Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

November 17-19
p.1-135 Part One: The Spark

    As I look to continue completing my Accelerated Reader, I begin reading the second book of the "Hunger Games" series, "Catching Fire." Katniss and Peeta, (AKA the star crossed lovers from District 12,) return home from the brutal Capitol torture known as the Hunger Games. As one would expect from winning, they'd be showered with riches and fortunes for their families and District, and all would be happy. This was not exactly the case, as Katniss, the protaganist, causes uprisings and anger from her performance in the Games. Once she denies her love for Peeta, she second guesses herself into really loving her best friend Gale, who she has known since she was a child. Katniss is overwhelmed with all that is happening, and on what decisions to make. I can't wait to find out on how she reacts to all the tension surrounding her and her loved ones.

November 19-21
   p.136-263 Part Two: The Quell

   Katniss initially wants to run away with her family and friends. She wants to escape the danger of the Capitol threats and uprisings. But it ended up being too difficult; surely they'd be tracked down. Later on in the chapter, the President announces the theme for "The Quell," which is the Hunger Games that happens every 25 years. The theme was for every previous victor of the Games, still alive, to return to the wretched arena and battle till death. This would mean that Katniss and Peeta would have to participate again. Katniss is sure that she won't make it back this time, and will do whatever to keep Peeta alive since she "owes him." I'm pretty sure Katniss and Peeta will survive another round of the Hunger Games, as there would be no sequel to this very descriptive novel. Nonetheless, I am anticipating reading on about the gruesome 75th Hunger Games.

November 21-24
p.263-391 Part Three: The Enemy

    When the games start, Katniss' first priority is to find and protect Peeta. Because she got to know some of the other tributes before the Games, she's confused as to who are really on her side. This scales down to a few people such as Finnick, Johanna, and of course, Peeta. Katniss isn't sure how much she should trust them, but they show efforts to keep her and Peeta alive. When the Games are about to end, Katniss is knocked unconscious, she thinks she's about to die. A bomb was set off where all the remaining tributes were. Shortly afterwards, a hovercraft picks up the bodies. When Katniss gains consciousnesses, she sees herself in a nursery. She overheard her mentor, Haymitch, talking to the newest Head Games designer. Katniss is "the mockingjay." She is the symbol of rebellion in the capitol. Katniss is angered and feels betrayed as she is being used as an item. The bad news isn't over, as she finds out that there is no longer a District 12 from Gale, and that Peeta was captured by the Capitol. This book would be a good example for a theme of  "crisis reveals character." Katniss faces numerous challenges and somehow manages to prevail. I am looking forward to reading the final book of this trilogy, "Mockingjay."