23. (opinion on the second quarter of Catching Fire)

As is the case with most novels, the second quarter of the book lead readers away from the introduction phase and into the plot of the story.  This quarter entailed the public whipping of Gale, over the course of which both Katniss and Gale sustained injuries, as well as Katniss's run-in with Bonnie and Twill in the woods, and the arrival of a new Peacekeeping corps, which is clearly much more violent and Capitol-oriented than the old one. The first half of the novel ended with the announcement of the Quarter Quell games, which require Katniss and Peeta to enter back into the arena.  I really enjoyed this second quarter, because the plot is really starting to thicken.  We are seeing things get worse in twelve, and rebellion brewing in the districts, including a full-scale uprising in District 8.  Now, past victors are being forced into the arena.  It seems extremely implausible that this was actually a predetermined Quarter Quell, and this appears like a move from President Snow.  The upcoming games are sure to be tougher than the past games, and very well could end in Katniss and Peeta's deaths.  One of the more interesting aspects now will be how the Quarter Quell will affect the state of the Districts.  Katniss had just spent an entire victory tour dedicating her every move to prove that she is not rebellious, but now the games are starting again, and the Capitol really can't control the effect that her actions inside the arena have on the the Districts.  As the novel moves forward, I am left to question many things.  Will Katniss survive?  Will more districts rebel?  All I can say for certain right now is that it was a very well-written quarter, and I am thoroughly enjoying it.