I did not intend to read this book so fast, but I just couldn't help myself. The pacing and action is absolutely gripping. I think it is even better than the previous book, The Hunger Games. You get to see another Hunger Games, which happens to be a Quarter Quell. The Quell's happen every 25 years and are extra special. If you thought the Capitol was bad in book 1, just wait until you read book 2. 
 My only complaint is that I can't connect too well with the primary character, Katniss. Firstly, she's a young teenage girl and I am male and older. While some of her actions do not conform to what I expect teenage girls think about (hunting, killing), other times she's just wallowing back and forth between her feelings for Peeta and Gale, which exasperated me and feels stereotypical. I guess she's just a complex character? 
 The big problem I have with her, though, is that she is a bit dense. I picked up things and details very quickly in the book; sure I'm not in her shoes and perhaps in her situation such details would not be obvious. Still, I felt like screaming at her to figure it out: it was obvious! Needless to say, I saw the ending coming a mile away. Perhaps I just prefer more clever characters, ones that can surprise me with their wit and that can figure out things before the reader can.