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May the odds be ever in your favour.
“At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.”
Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire
When I was wondering what would be the themes of my first posts I thought that the best way to begin would be with a text about my favourite book. Of course, that being only 18 years old my literary knowledge, as well as my list of books, is not considerable, I mean what are about five dozen of books in all World that Literature is?!
To begin with, my favourite book is Catching Fire, from the trilogy of The Hunger Games, from Suzanne Collins. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking that I’m an obsessed fan of the books that still doesn’t get over the fact that the universe of these books is over… yes, you’re right, and I couldn’t care less!
If I am not mistaken, I was 15 years old when I begged my father to offer me the DVD (yes, they still exist) of the first film of The Hunger Games, and I even went too far when I demanded that the DVD was a special edition that included the Mockingjay necklace. My father must have certainly got tired of hearing me because it was in fact what I got for Christmas (Thanks, Dad!). I watched the movie with my sisters (actually my mother joined us as well, but she didn’t like and left saying that the story “didn’t make any sense”. No Comments mum.) and I was fascinated. It was that kind of movie that captivates us from the beginning until the last second, we are even afraid to blink fearing to lose something. Anyway, I watched the movie and what do you expect that I did next? I beg my parents for the books to see how Katniss and Peeta story would develop. That is to say, I was well succeeded. I read the second and the third books (years later and I didn’t read the first one... shame) … more than once.
With this in mind let’s change the subject for the second book that is the theme of this article. Namely, the reader follows Katniss journey after she wins the 74th Edition of the Hunger Games: her new life as a big winner, her struggles trying to be what others want her to become, her friendship with Peeta (and his true feelings for her), her relationship with Gale and the most important, the fact that after her actions in the Games she becomes the face of the Revolution to defeat the Capitol and President Snow, and save the districts. Notably, I must admit that the 75th edition of the Games caught me completely by surprise, when Katniss and Peeta see themselves again in the arena, the reason of their worst nightmares, and even worse, competing against other winners with more experience such as Finnick Odair, Johanna Mason, Brutus, Enobaria, Mags, Beetee Latier, Wiress, between others.
The book is impressive, and Suzanne Collins is an excellent writer, knowing how to captivate her readers. It’s amazing how Katniss act in her games in order to save herself and Peeta lives it’s the cause of so many events.
“A spark could be enough to set them ablaze.”
Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire
It’s because of this spark that the revolution begins, and the second book it’s all about the beginning of this rebellion.
Furthermore, the new characters are all different, however, at the same time, all of them have something in common: the enemy. All of them are impressive: Mags and her altruism, Beetee and Wiress and their extreme intelligence, Johanna and her strength and determination, the beautiful and mysterious Finnick with his initial arrogance but turning out to be very sensitive when the subject is his lover. Katniss, always brave, but on the other hand very insecure. Peeta and his kindness, putting Katniss well-being on first in his priorities. Gale anxious for the change. Haymitch, the genius behind everything. Effie and her extravagances. Cinna that always believed in the heroine of the story and gave his life for the rebellion. And finally, Prim that always remember us that there is always hope. These characters are winners, heroes, but just like us and every human being have their fears.
In my opinion, Katniss attitude is what it makes an oppressor system fall, after many years fomenting fear in the population. It is an act that induces people to get what it takes, to be brave, and fight a corrupt Government, to fight for Liberty, Equality, Happiness, and Peace.
In conclusion, and because the text is getting long, every time that I read Catching Fire and follow the history of my favourite characters I conclude that there is no suffer that doesn’t have an end, that not all heroes are smiley and generally happy, that there is no Revolution that can be oppressed because there is always one person that is able to fight, that will not bend over injustice. Correct me if I am wrong but is there a better lesson to learn with the book?
What do you think of Catching Fire, from The Hunger Games trilogy?
What is your favourite book?
Hope you're having an amazing day!
Nb: I do not own any of these pictures and I am not trying to infringe copyright here.
Nb: I do not own any of these pictures and I am not trying to infringe copyright here.
Mariana Nunes
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