Blogmas Day 22: Catching Fire Book Review

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Source: Bought-Easons
Amazon | Easons

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 her 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.

Despite how Catching Fire's predecessor ended, void of any real cliff-hangers that is, I was still really excited to read it. The second book opens with an unexpected visit from President Snow, and the significant white rose he gives Katniss. I don't know if any of you have read 'Othello' by Shakespeare, but that almost reminded me of Dasdamona's handkerchief. Anyway, our beloved protagonists have become lovebirds of the Capitol after the conclusion of the 74th Hunger Games, and are on their victory tour, travelling the world of Panem, continuously being reminded of the games with every passing District. The thing that gnaws at readers' heartstrings, however, is the evident irony set in place.

Katniss and Peeta were supposed to be helplessly in love with each other right? But that facade is only shown to Panem's citizens, the readers, and desperate fans, are shown otherwise. The two couldn't be more separated. I was really surprised by this, as I'm sure many other fans were. We all knew that Peeta's feelings for Katniss weren't exactly mutual, but we didn't expect, or at least I didn't expect it to be unrequited. Suzanne Collins, by her creating this sort of rift, emphasises the extent to which Katniss and Peeta were damaged by the games and also allows the readers to explore further, the two characters.

Collins, the author, is so cautious in her developing the two characters, especially in the first part of 'Catching Fire'. The already layered protagonist, Katniss, is built upon even more in the sequel. In the previous book, she was strong, and brave, and independent, but we didn't exactly see much of the negatives. In Catching Fire, however, her fragile, vulnerable and confused sides are highlighted. I didn't think it would be possible to like Katniss more, but after reading the second book, after experiencing her development as a character, she became my favourite female protagonist, like ever. And that all leads back to the brilliant author!
Peeta, albeit his development wasn't as drastic as his partners, still went through some major changes. I think it's fair to say that, in the first book, Peeta was quite naive, to say the least, but in the second, he's much more mature. One part of the book that really stands out to me, is when he and Katniss were having trouble sleeping, while on the Victory tour, and he stayed with and comforted Katniss. It tells a lot of his character, but I think that part sums it up!

We were introduced to so many new characters this time around, but somehow I wasn't overwhelmed with the varying personas. Collins built each and every one of them to the necessary point, and no further. Gale's fierce loyalties and desire to play his part, were perfectly brought to life. New character Finnick's attractive personality and compelling past definitely hooked readers, as did Haymitch's drinking problem, still existent from the last book, and his lovable self. And Johanna.. just her character in general, was enough to keep me reading. I don't think I have to continue summarising the formidable characterisation in Catching Fire to prove my point, because that would just take far too long, and I think I have already! Haha

Catching Fire was my favourite book of the trilogy, and that's simply because of the plot. Quite a few people will dislike the sequel because it's kind of the transition from the exciting games of 'The Hunger Games', to the all out war of 'Mockingjay'. But I couldn't disagree more with those people!

The first part of the book focused on the aftermath of the 74th Games; the telltale signs of rebellion in the Districts, the outbreak in District 8, recruiting of many more peacekeepers, and the execution of that poor old man in District 11. Oh and Gale's public whipping. That all was really thrilling in itself, because Collins exploited the opportunity to give readers more insight into the districts of Panem. Even though a lot of it was political, it didn't necessarily feel that way when I was reading it, which is an added bonus, both for the readers, and the author. A win-win.

The second part of Catching Fire focused on the 75th games, which was most exciting, personally. To reiterate, the world building in Catching Fire was brilliant, and in a subtle way too! The introduction of the 'Quarter Quell' itself was source enough for readers to obtain a better understanding of the Games and Panem's society.
There wasn't one dull moment when the Games began. From the poisonous fog, to the lightning tree, readers are kept so entertained, that smoke is left on pages of books due to speedy reading! Haha. The pace of the story started off moderately, speeding up and speeding up, until the Games were over and fans were left with what can be described as the most painful cliffhanger ever.

All in all, 'Catching Fire' proved itself as a more than worthy sequel, and readers will definitely want to read on, if not need to read on, as a result.

My favourite 'Catching Fire' review 
Istyria Book Blog

What did you guys think of Catching Fire?

The review of Mockingjay will be up tomorrow for day 23!

