Catching Fire (Suzanne Collins)

Catching Fire is Suzanne Collins’ second book in the Hunger Games trilogy and picks up right where the first book, The Hunger Games, left off.

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have returned from their triumphant victory in Panem’s 74^th annual Hunger Games. District 12 hasn’t changed much, after all, it’s only been a few weeks. But as for Katniss and Peeta, things have changed for them.

Peeta is somewhat resentful that Katniss and their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, had a plan going into the games. They drop the “we are in love” front, taking on a more reserved relationship.

Food and hunger are no longer a problem for them, and their families have moved into better quarters. Katniss and Gale have resumed their hunting, but with Gale now working in the coal mines, their time together is extremely limited. Their relationship also is a bit different.

Meanwhile, Capitol President Snow is seething with anger. Katniss has a target on her back now, and Snow intends to set an example with her. He obviously senses something in the mood of the country and wants to continue trying to suppress it through control of Katniss’ activities.

Following a victory tour midway between the Game just completed and the 75^th Games (the “Quarter Quell” held every 25 years), uprisings begin the districts. The Capitol is obviously hiding what’s really going on – revolution is afoot.

Then, a shocker. An envelope sealed since the Games were initiated is opened, revealing the format of the third Quell – this time, district tributes will be selected from existing winners; one male, one female. There’s no way around it, Katniss must again fight, along with either Peeta or Haymitch. Haymitch’s name is pulled, but Peeta immediately volunteers to take his place.

In a most emotional moment, during Katniss’ nationally televised appearance in her pre-Games interview, she “turns into” a mockingjay, which has become the symbol of the rebellion. But wait! Peeta’s revelation during HIS interview trumps all.

The Games begin, as horrible as ever. The reader is held captive by what transpires, by the hardships. Alliances are formed, and surprises abound. But there is a plan afoot. The mockingjay MUST survive … at all costs.

Now … on to the concluding story – Mockingjay.

Catching Fire (2009)

Suzanne Collins

Scholastic Press ($17.99 list)

ISBN-13: 978-0439023498