The Hunger Games - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

It has been about six months since Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the Hunger Games, an annual event in which every district in Panem sends one female and male tribute to fight to the death in a televised competition for food and money. Despite the fact that only one tribute can win, a change in the rules allowed both Peeta and Katniss to both win. Their victory was due to Peeta’s declaration of love for Katniss before the Games. After the games, she returned home, only to find that President Snow, the leader of Panem, is waiting to speak with her. He tells Katniss that she needs to convince both him and Panem while on the Tour that she is in love with Peeta or the Capitol will go after her. Snow is angry because he feels that Katniss’ stunt with the berries was too rebellious leading some people to believe she was in love with Peeta, while others think it was an act of defiance. Some of Panem’s districts are now on the edge of rebellion. If Katniss can convince everyone she is in love with Peeta, President Snow will spare her family’s lives.

I like this book because it is thrilling and there is an unexpected plot twist in the story. Katniss thought that after winning the Hunger Games, she would never ever be involved in the games again. But in the end, she ended up being caught in President Snow’s malicious plan again. Quarter Quell requires one female tribute and one male tribute to be reaped from the existing pool of victors. President Snow knows that Katniss is the only female victor from District 12 and will definitely be reaped. President Snow decided to hold the Quarter Quell but this time, making sure that the rules will not change and only one victor will be crowned.

Catching Fire is a smooth exciting story tinged with a little bit of a tension. Readers are always in suspense as to what will happen next. I found myself anxiously turning the pages and holding my breath at some parts of the story where Katniss was on the brink of death. Surprises are at every turn. These are what make the story even more interesting, entertaining and definitely addicting. It is well, worth a few hours of your time.

Ming Ting (1L)