Catching Fire Sets My Heart on Fire

A man may usually be known by the books he reads as well as the company he keeps. The first book “The Hunger Games” is a feast for the eyes by bringing justice, imagination and adventure into my teenage mind. When the second book “Catching Fire” comes along, it runs no risk of disappointing its ravenous target readers. The existence of a courageous image of the rebel Katniss Everdeen is enough to make my racing heart burst with the provoking words being read.

Having survived the competition through daring shrewdness, Katniss and Peeta, her fellow tribute, return home acclaiming victory as we see in “The Hunger Games”. Yet, winning means paying a greater price. President Snow brings a fresh scheme to pass. For the 75th Hunger Games, 24 victors from previous years will be thrown into a battle of life and death again. Knowing that she and Peeta will both be competing in the games inevitably, Katniss decides that she will do anything to ensure that Peeta stays alive. Likewise, Peeta is doing the same for her. Their strong faith thoroughly lights me up. Katniss and Peeta never surrender themselves to humanity while struggling for survival; instead, they affect us to stand up against any tyrant boldly, bringing righteousness and goodness back to the hearts of the people.

There is a quote in the novel that caught my eyes: “ A spark could be enough to set them ablaze.” When Katniss’s sister, Prim, told Katniss that she could see something different since the last game. It was “hope”. Katniss never wanted to be a celebrity, she was forced to. She made an agreement with the president because of the love for her family and close friends. With this spark of love, courage came along. She knew she had to go on the “Victory Tour” and attended the 75th Hunger Games in order to keep her family alive. It becomes clear for me to understand why the civilians see Katniss as an inspirational leader, a role she inch-by-inch grows to accept. I’m inspired by her great soul of love and her character of courage. It requires time and will to sacrifice for the ones we must protect; however, I still expect myself to nourish the good will and dance to the beat of my own drum. Someday, the make-believe will become a reality.

President Kennedy once said in the inaugural address: “United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures.” One of the most engrossing moments that fires up my lingering excitement is when Katniss suddenly twirls into flames transforming her wedding gown into a winged symbol of a Mockingjay that represents human freedom and opportunities. She is the Mockingjay herself, the light of hope. A thrilling part of a new alliance has been formed as I can picture. Several new battle participants come aboard, but secretly they break out a plan to keep Katniss safe without her knowing it. Though they face intriguing challenges in the Olympian match, such as toxic mist and a downpour of blood, they watch each other’s backs to keep sure of Katniss’s safety. When I face the music, the image of the story always floats around in my brain. Life itself is a battle field full of difficulties. As long as I cling tight with my companions and pass the light of hope forward to the ones I care about, I can conquer whatever challenges lying ahead of my path.

"Catching Fire" is everything that "The Hunger Games" was and more. It is tortuous, motivating and, most of all, it has humanity. It challenges me to think and seek into the lives of characters that hold such a profound meaning. Hope is like a pebble dropped into a pool to set in motion an ever-widening circle of ripples. I am grateful and relish the live I have. With Katniss’s spirit, I understand that being responsible and courageous, once it is established as a habit, opens doors to unimaginable gardens thronged with love and hope in every corner of our world.