picking up where The Hunger Games left off. The reader is introduced to life after the games, a life much different than what Katniss left behind. Author Suzanne Collins expertly depicts the emotional turmoil of a young girl whose heart belongs to two people. As a character, Katniss evolves into more intelligent, outspoken and caring person than in the previous novel; however, her darker side has more depth as well. As she begins to understand the rules of the Capitol, the struggle for power and the importance of freedom, Katniss slowly transforms from a simple victor of the Hunger Games to a symbol of hope for the people of Panem.
This second book also serves as a great resource to begin discussions on the themes carried over from The Hunger Games: power, freedom, defiance and morality. From the design of the Quarter Quell arena that brings out a new fear with each hour to the moral implications of lying to protect those you love, students will be hard pressed to not offer up opinions on any matter discussed within these chapters.
Reviews:
From Booklist-
“In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive. In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit, and Katniss’s fear when Snow meets with her alone is both palpable and justified. Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss and Peeta’s mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games themselves. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels’ symbolic leader.”
Praise for Catching Fire
#1 New York Times Bestseller
#1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Time Magazine Top 10 Fiction Book of 2009
A People Magazine (Top 10) Best Book of 2009
A New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice
A Los Angeles Times Best Children's Book of 2009
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2009
A Booklist Editors' Choice 2009
A Kirkus Best Book of 2009
#1 USA Today Bestseller
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller
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