Catching Fire

Title: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure/Sci-Fi

Director: Francis Lawrence

Studio: Lionsgate

Run Time: 146 minutes

Cert: 12A (UK)

Release Date: November 21/22

(Depending on where you were)

My Rating: 5/5

After winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen returns home to District 12 along with fellow victor Peeta Mellark. Shortly after returning home, they must embark on a "Victory Tour" of the districts to celebrate their win, leaving behind their close friends and family again. But little do they know they will have to go back into the arena with the past winners. On the day of the Victory Tour, President Snow threatens Katniss' best friend and pretend cousin, Gale Hawthorne, outraged after she and Peeta broke the rules of the 74th Hunger Games that allowed them both to win. During the tour, Katniss senses that a rebellion is brewing in the districts, but the Capitol is still firmly in control as Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games, known as a Quarter Quell, an event taking place every 25 years – a competition that could change Panem forever.

In this Hunger Games, the tributes will be reaped from the existing pool of victors, making all the other Games look like child's play. As Peeta and Katniss end up in the arena again (as the only victors of District 12 with the exception of Haymitch), this time surrounded by experienced and vicious victors, President Snow is determined to eliminate them and destroy the rays of hope and the sparks of rebellions brewing up in the Districts. Now Katniss and Peeta must do whatever it takes to defeat their foes and come out on top once again and ignite the flames of rebellion in Panem.

I can't even begin to put in words how excited I was to see this movie. Sure you could probably see that from all the previous hunger games-related posts that led up to the eventual premiere! Anyway, I just want to start, straight out, by saying that I had unbelievably high hopes for this movie, and it met almost if not all of them!

Before going to the midnight screening, I read a summary, very detailed summary, of the book and surprisingly, the beginning was one of the most memorable parts for me, and seeing that played out on the big screen was near perfection! I'm not talking about when Gale and Katniss harass the poor turkeys, no, but when Katniss goes back to the Victors' village and Haymitch is just flat out of it at his kitchen table. It stuck in my head because, for some strange reason, it's one of the few scenes I felt I could imagine with ease, and the scene in the actual film was identical to the one in my head! It was just a great way to start a film, but it's probably also a reason some fans, who hadn't read the trilogy, didn't pay much attention to the beginning.

Personally, the events of the movie flew by and I had to go see the film a second time before I could form any comprehensible thoughts haha!

Anyway, following was the series of political happenings, like Snow's unexpected visit, the Victor tour, which I was surprised at how well it came out, the clips of uprisings in the Districts and then finally, the Quarter Quell announcement that left even the mighty Haymitch speechless!

I loved how you really got to see

 into the characters of Plutarch

and Snow with their little deep

meaningful chats! Haha

It really added depth to the characters, well more so Plutarch I think, and it would have made for an even bigger surprise, for those who haven't read the book, at the end of the movie.

Ah the grand celebratory party at the Capitol, for Effie's two angels..

Elizabeth Banks is absolutely brilliant with her role, in this scene especially. She stays so true to the character, that when Effie says something funny and the whole cinema starts to chuckle, you really believe it's her speaking and not just an actress saying her lines. Know what I mean?

I thought she absolutely captivated the audiences be it with her snappy demands, her mini panic attacks, or her genuine teary moments when she realises she has to say goodbye to Katniss and Peeta.

Truly plausible!

Speaking of great character performances, can we just realise and appreciate, for a moment, both Cinna and Lenny Kravitz! They're so alike it's uncanny! It's like Cinna is Lenny's honest reflection.

 They're both so unbelievably creative and intriguing, that you can't help but like them! 

I mean, come on, look at Katniss' wedding dress-turned-mockingjay getup, for pete's sake! I know it obviously not real and she's not really on fire and blah blah blah, but the ideas Cinna has are so unique, every new creation a work of art. I won't go into too much depth as to why I love his character, but I will say that, even though I saw it coming from the beginning of the movie, Cinna's being beaten up was pretty sad.

Everything from the tribute parade, the training, and actual games that is, is still a haze of pure euphoria for me, because it was just my absolute favourite part of, not just Catching Fire, but the whole trilogy! The directing from the tribute parade, and cinematography, were no less than strokes of genius. Everything was so much more vivid, much clearer and brighter. Definitely an improvement from the last movie!

