There is a lot to be said for "teen fiction" that addresses issues beyond hormones and puppy love. Morality, love and conformity vs. rebellion are arguably the main themes of this novel, in a series that I believe is one of the best I've ever read. Those issues alone should indicate that the series has darkened even further, and Collins is not afraid to allow the reader to feel uncomfortable, or even frightened. 
 At the time of writing this review, I have not yet read "Mockingjay", but friends who have read the series say that this is the best of the trio and I could see why that would be. It's fast-paced but intricate; compassionate but never soppy and intrinsically a fight between freedom and the oppression of the state. This novel time and time again reminds me of Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty Four" with its claustrophobic atmosphere and the way in which it evokes a yearning from the reader for Katniss, Peeta, Haymitch and the other tributes to overthrow the state. 
 I gave this a five-star rating not because it is without flaws -- there are few but Collins' writing is sometimes clumsy and repetitive -- but because I have not read a book, nonetheless a sequel, so cleverly constructed in a long time. Collins paints a picture of a corrupted dystopia so vividly in the reader's mind, that in spite of seeing the film I was able to construct a Panem all of my own. Katniss is as admirable a protagonist as any of the greats in fiction who is flawed yet strong, relatable but at times selfish and headstrong. 
 (view spoiler)[Usually, I am not a fan of cliffhanger endings but after the tension of the climatic Quell Hunger Games in the arena where I was abuzz with tension, discovering that District 12 no longer existed was thrilling and made me compelled to start reading "Mockingjay". (hide spoiler)] 
 Overall, an excellent, intelligent sequel which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.