Suzanne Collins keeps the ball rolling with Catching Fire, laying all my fears to rest about the follow up not being as great as the original debut. It’s a page turner, with no middle book syndrome to speak of! As a sequel to the Hunger Games, Catching Fire describes the events that come after Katniss’ bold win in the arena of the Hunger Games.
Katniss attempts to return to a ‘normal’ life by hunting by herself (Gale is now working in the mines) and spreading her new wealth around by shopping at the Hob. Her relationship with both Gale and Peeta is strained, and I won’t say any more on that topic.
What Katniss does not quite fully grasp are the signs of unrest throughout Panem. Her and Peeta’s victory was a direct slap in the face to the Capitol. Her victory in the Hunger Games has incurred even the President’s wrath, and she must do her best during the victory tours to quell the sparks of rebellion.
If he’s made the journey all the way from his city, it can only mean one thing. I’m in serious trouble. And if I am, so is my family. A shiver goes through me when I think of the proximity of my mother and sister to this man who despises me. Will always despise me. Because I outsmarted his sadistic Hunger Games, made the Capitol look foolish, and consequently undermined his control.
Little does she know what President Snow has in store for the girl on fire.
I was overjoyed to return to Panem and see that Katniss was the same feisty girl that I had left. The new characters are just as fun (think Finnick Odair). The book takes a turn into slightly more adult territory with graphic descriptions of unrest and “peacemaking” attempts (riots, bombing, etc.). As before, Ms. Collin’s writing draws the reader in..without waiting for permission. One scene in particular had me holding my breath–where new PeaceMakers attempt to catch Katniss going beyond the fence to hunt. Ms. Collins weaves together the perfect elements of tension, deceit, and humor to create excellent scenes. Which makes me wonder when the movie’s coming out.
There are also a few things that are touched on that I’m sure will resurface in the final book, such as rumors of “District 13″, and what becomes of our beloved stylist, Cinna, who seems to have a mysterious past.
Read an excerpt from the second chapter here, where the book really starts to gain some steam.
