Catching Fire - The Hunger Games 2 by Suzanne Collins

If you haven't read The Hunger Games Book One yet and plan to, then skip this review. It contain spoilers about what happens in the first book.

By several recommendations from the Blogosphere, I was drawn into the world of The Hunger Games. I have reviewed Book One here. Since I loved it and couldn't stop thinking about it, I went ahead and ordered number two, Catching Fire, as soon as it was available here in Europe. The first Hunger Games book was a 5 out of 5 read, and Catching Fire is right behind it with 4½ stars. Why not 5? Only because the surprise-element of the whole Hunger Games-concept is now known to the reader. But it was still an amazing read, and now I am eagerly awaiting book three. Wonder when that is coming out.

We are still in the country of Panem, which is the US after some end-of-the-world-scenario, of which we don't know anything. Maybe we will know more about that in book three? I hope so.

Katniss and Peeta, the winners of the 74th Hunger Games, are wealthy now, living in clean, warm houses (part of their winning-prizes), they do not go hungry anymore and life should be good. Only they are still stuck in District 12, one of the poorest Districts in Panem. Katniss haven't really spoken to Peeta since they came back from the Games, even though they are supposed to be in love - their supposed love story was what eventually got them through the Games. Katniss is also wondering about Gale, her  best friend whom she used to hunt with, and how things between them never was the same after the Games.

The Hunger Games are broadcast to all of Panem as a reality show, and it is mandatory to watch, so Katniss and Peeta has also become celebrities in all districts, and as we begin book two, they are headed for the mandatory celebration-tour of the Districts. Before the tour, Katniss receives an unexpected visit from the president of Panem, President Snow, who resides in The Capitol. It seems like something is brewing in Panem, something which the government in The Capitol has been trying to keep under the lid for many years. But since Katniss and Peeta won the Games, it has become harder and harder to keep the lid on, and President Snow is NOT amused.

It is with severe threats hanging over their heads that Katniss and Peeta ventures out on the celebration tour through the Districts of Panem. And now I am not going to say anything else but: READ IT (but read Book One first).

Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit reviewed Cacthing Fire here.