Catching Fire

Catching Fire is the second book of The Hunger Games series.  Much like the first book this book draws its readers in the world known as Panem.  It brings about the same raw emotions that The Hunger Games brought.  The imagery is so strong that you really can place yourself with the characters.  In Catching Fire the reader sees what life is like for Katniss following Peeta and her's victory in the hunger games.  There are many repercussions to her actions in the games and uprisings and rebellions begin because of Katniss' actions.  The Capitol is threatening Katniss and the ones she loves.  Katniss really struggles with her new life.  There is the triangle that between Katniss, Peeta and Gale.  As she tries to sort out her feelings something happens that changes everything.  Every 25 years the Capitol holds the Quarter Quell, which is basically another hunger games, but with different rules.  For the 75th Quarter Quell to competitors are a male and female victor from each district.  Katniss along with Peeta find themselves in the arena again, but this time with an alliance.  At the end Katniss is in District 13, a place that isn't suppose to exist, and Peeta has been captured by the Capitol along with another member of her alliance.  And District 12 has been destroyed.

Catching Fire was just as interesting and intense as The Hunger Games.  I really enjoyed it as the story takes you through another journey.  This book does what few do and really pulls at your emotions.  It isn't very often that I cry reading a book.  Yet, this series has managed to do just that in both of the books.  The themes of this book and series really make you think.  You can identify with the situation as we all at one point have to make important decisions in life.  We ask ourselves how much are we willing to sacrifice to save the ones we love.  How selfless or selfish are we?  Katniss has to decide whether or not to run or stand up and face the Capitol.  Once again we find Katniss willing to sacrifice her life for someone else.  Katniss is a leader and a fighter, but like in real life, it takes time for her to realize her full potential and who she really is.  There is something special about her that only others can see.  Just like in life, we must embrace who we are.  We can try to run, but reality will always find us no matter how hard we try to run.