Catching Fire

After The Hunger Games, Katniss is settling into her new life with plenty of food and confusion.  She has feelings for both Gale and Peeta and doesn't know what to do.  But soon, she has bigger problems to worry about.  After defying the Capital in the last Games, they are out for revenge.  Can Katniss convince them that all is what it seems and that she really loves Peeta? And if she can't, what will be the consequences?




Was this book better than The Hunger Games?  I can't tell you that.  In many ways, it was a different kind of book and it was the same in other ways.  I found the beginning rather boring.  I will admit it.  I was waiting for the action.  But then the action came and I was hooked. Katniss still makes me want to shake her when it comes to Peeta and Gale.  It's like without an adrenaline rush, she can't think clearly.  And the love triangle thing seemed a little out of place in the midst of all the craziness.  I love Peeta.  He is made of win in many many ways.  And Haymitch is pretty awesome too.  What they accomplish is unbelievable.  However (not to get all braggy or anything) I saw most of the plot coming from a mile away.  In fact, on page 122 (I marked it) I knew what was coming up.  And I wanted to be surprised.  But the only surprise I got was at the very end and it was a doozy.

Despite that, Collins can write an absorbing book.  The problem with middle books in a trilogy is that they set up and move the over-all arc along and provide more questions than answers.  Such is the case with Catching Fire.  And I have so many questions now.  I hope the next book comes out sooner rather than later and I hope to be surprised.

BONUS:

For the Take a Chance Challenge, one of the task is a poetic review.  Here are my attempts at this for Catching Fire.

Haiku

Katniss survived
The Capital seeks vengeance
Katniss prepares

Limerick

There once was a girl named "Catnip"
who caused the President pique.
While revenge he contrived
she tried to stay alive.
Of entertainment the Capital wasn't deprived.

Free Verse

Smart Girl
Hungry Girl
Plays the Games to save her sister
Wins by a trick
By a "love"
By a deception

Smart Girl
Confused Girl
Off on her Victory tour
Waits for the Capitol's anger
For their vengeance
For her own revenge