Catching Fire

Collins, S. ( 2009). Catching Fire. Scholastic, New York, NY. ISBN: 978-0-439-02349-8

After Katniss and Peeta find a way to beat the Capitol’s rules in the previous Hunger Games, both surviving, they become the unknown sponsor of rebellion within Panem. Little does Katniss realize her stunts in the Games have now lead for others to believe they can overtake the rules of the Capitol, leading to many Districts unrest. “Katniss and Peeta, who fought other teens to the death in the first book, find themselves once again in grave danger. At the same time, they've become symbols of defying the harsh government.” (Odean, 2010).

Catching Fire is a true Dystopia novel set in the future with the characters living in various districts within a country named Panem. Collins introduces readers to a place that “warns us of society’s drift toward a particularly horrifying or sick world lying just over the horizon.” (p. 241). When the Capitol realizes that allowing two winners in the previous year’s Hunger Games would cause so much distress within the country, President Snow wants revenge. But how will he get it when a contestant who has won the games previously can no longer participate, can only die of natural causes, and now lives with plenty of money and food? Katniss is left with the liability of not only the people in her district, but the people within Panem “I stand there, feeling broken and small, thousands of eyes trained on me.” (p. 61). 

A spin Collins introduces comes with the Quarter Quell. Since the beginning of the Hunger Games, every twenty-five years, there is something different added. This year, the contestants of the Hunger Games will not be children, but past winners. One male, one female. Katniss must return to save her life as well as Peeta’s one more time. Katniss, a female protagonist must not only save the life of her friend and fiancé, but she is left with the guilt and burden of the rest of the country who wishes to overthrow the Capitol. “No, it’s more than a mission. It’s my dying wish. Keep Peeta alive. And as unlikely as it seems that I can achieve it in the face of the Capitol’s anger, it’s important that I be at the top of my game.” (p. 189).

Collins creates a sequel that unlike the first book, takes place more outside of the Hunger Games Arena. The focus is more on the Districts themselves, and the vast differences between each one. An introduction to the possibility of a thirteen district where life may have more freedom is questioned as a possibility, and the stricter rules for life and dictatorship are revealed. Katniss is the face of freedom, the face of change, the face of possibility. “By the time I’m introduced, the audience is in an absolute wreck. People have been weeping and collapsing and even calling for change. The sight of me in my white silk bridal gown practically causes a riot.” (p. 251). What can Katniss do to save the people of Panem and accomplish her one goal: Keep Peeta alive!

Odean, Kathleen. Life’s Struggles. Teacher Librarian, Apr2010, Vol. 37 Issue 4, p11-11, 1/3p

Odean, Kathleen. Teacher Librarian, Apr2010, Vol. 37 Issue 4, p11-11, 1/3p

Nilsen, A. & Donelson, K.(2009). Literature for Today’s Young Adults. Boston, MA.