Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Reviewed by Lori
Catching Fire
Title: Catching Fire

Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy

Author:  Suzanne Collins

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 36682

Description:  By winning the annual Hunger Games, District 12 tributes Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have secured a life of safety and plenty for themselves and their families, but because they won by defying the rules, they unwittingly become the faces of an impending rebellion.

Rubric Rating: Level 3 - Laud It!


Why I Read It: I enjoyed the Hunger Games so much I immediately picked up this novel to read next.

Lori's Notes:  As a special 75th Hunger Games approaches, the districts are showing signs of rebellion and President Snow wants to maintain his oligarchy.   This year the combatants in the Hunger Games will be chosen from previous winners putting Peeta and Katniss in jeopardy once again.  They must find a way to outwit the games and escape from the Capitol once and for all.  But we also see Katniss winning over citizens of the Capitol - who see Katniss and Peeta as courageous and darling.  Even Effie Trinket is beginning to show signs of compassion toward Peeta and Katniss.  Once again, Peeta thinks only of Katniss and her safety but Katniss refuses to allow Haymitch to help her this time insisting he use all of his resources to save Peeta.  Katniss doesn't care about the Capitol, the districts, or the games she just wants her family to be safe and for Peeta to survive.  However, Katniss has become an important asset to the resistance and her survival is now more important than ever.   Little as she wants it, Katniss has become a symbol for rebellion as each of the districts "catch fire."

Recommended Readers: Grade 9 and Up.

Themes: Dystopian, Reality Television, Oppression, Compassion, Freedom, Burgeoning Love, Safety, Intelligence, Friendship, Loyalty, Survival, Power.

Cross-Genre Links: 
Movie: Catching Fire (2013)
Music: Set Fire to the Rain by Adele
Music: Girl on Fire by Alicia Keyes
Web and Image Search: Fashion in the Hunger Games
Website: http://capitolcouture.pn

Post Reading Questions and Activities:

  • What does the Capitol hope to achieve by selecting participants for the 75th Hunger Games from previous winners?  Does this plan work?
  • How does Katniss choose who she allies with for the games?  Why do you think she chooses these particular people?
  • What do you think of Katniss and Peeta's relationship?  
  • Fashion plays a large role for citizens of the Capitol.  How do Cinna's costumes in the Hunger Games and Catching Fire attract attention.  (Discuss both positive and negative aspects)
  • Design and Create a parade outfit for one of the districts (Male or Female) or a costume that would suit a citizen of the Capitol.  (Don't forget about hairstyles, Jewelry, and makeup).  Host a Fashion Show.

Other Titles in The Hunger Games Series:
Book 2: Catching Fire
Book 3: Mockingjay

Other Titles by Suzanne Collins: 



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