Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

I couldn't help myself. After reading The Hunger Games (see my previous post), I had to read Catching Fire. Especially because a copy arrived the next day from Junior Library Guild and because it was not already spoken for by one of my students. Although I didn't have to wait for the this book, it would have definitely been worth the wait. I sure hope the next one will be.

Even though some of Catching Fire was predictable, the story still managed to keep me intrigued with new twists and turns. Haymitch, Peeta, and Katniss are all having to deal with the Quarter Quell. These are the Hunger Games that happen every twenty-five years. Haymitch was the winner at the last Quarter Quell - the 50th games. Meanwhile the capitol is planning for Peeta and Katniss to marry. In fact, President Snow makes a very threatening visit to Katniss to make sure that she is serious about Peeta. However, is she serious? Gale is a more prominent character in this book even though he doesn't have much page time.

The surprise for me was the ending of course, but also getting the bigger picture of Katniss' mother and some of her upbringing and relationships outside the Seam. District 12 and it's citizens are a big part of this book as are the victors from previous Hunger Games.

Oh, not to spoil anything, but this book abruptly ends like the last. Suzanne Collins' writing reminds me of the old serial movies my dad watched when he was a teen. Where the characters are thrown into an impossible cliff hanger. He had to spend another ten cents next week to find out what will happen to his favorite characters. So, like my dad I have to wait for the next book. HURRY, hurry Suzanne Collins! It is going to be a difficult wait to find out what awaits Katniss in the next book. Maybe I should start her other series The Underland Chronicles - Gregor the Overlander?

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