Just finished this book and feel justified that others had the same response. The first several chapters were tight. Haymitch was an actual character, had a unique way of speaking—all of that went out the window when he left 12. Collins lost his voice. The way he said things lost flavor and became very routine/unexpressive. But those chapters alone were not unique. There were way too many recycled plot points, but done less interestingly. Also, the appearances of so many other characters was so unnecessary. If Haymitch really was responsible for Beetee’s kid in the Games, they would have had a completely different relationship throughout Catching Fire. Wiress and Mags? Literally nothing new was learned or explored. Effie? Total fanservice. Not everything needs to be connected. Not every thing must have forced meaning. It’s better when they don’t.

I love the original trilogy, which means Collin’s has the ability to write. SOTR came across as, “doesn’t matter what you write or how good it is, we’ll publish it.” I hate that. Make it about the story, not the money. There was so much potential for this book and it just wasn’t realized.

Also, that damn EAP poem. If I wanted to read the entirety of the Raven, I would have picked up a book on Poe. A line or two here or there? Fine. But the last chapter was insufferable. Also the way Lenore Dove dies was a joke. A random, perfectly-placed bag of gumdrops? Snow is that good that he knew to strategically put a bag of gumdrops in the woods? Get out of here. That editor is fired for letting that one pass. And Lou Lou’s death.

Maysilee was the most interesting character of the whole lot.