Suzanne Collins’ Catching Fire, the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy, was released on September 1. The Hunger Games spent 50 weeks on the bestsellers list and has a huge following. I am one of The Hunger Games’ biggest fans and so it was with baited breath that I began the book Catching Fire. Let me say up front that the book did not disappoint. It begins with Katniss back in District 12 after her triumphant win at the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta, have been given a beautiful home, money, and enough food that they and their families will no longer have to suffer. But Katniss is not happy. Her best friend Gale is distant and cold and Peeta does not want her company.
But her fractured friendships pale in comparison to the fear she is now under. Due to the unusual circumstances of her victory, President Snow believes that she has defied the Capitol and is now a symbol of rebellion. As she and Peeta embark on a Victory Tour through the Districts, they see signs of unrest. Katniss feels conflicted about this unrest. She hates living under the rule of the Capitol and at times believes in the rebellion; however, she doesn’t want to be responsible for the punishments that the rebels will have to endure. Soon, Katniss learns that President Snow has a special torture in store for her.
Catching Fire is brimming with action. As I read the last 20 pages, my heart was literally pounding with excitement, apprehension, and dread (where are my HBP pills?). But the book is more than just a thriller; it brings up powerful issues of friendship, loyalty, obedience, sacrifice, love, and freedom. These are powerful topics for the intended audience (9th-12th grade) to consider. The book ended with a cliff-hanger that has left me in agony as I await the next and last installment. If you purchase one book for your library or classroom this year, then make it The Hunger Games or Catching Fire.