Catching Fire starts right from where The Hunger Games left off. The beginning of the book focuses on Katniss and Peeta going through the “victory tour.”‘  This gives readers an opportunity to learn more about all the different districts. While traveling through the different districts it also opens up for some minor back story on some of the former tributes in the previous games (last book).  The repercussions of Katniss seemingly ‘faking her emotions for Peeta’ in order for them to survive the games are brought to the forefront. The story does a good job of showing the changes for Katniss in the social, financial and everyday aspects. The author (Suzanne Collins) doesn’t lose the detailed descriptions of everything like in the previous book.  This book also further explores the relationship between Katniss and Gale, with Gale’s role further developing through out. While all this goes on Katniss and Peeta are also attempting to plan a wedding to continue their public appearance as the young and in love couple.

Aside from all the emotional and romantic aspects of the story, there is also the 75th annual Hunger Games, which is a quarter quell. Every 25 Hunger Games, their is an additional surprise aspect to the games. This quarter quell had tributes chosen from a pool of living victors. This automatically means Katniss is put back into the games as she is the only female victor in her district.  During their training portion just prior to the games we are introduced to some new and very interesting characters such as Johanna, Finnick and BeeTee among others. While this time the arena portion of the book, while very cool, did feel a little bit rushed but that is probably just the “action type” in me.  Over-all, once again, simply and nicely written that keeps you hooked!

With a rebellion growing next up is… Mockingjay!