And we're back with the Hunger Games sequel entitled, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins! In the Hunger Games review, it was hard trying not to compare the movie with the book. But as we ease into Book 2, I can definitely forgo the comparisons from here on out. I didn't care for the rest of the films after the first, so reviewing should be straightforward. I decided to do the audio version again for Catching Fire, so with that, we will have two different reviews for both book and audio.
"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen 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 that 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."
First things first, let's talk about the narrator. After an explosive reading from Tatiana Maslany from Book 1, I expected that same vigor in Book 2. Not only was I highly disappointed that the narrator was not Maslany, the original speaker, Carolyn McCormick, bored me to tears and almost made me DNF this journey entirely. The way she read wasn't natural, even when she tried to use inflections in her voice when switching characters. It sounded like she was reading from the script vs. regaling us with a tale. This was not working for me. It took me some time, but oh, the joy when I found the Tatiana Maslany 10 year edition version on Audible! (Don't be cheap like me. Go ahead and buy the audio. It's worth it!) I'm sorry I almost strayed.
Catching Fire continues after the events from the Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta won the tournament and are now back to their almost everyday lives in District 12. During the majority of the book, we can see Katniss struggling for the norm again. She knows things are different but still tries to hold on to some parts of her old way of living. But now that she's being watched, I feel her paranoia and willingness to corporate with President Snow has left her somewhat defeated. She's still a survivalist, and she's doing what she has to do, but I feel like some of the Fire was put out. PTSD is a real thing. With whispers of rebellion in other districts are starting to make their way to Katniss's ears, she's become indecisive with her decisions on what to do.
I feel the emotions in Book 2 were raw. Katniss now has to live with survivor's remorse and continue to play the role of the "Star-crossed Lover from District 12". It's unfair for her because she can never live the life she was still trying to figure out. We see her struggling with her feelings between Peeta and Gale, and she's still trying to protect her family from harm.
It started to get a little slow in some areas – her life in the District, some parts of the Victory Tour, and (spoiler alert) some lounging beach events in the arena. But I think they were also necessary to add to help round the story out. It showed a more human and docile side against all the action, twists, and turns that came out of nowhere. It rounded it out.
Overall I rated this book 4.5 stars and the audio 5-stars. Maslany saved my judging, and Collins didn't fall prey to a Sophomore Slump. Catch me on Book 3, The Mockingjay!
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