"Catching Fire" Continues Quality Story in "Hunger Games" Series Wednesday, October 26, 2011 By Palmer Szarko - Yahoo Advertising         If you like the first book in The Hunger Games series, you will love the second, Catching Fire. It is rare that the second book in a trilogy gives you more information about the characters, setting, and plot than the first. Catching Fire does that. From here on out, however, if you have not read The Hunger Games, stop reading.  Many spoilers are to come.         Katniss has won the Hunger Games along with Peeta. This is a first in the history of the Capitol because only one person usually wins. In order to get both of them out alive, Katniss and Peeta were both going to eat poisonous berries at the same time. Without a victor, the Hunger Games would not have the same effect on the people. So, the Capitol, not wanting to go without a victor, let them both win.         People in the districts have seen this as an act of rebellion. Peeta and Katniss knew the rules of the Hunger Games, but did not want to follow them because one of them would have to die. The people saw this and to them it was a sign that the Capitol's powers could be challenged. As a consequence, it cracks down and  sends hundreds of peacekeepers (police) to the districts to kill or punish anyone who breaks the law.           Katniss is now unable to do things she has done her whole life, things like hunting in the woods and trading at the Hob (black Market). Her friend Gale is caught with animals from the woods in his game bag. He is than taken to the center of town and violently whipped. I would not recommend this book for kids under 10 due to such graphic violence.         In an unprecedented turn of events for the Quarter Quell, which is an extra hunger games that occurs every 25 years, previous victors will be chosen to compete. Since Katniss is the only female victor for her district she has to go. As she prepares for the Quarter Quell she notices some weird occurrences. Things like the tributes acting very friendly toward each other.          Suzanne Collins uses these little actions and details to keep attention on the building rebellion. After this the story goes crazy with twists and turns at every corner. As the threat of rebellion increases the Capitol changes. They go into attack mode, trying to destroy the rebellion. Katniss is constantly afraid for her family's safety. People who are close to her are not safe and she is constantly reminded of this.             Overall, this was a great read that I couldn’t set down.  You feel as if you’re in the capitol watching everything unfold. Toward the end of the book, the rebellion builds. When you finish, you are still wondering if the rebellion will be successful or not, and what will happen to Peeta.          I will not be a spoiler so I’m not telling you anything else. The ending is abrupt, but it leaves you wanting to read the next book that much more. Each book leads seamlessly into the next the transistion is very smooth.           This is must read, and you will not be able to put it down. It's just as exciting, if not more exciting, than the first book. This book gets more exciting as it goes on. Remember the trilogy continues in The MockingJay.

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