Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Date of Publication: September 1, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic
Summary
Catching Fire is the continuation of Suzanne Collins Hunger Games three book series. The
story takes place in a distant future, where an overwhelming power known as the
Capitol takes hold. The world becomes divided into twelve districts, with each
providing a valuable resource to the Capitol. The world is no longer several continents;
it all merges under the name of Panem. Katniss Everdeen is the key individual
in this story, but ironically she didn’t know her important role. Katniss had
participated in the death match known as the Hunger Games, but also rebelled
against the Capitols authority but attempting to suicide. The event had been
broadcasted on nation television, making Katniss the symbol for rebellion. It
was not until later that Katniss understood her actions but it was too late.
The districts had been organizing their troops and prepared for the attack. Rebellions
waited for just the right time and signal. Meanwhile Katniss was in the dark as
to any of these plans. The only trouble on her mind was the fact that she had
to reenter the ring to fight again in the Hunger Games.
The fight in the arena soon begins as deaths are counted
left and right. Soon all that’s left is Katniss’s group of six and two other
candidates called tributes. But the people wasn’t only the problem, it was the
setting as well. The arena had been arranged as a clock, which every hour meant
another form of torture and punishment. The obstacles came one after another,
but soon started a repetition. Everything boils down to one last encounter, as
the two teams encounter one another; the final plan was electrocution of all
water. Chances are that it would kill the target, but there is also the possibility
that it doesn't work. The plan wasn’t carried out exactly, the target was
actually the force field and that was the sign of the rebellion. Those that
knew of the plan were helping Katniss stay alive. Rescue came when a plane gather
up all members and healed wounds and finally the plans were told to Katniss.
The Rebellion had begun.
Quote
It’s an awful lot to
take in, this elaborate plan in which I was a piece, just as I was meant to be
a piece in the Hunger Games (385, Collins).
Reaction
Katniss had the right
to know about the plans, but there is also the reason for her not to know. On
one hand she could have ruined everything but on the other she was the key
role. This quote states that Katniss believes she was just a piece, which isn’t
wrong. But what she didn’t know was that she was king. The King is the one piece
that everybody wants to protect because it’s the critical piece that keeps
everything together. Katniss doesn’t understand her position just yet; she
believes that she was just the pawn. When the time comes, I believe that she would
also aid the rebellion and become a true leader for the people of Panem. Rebels
will stay by her side and fight for what is theirs, taking back the land stolen
by the Capitol.
