Catching Fire | The Second Book of The Hunger Games

Spoiler Alert
Before reading this book review, kindly be reminded that “Catching Fire” is the second book of the trilogy - The Hunger Games. I will do my best to avoid major spoilers but if you haven’t read/watched the first book, I highly suggest you ignore this blog.

Synopsis

After winning the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta finally returned to their district. As the new “victors” they were rewarded with food supply, money, and a new house at the Victor’s Village.

Since the Hunger Games were designed by the Capitol for other districts to lose hope and loathe each other, President Snow was not pleased by Katniss’ last act during the games to save Peeta. It was the first time that 2 victors were crowned. The Capitol has taken this as an insult and has sparked rumors of rebellion in other districts as she and Peeta, in a way, didn’t play their “Games”.

To avoid further commotion, Katniss and Peeta were forced to show the districts that they were only madly in love and their final act to win the games were not an act of defiance against the Capitol.

Sadly, the spark was already ablaze and beyond control.

" A spark could be enough to set them ablaze. "
- Katniss Everdeen

The Spark
It was a little slow pacing for me at the start of the book as I enjoy reading action/gory/thriller scenes right away. It was very effective, though, because in the first few chapters Suzanne described poverty, greed, and corruption in more detail compared to the first book (Hunger Games). Even just as a reader, I wanted to start my rebellion against the Capitol hehe.

I also loved the character development of Peeta because he showed that her love for Katniss was unconditional. He wasn’t expecting anything in return despite the obvious significant relationship between Katniss and Gale. He seemed very fragile in physical aspects and has no fighting chance in the arena but his wit, humor, charm, loving character, and appeal have won the hearts of the masses (including me).

" I do think you’re mad and I’ll still go with you... 
We can do it. I know we can ”
- Peeta Mellark

Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
Suzanne’s way of writing is astonishing as you can feel the emotions of the character and the description of the scene is vivid. Her choice of words isn’t that complicated and it’s still a light read. Nonetheless, during the intense and climactic chapters, I find myself anxious and worried in some chapters and it came to a point when I cover the next lines because I’m not yet emotionally prepared for what was next.

I’m a little disappointed that there are only 7 out of 27 chapters relating to the Hunger Games itself since it was the Quarter Quell I was expecting more action inside the arena. I also think that some of the new characters weren’t given enough time in the spotlight. I understand that Katniss is the protagonist but there are also some interesting characters whom I hope stayed in the story a little longer.

Anyhow, I still enjoyed reading the book because the message was well implied
i.e. defying injustice.

" You haven’t hurt people-You’ve given them an opportunity.
They just have to be brave enough to take it.”
- Gale Hawthorne

I highly recommend this book to those who love dystopian stories that resemble real-life scenarios and hardships. Consider this as a trigger warning for some chapters contain graphic references to topics such as sexual abuse, self-harm, suicide ideation, war, and violence. Some chapters are unnerving.

" At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it. "
- Katniss Everdeen

Check out my other book reviews

Hunger Games                      Mockingjay