Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) Book Review

I finally finished the second book in this trilogy, and like the first, it was well worth the read. Although I must admit that I liked the first one better.

In Catching Fire, we follow Katniss and Peeta as they are celebrated victors of The Hunger Games, an annual competition where tributes are chosen from each of the twelve districts to compete in a game of ultimate survival. Killing is the object of the game. That being said, the details of the games are cloudy enough that it is not a consuming part of the novel.

As they are making their Victory Tour across all of the districts, President Snow announces that for the 75th Hunger Games, the victors from the districts will come back for a second round. Back in the arena, Katniss and Peeta form alliances with other players, but they are still soundly concerned with each other. Their relationship is a real point of interest in the novel, because while she loves Peeta, she is in love with another but knows that keeping Peeta alive (and everyone believing in their relationship), means peace and happiness for everyone.

Meanwhile, life back in their home district, 12, is harder than ever. With the removal of their more understanding PeaceKeeper and a new more rigid, hard-lined man in his place, whippings and public punishment become commonplace. Will Katniss and Peeta along with others in the different districts be able to rebel against the Capital that is keeping them on lockdown?

This book is a great sequel to the first book, but I felt like it was more confusing. The characters were a little harder to get to know, and the events in the arena were a little forced and rushed which sometimes leaves the reader wondering, "what just happened?" Re-reading comes in handy.

Overall it was definitely worth the read, you will still be vested in Katniss and Peeta's survival and they become more endearing because of their dedication to winning the games, but in a fair and appropriate way. I am hoping for a little more clarity in Mockingjay, the third book in the series.