Catching Fire Theme of Love

What could possibly be more dramatic than carrying on a very public love affair? How about carrying on a public love affair with someone you're not sure you love, while secretly being locked in an intense love triangle, which the media can know absolutely nothing about. Ever. Because the lives of your loved ones depend on it. Sound messy? Yep. That's Katniss' life in a nutshell.

In Catching Fire Katniss continues to be uncertain about her feelings for Peeta and Gale. Sure she loves them both, but which guy does she love romantically? (Want the full lowdown? Head over to "Characters: Katniss Everdeen.")

But there's a bigger problem with love in the Hunger Games trilogy: it's dangerous. When the Capitol knows whom you love – be it your sister, your "cousin," or your lover – they can use it to manipulate you. Just think of the way Prim and Annie's tortured voices are used in the arena to mess with Katniss and Finnick's heads. Or how Katniss quickly becomes obedient after President Snow threatens Gale. True love is best kept secret, or maybe Johanna is right and love is best avoided altogether.

1. Whom do you think Katniss likes better, Peeta or Gale? Which do you prefer?
2. What other kinds of love besides romantic love did you notice in this book? Which did you think was strongest and why?
3. Do you think Haymitch loves Katniss and Peeta? Why or why not?
4. Should Katniss and Peeta have gotten a free pass from the Quell based on their "love" and the fact that she was "pregnant"?
5. The greatest act of love in Catching Fire comes from _____, when _____. (Fill it in and defend your choice.)
6. When she's pushed to marry Peeta, is Katniss most upset because she doesn't love Peeta, or simply because she wants to have the opportunity to choose between Peeta and Gale?
7. Considering how dangerous love is for Hunger Games victors, is loving people worth it? Is Joanna on to something when she says she doesn't love anyone?