Catching Fire is the second book in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy. Like the first book which was a suggested read by a colleague, this book too is filled with plenty of action and adventure.
Katniss is home after winning the games, but something is wrong. President Snow from the Capitol has paid her a visit, and he is not happy. The fact that two participants in the games lived, both Peeta and Katniss, had never happened. An attempt by Katniss to end Peeta’s life and her life at the same time could be perceived as an act of defiance. As a result, President Snow fears an uprising among the districts or a possible revolution against the Capitol. Also, Katniss learns that he is aware of her affection for Gale even though she is supposed to be deeply in love with Peeta. Now more than ever during their Victory Tour to each of the districts, Katniss has to convince the district people and the Capitol that she and Peeta still have love for one another. Hopefully, they can also squelch any possible thought of an uprising in the districts.
But after the Victory Tour, Katniss hears that there has been an uprising in District 8. Two escapees from that district, disguised in peacekeeper’s outfits, tell her a shocking tale. It is possible that there is a secretive existence of people living free in District 13 even though that district was thought to have been totally destroyed. They go on to say that Katniss has inspired the people to rebellion when she defied the Capitol during the games. The mockingjay design, originally engraved on a pin worn by Katniss during the games, is now a symbol of revolt.
This is the 75th year of the hunger games and every 25th year, something bitter is added. Katniss is shocked again when she hears President Snow make a surprising announcement on TV. Male and female tributes for this year’s hunger games will be chosen from a pool of previous hunger games victors from each of the districts.
Both Katniss and Peeta are chosen to return to the games as representatives from District 12. They must establish new alliances and face new challenges in order to survive. Are they both able to beat the odds and stay alive a second time?
With a fast pace and a great storyline that includes many unexpected events, it was hard for me to find a good point to pause reading.