None of the characters are who they were anymore, they are all slightly broken. Like china bowls that have been smashed and glued back together again, they are not quite complete or whole any longer.

I did miss the tough Katniss from the first two books, her fragility is painful to watch. I got excited when she fought in district two. But Katniss excels because she is a survivor, and there were times when I wanted her to get back up and keep fighting, to scream, kick and do everything she can possibly do to remain true to herself. But she has suffered too much to be unchanged.

As the book progresses and we learn more about district 13 and I became terrified that the survivors are just swapping one harsh dictatorship for another. I worry that the new world they fight for will not actually be new in anyway and that in itself is heartbreaking.

President Snow’s ruthlessness knows no bounds. Just when you think Katniss and the tributes can’t possibly suffer anymore, The Capitol throws some other appalling manipulation or punishment at them. And Peeta, oh Peeta what can I say? As much as I’m team Gale, I found that I missed the bread-baking, gentle Peeta who would do anything for Katniss.

As with the previous books, the second half was better than the first. It delivers plenty of twists and also prepare yourself for painful tragedy. Then comes the ending, a dark and uncompromising turn of events as Katniss has to make some terrible decisions.

VERDICT:

I am in awe of Suzanne Collins’ writing skills. I could not have predicted how this trilogy would have ended. In my opinion the first book was the best of the three, but this trilogy is an absolute must-read and is up there with my all time favourites.

I quite literally ached for Katniss and all of the atrocities she has endured. The epilogue itself was bitter-sweet, and prepared there is a good chance that tissues may be required.