Catching Fire is the story of Katniss Everdeen, citizen of the reservation-cum-labor camp known as District 12, part of a larger dystopian society called Panem ruled over by the wealthy and autocratic Capital. Katniss is forced by the Capital to participate, for the second time, in a brutal death match called the Hunger Games against other citizens of Panem. Katniss's private life is placed under an intrusive microscope as her manufactured romance with fellow survivor Peeta becomes increasingly popular. The story is a cautionary tale about violence and obsessive voyeurism.
The main themes of Catching Fire include survival, sacrifice, and the conflict between interdependence and independence. As reviewer Margo Dill noted, "In [ Catching Fire ], Katniss and Peeta are definitely interdependent. They are both helping each other to survive. As a matter of fact, they want the other one to survive more than they do themselves." Dill goes on to explain how this likely increases the chances of each character dying.
Government control is another important theme, both within the book and throughout the entire trilogy. After suppressing the first rebellion, the Capitol establishes rules in order to restrict and control the citizens' lives. Examples noted by Dill include that, "the 75th annual Hunger Games have 'new' rules that cause Katniss and Peeta to be in danger once again. More 'Peacekeepers' are placed in districts to diminish any hope that the citizens started to have after the last Hunger Games." Another major theme throughout the trilogy is the media and the influence or power that popular culture has over the emotions, wishes and views of society. Other themes in the book include morality, obedience, sacrifice, redemption, love, and law.
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