The Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins.

When I was scrounging the Kenny Library for something to read during independent reading Monday, I happened upon a sort of reddish book. Reading the title, I realized it was the book that my classmates had been raving about in 5th grade: the second book of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Since I had already read the first book and thought it was interesting, I picked it up and got through the first one or two chapters in the period. It was even more intriguing than the previous book- the dystopian world and plotline of Katniss being a victor of a game where people got killed in a blood shed of broken trusts and torture was shown more light, with a possible conspiracy to overthrow the bloodshedders on the way. 

I read through the whole book in the next few periods. Needless to say, I thought it was great. The intricacies of the character interactions really highlighted the maniac need for control from the Capitol: Katniss had to be careful who she talked to, and what they talked about, as there could be cameras or recording devices anywhere, and she was already a target for reasons I’m not going to spoil. Basically, if there was any hint of revolt, the Capital wanted to knock it down like a domino. In Katniss’s case, she had to pretend her real romantic interest, Gale, was her cousin and that Peeta, her supposed lover, was her real interest. 

Another thing that keeps the reader on their toes is the fact that Katniss always has to pretend and doesn’t know who to trust. When she is sent back to the arena due to unfortunate circumstances, she has to train to survive. However, during training, she doesn’t know who exactly to trust. This gives the reader a sense of insecurity as anyone she comes in contact with could be a friend of a foe. Its also interesting to see Katniss shift between realities: in front of the TV she has to play the role of a star stricken lover with Peeta, while in real life they are not super close and very awkward with each other. The Capitol forcing them to look like lovers so a rebellion doesn't happen (READ THE FIRST BOOK FOR CONTEXT I'm not gonna spoil it lul) left them to deal with the side effects, where they are kind of distant from each other. Its especially awkward because Peeta actually likes Katniss.

In my opinion, Catching Fire is quite a thunderous book. I think it is definitely more entertaining than the first one, as there are many more face to face tense interactions that Katniss has to deal with. Also, there is a plot twist at the end which really throws the reader off and prepares them for the third book. It is a great book for people who like action packed books.