Please read my previous blog entry here (review of the hunger games, part 1 of the series) before you read this.
So, against astronomical odds, both Katniss and Peeta survived the hunger games. But in order to both survive and save Peeta, Katniss
did the unthinkable – she openly defied the capitol. And thus the hunger games ends with a “cliffhanger” and foreshadows a lot of trouble between Katniss and Peeta’s relationship.
In Catching Fire, we are reunited with our protagonists a little while before the victory tour (mentioned in the first book). Katniss has been trying to return to her normal life but now that she is rich, famous and has a lot of “relationship issues” to worry about, her old life seems like a distant memory that she may never return to.
Just before the victory tour, a powerful individual pays Katniss a visit, and that’s when we come to realize that Katniss is not safe (not even close), and all her friends and family may be in trouble. Because a fire is catching in Panem, and disastrous consequences may result, if it’s not put out.
Bottom Line – this is one of the few times when the sequel is better than the original. Catching fire is just as deep as the Hunger Games, but much more violent and gruesome. I can’t think of any negatives that are worth mentioning. I give it a 5/5.