Student Question

What is the point of view of Catching Fire?

Quick answer:

The point of view in Catching Fire is first-person, told from Katniss Everdeen's perspective. This viewpoint is consistent throughout the Hunger Games trilogy. The narrative is limited to Katniss's knowledge and experiences, meaning readers only learn about events and motivations of other characters when they interact with her. This perspective immerses the reader in Katniss's world but also restricts understanding to her observations and interpretations.

Expert Answers

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The point of view of the book Catching Fire is first person.  In fact, all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy are written in first person.  The story is told from the perspective of the main character Katniss Everdeen.  We are not privy to any information Katniss does not know.  When a character leaves her presence, we do not follow that character until they interact with Katniss again.  While this is a perspective that draws the reader into the story, it is also somewhat limiting.  We can only see what Katniss sees and we can only know what see knows.  Katniss is often tricked, lied to, or confused.  We cannot know what motivates other characters nor what they think or feel unless they choose to share this with Katniss.  

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