'Hunger Games' Sequel 'Catching Fire' Goes All '1984,' In The Book Report

There's kind of a built-in curse for second books in trilogies — even masterpieces like "The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers." No matter how good they are, there's going to be some element of disappointment, because they won't match the excitement you had when you first began the story and met its characters, and by definition, they're going to leave you hanging. But if you know this going into "Catching Fire," the second book in Suzanne Collins' "Hunger Games" trilogy, you'll be much better primed to enjoy a lot of thrilling action and intrigue, but not much character development and no conclusion of any kind. And of course, you will be left hungry (sorry) for more.

SPOILER ALERT: Do not read further if you haven't read "The Hunger Games" yet!

Now that Peeta and Katniss are home from their unprecedented dual win of the Games, their lives aren't made any easier by their newfound wealth and fame. Katniss' best friend (and the boy she really pines after), Gale, isn't really speaking to her after witnessing her semi-made-for-TV romance with Peeta during the Games. And Peeta, after realizing that Katniss thought their romance was made for TV, isn't so thrilled to hang out with her, either. Such young-love drama would seem like the least of her worries, living in the spotlight under a harsh dictatorial regime. But a visit from none other than the president of Panem himself soon proves otherwise. The über-creepy prez shows up at her house to inform her personally that when she and Peeta threatened to commit suicide by eating poisoned berries, thus forcing the gamemakers to declare both of them winners, she became a national symbol of rebellion against the Capitol. And the only way to convince the oppressed citizens otherwise, he says, is for her to continue her charade of being madly in love with Peeta, not mad with desire to undermine the government.

What follows is a "1984"-esque nightmare, as Katniss and Peeta go on a tour of the districts and announce their engagement on TV, trying to keep up their onscreen romance while witnessing the beginnings of a real rebellion. And just when you begin missing the crazy arena action of the first book, the Capitol answers your wish with a particularly sick twist.

The mood of "Catching Fire" is definitely more stressful and less empowering than "Hunger Games." Though she finds unexpected allies along the way, Katniss seems to be utterly without hope of her own, or her family's, survival. But her journey is no less compelling, because we, at least, know that she'll live for book three. And judging by this book's agonizing cliffhanger, the next installment will be one hell of a ride.

And now, fellow mocking jays, I'm turning to you for your casting suggestions for the "Hunger Games" movie. Write 'em all in the comments section, and I'll compile them with my own wishes in an upcoming post.

Tags Book Report, Books, Catching Fire, Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins