Do not worry--there are no spoilers in this review. Instead, save your worries for the memorable characters that Collins gave us in The Hunger Games. Anytime you have a Capitol willing to sacrifice two children ("tributes") under the age of 18 from each of the 12 Districts of Panem, there's plenty of panic to go around. As this sequel opens, Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch, their mentor, are preparing to depart their home, District 12, on a Victory Tour to all of the districts. The tour is "strategically placed almost midway between the annual Games . . . the Capitol's way of keeping the horror fresh and immediate." But just before their departure, Katniss gets a surprise visit--in the very first chapter--from President Snow himself, trailing the scent of blood and roses. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Games; every 25 years there's a Quarter Quell--"for extra fun, [the Capitol adds] some miserable twist for the tributes." For the 50th anniversary Quarter Quell, the Capitol called for twice the number of tributes--48 children instead of 24--to compete in the Games. What sacrifice will the Capitol demand this year?
Katniss's brilliant move with the poisonous berries at the end of the 74th Hunger Games may have convinced some of the citizens of Panem of her love for Peeta, but not all, suggests President Snow. Sixteen-year-old Katniss must put on the performance of her life or put everyone she loves at risk. But how much is an act and how much is real? Where is Peeta in all this? And Katniss's best friend, Gale Hawthorne? As they travel through the Districts, visiting the families of the tributes they defeated, Katniss and Peeta gain a clearer picture of life across Panem, the history that shaped it and the strength of their fellow citizens. Once again they begin to question the masterminds behind the Games. Can they use the rules of the Games against the architects themselves? You will want to reread The Hunger Games to see how Collins planted seeds that blossom in this book, and then you will also feel compelled to reread Catching Fire for clues to what may come in the final book in the trilogy. Oh how I envy those of you at the starting line: the cornucopia awaits.--Jennifer M. Brown