It was a delight to read the sequel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire. It has the searing romance, non-stop excitement and unpredictable adventures of the first book. These elements of the story created a more complicated love triangle that is Katniss-Peeta-Gale; a darker, more sinister bloodbath in the Hunger Games and the gripping unraveling about the rebellion spreading in Panem.
Katniss already made her choice between his childhood friend and her partner in the Hunger Games. She chose Gale. Right after the cameras packed up, Katniss was free to pursue her real love. One really felt how much they missed each other as she waited for him in their favorite spot and he longingly hug and kissed her. Peeta was devastated, but he refused to act ‘so wounded’ because of his good nature and his love for Katniss. What makes it more complex is that even though Katniss and Gale already have an understanding; she still cares for Peeta deeply, comforted by his mere presence, shares a special connection with him and is even willing sacrifice her life for him. So who would she end up with in the finale? Gale will be broken hearted but I think Katniss is really meant to be with Peeta.
The Capitol, wanting to remind the restless people that they can crush even the strongest, threw the former champions in the past Hunger Games to fight it until death again. There are alliances and foes, traps and tactics, death and bravery. Katniss and the rest of the tributes discovered that the arena has glitches and it is not impossible to destroy and get away from it alive. It is like a clock, each time, which is represented by a lightning, corresponds a danger for the tributes. With their team work and careful planning, Katniss had a clear shot to send her arrow to the ‘weakspot’ of the arena causing destruction, their eventual escape and the needed spark to ignite an all-out rebellion. But the Capitol captured some of their comrades, including Peeta, and it was revealed that District 12 was no more.
Katniss represents the woes of the citizens of Panem. She and her family were oppressed and starved because of the tyranny and injustice of the Capitol. And because of her defiance, valor and success in the previous Hunger Games, she became the reluctant beacon of hope for the people. To show her talent and fury to the Gamekeepers, she made a dummy, named it as the former head of the Hunger Games who was executed because he let her live, tie a rope around his neck and hangs it. Even Peeta, painted Rue with beautiful flowers on her head that caused them to make history in the game receiving zero from the Gamekeepers. Cinna and the rest of the Prep team also had their moments, understanding what Katniss represents; he dressed her up in a wedding dress for her interview and instructed her to twirl. She followed him, she was engulfed in smoke and her dress was turned into a mockingjay. When Katniss was about to part with Cinna, she saw him mobbed and beaten by the Peacekeepers. Even the former champions showed their unity when they held hands which caused confusion to the people of the Capitol, anger to President Snow and inspiration to the citizens in the brink of a war. Instead of suppressing uprising by displaying their control and power through the Hunger Games, they fanned the fire and let it spread throughout the country.
The last book of the Hunger Games trilogy will be available this September. The finale will hopefully even surpass the first two books. Katniss will make a difficult decision and a heart will be shattered, she will try to lead but not without doubts and distrusts. And it will be a struggle; with sacrifices, tears and death before she can take a shot again to victory.
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