Plot Summary
The first novel in the Hunger Games trilogy left readers hanging with tantalizing questions: Whom does Katniss really love, Gale or Peeta? Will her actions stir rebellion among the 12 districts? The second novel in the series, Catching Fire, begins to answer some of those questions. As the novel opens, Katniss has returned home safely to district 12 --she has her mother, sister and best friend, Gale near her, but she doesn’t feel the much-awaited relief. Though she and her partner Peeta Mellark both miraculously made it out of the Hunger Games alive, she realizes that she is still not safe. She learns that powerful forces are upset with her when the Capitol’s President Snow pays her a visit and warns her that she will pay dearly if any uprisings occur in any of the districts. As she and Peeta make their Victory Tour throughout the twelve disricts, she must convince everyone that she is madly in love with Peeta so that no-one suspects a ruse against the Capitol. As if that isn’t enough, Katniss learns that the Capitol has staged an even greater challenge for her than the one she faced in the first novel.
Critical Evaluation
Collins juxtaposes descriptions of life in the decadent Capitol against the grinding poverty in the 12 districts. The jewels, opulent meals (pounds and pounds of which are thrown away when there is excess) and elaborate wardrobes that are mainstays of life in the Capitol stand in stark opposition to the daily life of people in the districts. The denizens of the districts regularly face a terrible choice: go hungry or pay tribute, endangering the lives of their children whose names will be entered that many more times to become contestants in the hunger games. A citizen of district 12, Katniss receives lavish attention, food and wardrobe choices only when she is being prepared for potential death in the games. Collins’ descriptions of these extremes help the reader stay invested in the central tension of these novels.
Reader’s Annotation
Now that she has returned from the Hunger Games, will Katniss finally get some rest at home with her family and loved ones? Or will she stir rebellion among the twelve districts?
Information about the Author
(see The Hunger Games entry)
Genre
Science Fiction, Dystopian Literature
Curriculum Ties
Revolution/ Rebellion, Utopian vs. Dystopian Societies
Booktalking Ideas
Take the perspective of President Snow and explain what he wants of Katniss Everdeen when he pays her a visit at the beginning of the novel.
Reading Level/ Interest Age
Grades 8+
Challenge Issues
Depictions of violence may be graphic for younger readers. If the book were challenged, I would turn to ALA's Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials.
Why Included?
This is a highly regarded series that serious readers of YA fiction are talking about--I wanted to be able to join in the conversation.
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