Catching Fire

“Remember, we’re madly in love, so it’s all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.” — Peeta Mellark

Part 1: The Victory Tour

After winning the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark return to District 12, but their victory is hollow. President Snow visits Katniss, warning her that her defiance during the Games has sparked rebellion in the districts. To quell unrest, they must convince the nation of their love during the Victory Tour.

During the tour, Katniss and Peeta visit each district, performing scripted affection while witnessing growing dissent. In District 11, Katniss delivers a heartfelt speech for Rue, triggering an uprising that is violently suppressed. Snow’s threats loom larger as Katniss realizes her actions have unintended consequences.

Part 2: The Quarter Quell Announcement

Back in District 12, Katniss learns of a planned rebellion, with her as the symbolic “Mockingjay.” Meanwhile, the Capitol announces the 75th Hunger Games—a Quarter Quell—with a cruel twist: the tributes will be reaped from past victors. Katniss, the only female victor from District 12, is forced to compete again.

Peeta volunteers to protect Katniss, and Haymitch is drawn as the male tribute but swaps places with Peeta. Before the Games, Katniss and Peeta train with past victors, including Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, who hint at a larger conspiracy against the Capitol.

Part 3: The Arena

The tributes enter a tropical arena designed like a clock, with deadly hazards activating at each hour. Katniss allies with Finnick, Mags, and Wiress, who deduces the arena’s pattern. Mags sacrifices herself, and Wiress is killed, but Katniss realizes the arena’s mechanics.

As the alliance fights muttations and poison fog, Peeta is injured. They form a fragile truce with some tributes, including Johanna and Beetee, who plan to destroy the arena’s force field. In the climax, Katniss shoots an electrified arrow at the force field, causing a blackout.

Part 4: The Rescue

Katniss is extracted from the arena by rebels, but Peeta is captured by the Capitol. She learns the rebellion was real, and her allies conspired to save her. Gale informs her District 12 has been destroyed, and her family is safe in District 13.

Katniss, devastated by Peeta’s capture and the destruction of her home, is pressured to become the rebellion’s symbol—the Mockingjay. The book ends with her grappling with her role in the coming war.

Key Ideas

• The consequences of defiance in an oppressive regime.
• The manipulation of media and propaganda.
• Survival and sacrifice in a dystopian world.
• The psychological toll of violence and war.
• The emergence of rebellion and resistance.