Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins Series: The Hunger Games #2
Also in this series: The Hunger Games, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)
Also by this author: The Hunger Games, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)
Published by Scholastic Inc. on 2010-06-01
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Young Adult
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
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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 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.
Warning: This Review Contains Spoilers For The Hunger Games and Minor Spoilers for Catching Fire.
Down with the Capitol! I read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins with baited breath. You know that anxiety that you get when you have to flip ahead to confirm that the characters are going to be okay. Well, I got that during the entire read of Catching Fire. President Snow aka President Asshole would say something to Katniss and I would have to peek ahead. I couldn’t handle the anxiety.
I’m not sure if I should do a plot summary, because chances are you’ve already read Catching Fire. So here goes: Katniss and Peeta deal with the fall out of winning the Hunger Games and pissing the Capitol off. There is risk. Your heart will race as you see Snow squeeze his iron fist. Be prepared. Vive la rebellion! Vague, I know, but going too in-depth takes the fun away.
I enjoyed Catching Fire way more than The Hunger Games, even though I read Catching Fire in a state of dread the entire time. I legit would say NO! out loud while reading. I felt as though my emotions were put through the ringer. I am seriously attached to these characters. The character development was much stronger in Catching Fire. Peeta’s love is much more clear. (How can you not love a sensitive, artistic, baker soul?)
Also, OMG Cinna. It’s amazing how for a character who barely shows up, I am so attached/riveted. I love Cinna. He is fierce personified. I picture him being like Miss J on America’s Next Top Model, only awesome. ALSO, we got to see more Gale, who I like but don’t think is right for Katniss. Personally, I prefer Peeta, but if she ends up single, that’s cool too. ALSO, omg Finnick. Yes, more please. So, I suppose this is more of a review for people who have already read Catching Fire, as I’m gushing way more than analyzing. I will say, if you haven’t already read Catching Fire, wait until the week before Mockingjay to read it. Your pain will be more bearable.
Quotes I enjoyed:
“My time in the arena made me realize how I needed to stop punishing here for something she couldn’t help, specifically the crushing depression she fell into after my father’s death. Because sometimes things happen to people and they’re not equipped to deal with them.” pg. 31-32
I liked this because it legitimizes mental health problems. Depression is not pretend. People who do have these problems deserve love and understanding. So, although this is a dystopian novel, I like that this statement is made.
“Don’t worry. I always channel my emotions into my work. That way I don’t hurt anyone but myself.” pg. 253
Cinna FTW!
Here are my predictions for Mockingjay: CONTAINS SPOILERS:
I think Katniss will end up with Peeta. He balances her out. Whereas she’s way too similar to Gale, so they would probably fight a lot.
I think President Snow will live.
I think we won’t see the rebellion succeed or fail, as it takes time to rebel, and these books take place over a period of months, not years.
I feel like Prim and Gale may wind up together. Prim is gentle in a way that Gale needs.
I don’t think there will be another Hunger Games.
I think District 13 does exist and maintains contact with Europe. I feel the hovercraft will end up there, and there will be a whole underground movement, but they will be missing something, like a leader, or weapons.
What are your predictions?
Series Order:
The Hunger Games (Book One)
Catching Fire (Book Two)
Mockingjay (Book Three)
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Ahh I can't wait for Mockingjay!! I just posted my "review" for Catching Fire here if you're interested..
http://sarahema.blogspot.com/2010/08/catching-fire-by-suzanne-collins.html
I like your predictions for Mockingjay! Especially about Prim and Gale. And I TOTALLY agree about Cinna. Excellent review!
for real, I don't know HOW I am going to read Mockingjay without flipping ahead.
Katniss and Peeta probably will end up together, I can see it although I'm not a Team Peeta supporter, but lets not talk about times right now.
I most definitely believe that there will be no Hunger Games because the time frame isn't much for one and because District 12 is gone, some Districts are in rebellion, but some people still believe that there might be one! Which I find strange.
But I actually am surprised by you saying Prim and Gale maybe being together, because I've usually heard people say Madge and him to get together. Still, I think it's possible despite the age difference. Or Prim could be with Rory and Gale be with Madge, it all depends.
I didn't like Catching Fire very much, but I do love Cinna! I hope he's still alive.
I think that Katniss's father may still be alive and living in District 13 (which I also believe exists). I would love Katniss to end up with Peeta but I have this horrible feeling that he's going to die… As for Gale, I think he may end up with that girl whose name begins with M that I have momentarily forgotten.
Oh, and President Snow is totally a vampire, and that's why his breath smells of blood :P. Just kidding.
I really have NO idea. I can't wait to see what Collins has in store.
Interesting predictions. I have a similar one to your District 13 + Europe connection. I'm going to write a whole post revealing my predictions a day or two before Mockingjay comes out.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
And, I linked to your post in my Mockingjay Madness entry:
http://derapsreads.blogspot.com/2010/08/mockingjay-madness.html
I honestly don't think that I could ever make any predictions about Mockingjay becayse I think that no one will see what's going to happen. Why else not have ARCs available?
But, I hope that Katniss will end up with Peeta; he's so dreamy.
Interesting predictions-I'm not making any because I suck at figuring that kind of stuff out. I am desperately hoping she chooses Peeta though-sensitive baker > hunter who friendzoned her.
i just hope gale quits his yapping and sits in the time out corner for the entirety of Mockingjay so he stops tap dancing on my last nerve. this is my only wish.
I love your predictions and am crossing my fingers about Katniss and Peeta. It's the classic bad boy versus good boy struggle. I tend to go for the bad boy (not in real life!) but Peeta is hard to resist. Btw, I am a 40-something mom and totally hooked on these books. I was the lucky one to review them for my website — my three partners don't know what they're missing. Shhh!
http://www.storysnoops.com/results.php
Prim and Gale.. I had not thought of that, but I like that prediction. Mainly because I want Katniss to end up with Peeta 🙂
Omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg! Can't wait for Mockingjay either, and oh, Peeta <3