Catching Fire

“So we were both allowed to live. To be crowned victors. To go home and celebrate and wave goodbye to the cameras and be left alone. Until now.”

The beginning of Catching Fire reminds the reader of the most important events from the first novel, including this detail about how the 74th Hunger Games ended. At the end of The Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta were allowed to live because they threatened to eat poisonous berries together, which would have left The Capitol without a victor. However, President Snow’s arrival in District 12 at the beginning of the Victory Tour reminds Katniss that there must be a consequence of some kind for her choice to rebel against The Capitol and to force their hand.

“I have a problem, Miss Everdeen […] A problem that began the moment you pulled out those poisonous berries in the arena.”

President Snow’s visit confirms Katniss’s fears that her act of rebellion hasn’t escaped his notice, or his wrath. He speaks frankly to her in this moment and explains what she already knows: that when she dared to defy him during the last Hunger Games, she introduced dangerous ideas to the people of Panem. If he lets her get away with an act of rebellion, the people of Panem might follow suit.

“He took my face in his hands and kissed me.”

During her meeting with President Snow, Katniss remembers the moment a few months prior when Gale unexpectedly kissed her. At the time, Katniss was confused and upset that Gale changed the dynamic of their friendship.