BY ANGELICA QUINTANA
Catching Fire, the second book and movie of a series called The Hunger Games, is written by Suzanne Collins, directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson. Being a winner of the Hunger Games means being the single survivor of a fight for your life against 23 of your peers, and the upside is not having to go through the terrifying and mentally damaging experience again.
In Catching Fire, the 75th annual Hunger Games has the usual pool of 24 tributes consisted of the victors of past Hunger Games. The down to earth actor Jennifer Lawrence plays as the main character, Katniss Everdeen. Katniss’ best friend and companion in hunting, Gale Hawthorne, was played by Liam Hemsworth. Josh Hutcherson played as Peeta Mellark, the social and kind hearted boy who fell in love with Katniss.
In the first movie, the girl on fire, Katniss, and her admirer, Peeta, both managed to win the Hunger Games using the act of love and rebellion against President Snow, played by Donald Sutherland. This means that winning meant not only being tracked by him, but also a reassuring guarantee that they will never participate in the Hunger Games ever again. But in Catching Fire, there is a significant change in plans. For the 75th annual Hunger Games, the existing pools of victors from previous games are to be chosen and put in again, so Katniss and Peeta, are to fight for their lives in an arena, once again. The suspenseful and action filled movie follows the journey of the two, along with their allies, trying to survive, win, and rebel against the infamous and cruel President Snow.
Katniss Everdeen, whose symbolic Mockingjay along with her actions started a revolt against the Capitol and President Snow. Her bravery and outlandish actions sparked an idea in the minds of those living in the poverty of the districts: Hope. A hope that someday they won’t have to live in fear, a hope that they won’t go to bed every night feeling hungry. This small movement turned into a large movement to overturn the Capitol, a fight for a better life, and one without fear. Besides the games, the trilogy revolves around the thought of rebellion, that eventually turns into an action.
I strongly recommend this movie, whether you read the books or not, because the main concept is interesting to think about, and certainly interesting to watch in an actual scenario set in the future. Kids might not enjoy the movie much because they aren’t probable to understand the idea, but will enjoy the action and dialogue. Adults are likely to enjoy this movie, and those who read the book will not be disappointed. The way the characters interact affect the actions and plot, such as the way Finnick Odair, played by Sam Claflin, introduces himself to Katniss, giving her the impression he is not to be trusted, when in reality, he is a dependable person. The movie compares to the book, and does not stray from the main points and actions.
