Catching Fire
#2 of 3 in The Hunger Games Series
on Goodreads (3,864)
What’s inside...
Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It continues the story of Katniss Everdeen and the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem. Following their victory in the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta Mellark find themselves in danger from the Capitol once again when their victory sparks a rebellion in the districts. After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta return to their district, hoping for a peaceful future. However, their victory has caused rebellion to break out, and the Capitol decides that someone must pay. As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the districts on the Capitol's Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless they can convince the world that they are still lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. The cruelty escalates when the contestants for the next Hunger Games are announced, forcing Katniss and Peeta into the arena once more.
Character compass
Katniss Everdeen
Gale Hawthorne
Peeta Mellark
Beetee
Mags
Finnick Odair
Effie Trinket
Johanna Mason
Cinna
Wiress
Haymitch Abernathy
President Coriolanus Snow
Primrose Everdeen
Portia
Octavia
Cecilia
Woof
Caesar Flickerman
Seeder
Enobaria
Blight
Gloss
Cashmere
Plutarch Heavensbee
Twill
Chaff
Madge Undersee
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most in Katniss and why?
How do you think the challenges Katniss faces in the arena relate to challenges people face in real life?
If you were in the same situation, what would you have done differently?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the story? What causes these changes?
What role do you think trust plays in the characters' survival?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the characters' decisions, fostering critical thinking.
Compare and contrast the fictional world with the real world to help your child make connections to their own experiences.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after key events to keep them engaged and thinking ahead.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child how they would handle similar situations, enhancing ethical reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: In 'Catching Fire,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges with courage and determination, showing how important it is to keep striving in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up, even when things get tough. This can help them tackle difficult tasks at school or in their personal lives with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: The book explores complex relationships and situations, encouraging readers to consider multiple perspectives and the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop better social skills and improve their ability to interact and empathize with classmates and friends.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often rely on each other to overcome obstacles, highlighting the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to cooperate and value each member’s contribution.
Example Lesson: Standing up for what's right
Explanation: The protagonist often takes a stand against injustice, teaching readers about the importance of fairness and integrity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be vocal about injustices or unfair treatment they observe in school or in the community, promoting a sense of fairness and ethical behavior.