Now here's where I rave about Jennifer Lawrence. Josh, Sam and Jenna also of course! But mainly Jennifer! The fact that the happenings in these games are obviously not real, makes the actor or actress' job even more difficult, because they have less to work with. But Jennifer Lawrence made it all look far too easy, she was that good.

Take the poisonous fog for example. I heard in a Francis Lawrence interview that he actually described to Jen and the others, as they acted out the scenes, where certain things were and the reaction needed from them, so on and so forth. But when I heard that, I was kinda surprised, because when you're watching the movie, and Katniss goes to touch the fog, it's so convincing that you don't really think to question how Jennifer acted that out behind the scenes you know?

The same for when the jabberjays were attacking Katniss and Finnick. The way they made it look, it was almost as if they used real birds and actually had to run and duck away from them like they did in the movie! Also noteworthy, might I quickly add, was Jena Malone as Johanna. She was badass to the core and freaking amazing to watch!

Across the board this movie scored full marks with me. It stayed true to the book, was well acted out and visually, was absolutely stunning! The way Francis handled the quick-paced ending, yet still made sure to keep the audience in the know, was excellent, and I'd say everyone could enjoy this movie. Young, old, fans and non-fans of the books, everyone.

I proudly award this brilliant film with a 5 out of a possible 5. Though there were one or two moments in the film that I thought were a bit unnecessary, like the one too many of these..

But I didn't think it was reason enough to dock any points off the film. Personally the film of the year. It'll definitely reel in some big bucks in the box office, that's for sure! Haha

I Physically Cannot Wait

After winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen returns home to District 12 along with fellow victor Peeta Mellark. Shortly after returning home, they must embark on a "Victory Tour" of the districts to celebrate their win, leaving behind their close friends and family again. But little do they know they will have to go back into the arena with the past winners. On the day of the Victory Tour, President Snow threatens Katniss' best friend and pretend cousin, Gale Hawthorne, outraged after she and Peeta broke the rules of the 74th Hunger Games that allowed them both to win. During the tour, Katniss senses that a rebellion is brewing in the districts, but the Capitol is still firmly in control as Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games, known as a Quarter Quell, an event taking place every 25 years – a competition that could change Panem forever.

In this Hunger Games, the tributes will be reaped from the existing pool of victors, making all the other Games look like child's play. As Peeta and Katniss end up in the arena again (as the only victors of District 12 with the exception of Haymitch), this time surrounded by experienced and vicious victors, President Snow is determined to eliminate them and destroy the rays of hope and the sparks of rebellions brewing up in the Districts. Now Katniss and Peeta must do whatever it takes to defeat their foes and come out on top once again and ignite the flames of rebellion in Panem.

I'm sorry, really, I just couldn't help myself! It's pretty obvious by now, how much I love the Hunger Games, and for those of you reading this who don't, though I can't imagine there are many, you'll just have to stick it through my Hunger Games-related posts!

Okay, so I think I mentioned already that I'm going to the midnight screening of Catching Fire, which is part of a double bill, with the first movie at half nine. Two days to go, and I just seem to be losing the run of myself! For example, instead of doing homework for the past hour or two, I, instead, chose to begin my three day-long obsession until the film comes out midnight 20th.

So, I was watching Jimmy Fallon videos on Youtube right, part of my daily youtube routine, and Jenna Malone, the actress playing Johanna, was on the show. I guess because she was promoting the movie, they showed this clip and I just, almost died..

(skip to 2:50 for clip)

It's so short but it's new and to reiterate, I just, almost died! Made me even more excited! I think it's only fair that, since I'm presently mentally breaking down with the excitement, that I should help kickstart all your obsessions too right? Haha
Well try this on for size..

Those promotional posters just get me all the time! But does it cut it for you? No huh? What about this?

If you don't fangender(?) over that then I'm afraid I don't consider you a true fan man! The more mature cast, I don't know, it kinda makes the whole movie even more interesting!
And finally, you might have already seen this, but before today I hadn't, so here's the final trailer for Catching Fire. Try not to soil yourself in any way..

To a lot of you I might seem to be over-exaggerating, but believe me when I say I feel as if I physically cannot wait for this movie! It looks spectacular!