Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol-- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn

Let me just start off by saying that my first thoughts after finishing this book was: I.MUST.GET.MOCKINGJAY.NOW! Having said that, one can assume that I freaking loved this book!

I actually started this book months ago, after finishing the first book in a day. I begged my best friend to bring over the second book and got 15 pages in and put it down for the night. Apparently, I got distracted and never picked it back up. Which was odd considering the fact I was DYING to read this book. This just clearly proves there are too many books and not enough time.

This book takes places right where the last one left off. Katniss and Peeta have returned back to Distict 12 and are adjusting to their new lives in the Victor's Village where they will now reside with their families. However, the Capitol and President Snow are making left post-games difficult. After an unexpected visit from President Snow that resulted in the threat of the lives of those she loves, Katniss soon realizes that even though she and Peeta won the Games, they have not beat the Capitol.

This book was intense! I was bored at all during this book, infact, I could NOT put it down! It espeically got good around the middle when they announce the plans for the Quarter Quell (the 75th Hunger Games; they always do something "special" and "different" for them every 25 years). When President Snow made the announcement, I was shocked, even though i sort of thought it was going to happen. But even though I predicted it, I was still not prepared. I was just like, "Really? Haven't they been through enough already? Jerks..." But I'm going to stop now so I don't ruin it for those who have not yet read the book.

Now on to the inevitable: the Peeta-Katniss-Gale love triangle. Well, here are my thoughts on that subject:

So now that's that is out of the way, let me just say, just because I am "Team Peeta", it doesn't mean I hate Gale or Gale lovers. So don't start an argument, because both guys are great, but I prefer Peeta. 

"I just want to spend every possible minute of the rest of my life with you."

I know I know, it may sound a little corny, but still. I couldn't help but go, "Awwwwwwww! :3" when I read that line.

 

I actually think the whole "Teams" in books are sort of annoying and cause chaos, but if you can't beat them, join them ;)

In a nutshell, this book was AMAZING! (In case you didn't get the message before)
If you haven't read the Hunger Game yet, I strongly suggest you do so. Right now. Because I for one believe you are missing out on something amazing. And if you are one of those people who don't like to follow popular culture or don't want to be sucked into this fandom craziness, I get it; I really do. But you should still read the books :P