read: (1st) some point in 2014 (2nd) 03/05/23 - 07/05/23 | spoilers.
'Catching Fire' opens the series up in a masterful way.

Firstly, the book begins with a thorough character dissection that focuses primarily on the damage the games have inflicted on Katniss and Peeta. Whilst Katniss is avoidant and clinging to any remnant of 'before' to ignore the reality of what she has experienced, Peeta invests in painting his traumatic memories as a form of therapy. Both are very realistic and understandable ways of coping with PTSD that I heavily appreciate being explored.

The slowed pace of the opening of this book not only allows room for the reader to connect to the characters, but also lets us see important emotion and repercussion that is often side-lined due to the perception of being 'boring' or 'useless' in a book.
The political themes continue full-force.

The Victors' Tour visit to District 11 is a notably violent yet not far-fetched display of what 'freedom of speech' looks like under an oppressive power. The Capitol's ability to be blind-sighted by 'love' and parasocialism, even when it is served with death and loss, is just blatantly realistic. Peeta's stunt with the 'baby' line in his interview is a frustratingly accurate depiction of the 'pro-life' argument when it comes to abortion - The Capitol will let teenagers be slaughtered for their entertainment but God forbid you hurt the unborn baby. We watch Katniss' radicalisation grow alongside the beautiful addition of the other scorned victors.
'Catching Fire' is a needed reminder that there is no victor under an oppressive government; That a bird cannot fly free in a cage no matter how big you make it. The symbol of the mockingjay grows in a genius way.

From a storytelling standpoint, 'Catching Fire' has to be my favourite THG book.

The arena itself, the idea of the clock and the different segments, is so smart. The 'all-stars' theme of the quarter quell adds an excitement to meeting the onslaught of new characters, which is an aspect of storytelling that is usually met with apprehension by a reader.

The growth of our original cast from book one is well paced. Its messaging and how seamlessly it meets fiction is another tell to Suzanne Collins' talent.