"Sparks are igniting.
Flames are Spreading.
And the Capitol wants revenge."
On the movie: Catching Fire will have the same actors and actresses and The Hunger Games, thank goodness! But, there is a new producer, Stephen Spielburg. Who has won many awards and wowed audiences with intense movies such as: Men in Black, Transformers, Real Steel, and pretty much everything else. Let's hope he does a spectacular job re-creating such an awesome book!
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Stephen Spielburg
Before beginning I have to spoil the end of the first book! Here goes, Peeta and Katniss both made it out of the games as the final victors, but barely. Katniss and Peeta go their separate ways when the games begin even to the point of trying to kill each other. But, Peeta has some secrets! Halfway through the games it is announced that two tributes from the same district may survive together. Immediately Katniss goes in search for a very wounded Peeta. Stuck in a cave due to Peeta's mortal wound they grow to know and even love each other. Problem being that Katniss is doing most of it only for the cameras. Peeta? Not so much. Down to the final 3 Peeta receives another wound as they are being hunted by insane creatures. Once the other tribute is killed by the creatures with Katniss' help only Katniss and Peeta are left. Another announcement comes proclaiming a withdrawal of the previous statement. Struck with a brilliant idea Katniss and Peeta both eat poison berries, but do not swallow. Because the Capitol must have a victor they are then proclaimed the victors! But the trouble does not end there. Without immediate survival necessary Katniss certainly lets Peeta know her feelings are not matching his.
Katniss shooting. Katniss and Gale in the woods.
Now, onto the best part, the book! Catching Fire is not as filled with action as The Hunger Games, in the beginning. It starts out in Katniss' hometown, District 12. But this time everything has changed. For better or worse? Katniss and her family have moved into the Victor's Village, neighbors to the almost always drunk Haymitch Abernathy, and her "lover" Peeta Mellark. The family now receives ample food and is pampered more than Katniss could have imagined. So what's wrong? Problem is that she does not want to live life easy. Hunting was all she knew to do and with that taken away who is she? To make matters worse her best friend and old hunting partner, Gale is now working full time at the mines. This leaves Katniss to her own devices each day. To make matters worse President Snow is not happy at all with the berries trick. He is convinced Katniss did it not out of love, but to incite rebellion. And unfortunately for the President, it is working, intentionally or not. At the end of the first book Peeta and Katniss were not exactly seeing eye to eye. After having practically rejected Peeta they go their separate ways but, only behind the camera backs! To the country of Panem they are still "The Star-Crossed Lovers From District 12". Soon they are forced back together when they embark on the Victory Tour across the districts. And yet again Katniss begins to fall for the boy with the bread.
Peeta in front of his parents bakery. Katniss and Peeta in their training suits.
* Full Spoils*
Thankfully, Susan Collins had the sense to add enough action into this book so as to appease all readers (including me!). Throughout the book Katniss is able to hear or see glimpses of rebellions starting throughout the country. Districts are rising up. Taking stands. And she was the one who began it all. With all of this to digest Katniss has her hands full. Then About half way through the book an unexpected turn comes: the 75th Annual Hunger Games. This particular game is important because it is a quarter quell. The first quarter quell (when Haymitch won) required instead of 2, 4 tributes be chosen from each district. Doubling the death toll. The shocking part is the new requirement: (a bit too convenient for President Snow) instead of choosing new tributes victors will be sent in. Katniss will be back in the arena with either Peeta or Haymitch. Back to her living hell.
Katniss being taken to the arena by Peacemakers. Effie, Katniss, Haymitch, and Peeta (or his leg) watch tv.
Sound good? For more information, other reviews, or to buy the book click here: http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Fire-Second-Hunger-Games/dp/0439023491
Also did not get a chance to mention one of the funniest characters: Effie! Here is Elizabeth Bank's portrayal of Katniss' crazy organizer.
And finally, an awesome picture of director Gary Ross, Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta), and Liam Hemsworth (Gale) done for Hollywood Reporter. Along with a shout-out to my math teacher, who is pretty much the only one not related to me that reads this blog....thanks!;) Only 22 days until the premeire!
