Love and sacrifice

Setting

Catching Fire takes place in a dystopian future, in the nation of Panem that arose from the ruins of North America. The story unfolds decades after a failed rebellion against the oppressive Capitol, which now exerts authoritarian control over the 12 impoverished districts. The setting reflects a stark contrast between the technologically advanced, decadent Capitol and the struggling outlying districts.

Much of the action occurs in District 12, the poorest region known for coal mining, where protagonist Katniss Everdeen lives. Other key locations include the opulent Capitol, with its advanced technology and lavish lifestyle, and the arena of the 75th Hunger Games—a tropical island with a clockwork design of deadly hazards. The “Victory Tour” also provides glimpses of the varied landscapes and industries across Panem's districts.

While an exact year is never specified, the novel is set in a postapocalyptic future where climate change and warfare have reshaped North America's geography. Advanced technology like hovercraft and force fields coexist with a regression to more primitive conditions in the districts, creating a unique blend of futuristic and historical elements. This setting provides a backdrop for themes of survival, rebellion, and the consequences of unchecked power.

Characters

• Katniss Everdeen: The protagonist and victor of the 74th Hunger Games. She becomes a symbol of rebellion against the Capitol.

• Peeta Mellark: Katniss's fellow District 12 tribute and love interest. He is kindhearted and devoted to protecting Katniss.

• Gale Hawthorne: Katniss's best friend and hunting partner from District 12. He harbors romantic feelings for her.

• Haymitch Abernathy: A former Hunger Games victor who mentors Katniss and Peeta. He is cynical but strategic.

• President Snow: The tyrannical leader of Panem who sees Katniss as a threat to his power.

• Finnick Odair: A charismatic victor from District 4 who becomes Katniss's ally in the 75th Hunger Games.

• Johanna Mason: A fierce and cunning victor from District 7 who joins Katniss's alliance.

• Beetee: An intelligent victor from District 3 known for his expertise with electronics.

• Plutarch Heavensbee: The new Head Gamemaker, who is secretly part of the rebellion.

• Effie Trinket: The escort for District 12 tributes, known for her elaborate Capitol fashion.

• Cinna: Katniss's stylist, who uses his designs to subtly support the rebellion.

Quick facts

• Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. 

• The book was released on September 1, 2009, about a week earlier than originally planned due to high demand from retailers.

• Catching Fire had an initial print run of 350,000 copies, which grew to more than  750,000 by February 2010.

• The novel was a New York Times bestseller and remained on the list for 260 consecutive weeks.

• TIME magazine named Catching Fire the fourth best fiction book of 2009.

• The book won Publishers Weekly's “Best Book of the Year” award for 2009.

• Suzanne Collins wrote the first draft of Catching Fire in just six months.

• The arena in the book is designed like a clock, with each section representing a different deadly challenge.

• Collins was inspired by channel surfing between reality TV and war coverage when developing the concept for the series.

• The character Finnick Odair was one of the most anticipated new additions for readers in Catching Fire.

• Many critics felt Catching Fire was even better than The Hunger Games, with more complex themes and character development. 

• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was released as a film in 2013, directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. It grossed more than $865 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2013.

About the Author

Suzanne Collins is an acclaimed American author of books for children and young adults. She is best known for her dystopian trilogy, inspired by Greek mythology and her father's military service, The Hunger Games. Exploring themes of war, violence, and coming of age, The Hunger Games books have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, with translations into more than 50 languages, and been adapted into blockbuster films.     

Born in 1962 in Hartford, Connecticut, Collins studied theater and telecommunications at Indiana University, Bloomington, and went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in dramatic writing from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.  She began her career as a writer for children's television shows, including several Nickelodeon productions. After meeting children’s author James Proimos, she was inspired to write children’s books herself. The result was The Underland Chronicles, a New York Times bestselling series of five books for middle-grade readers published between 2003 and 2007. However, it was The Hunger Games that catapulted her to international fame. 

Launching the trilogy, The Hunger Games was released in 2008, followed by Catching Fire (2009) and Mockingjay (2010). In 2020, Collins released a prequel, set 64 years before the events of the main trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Another prequel, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, is slated for publication in March 2025.