I enjoyed this book just as much as the first, though it was less surprising in the sense that the rhythm was familiar. I love Katniss as a heroine for such an action-filled storyline. She's a bit more frazzled and less methodical in this book, but I didn't find myself offended as a female reader. 
 The pathway of this book seems very akin to the Uglies series. I think both series could be excellent segues into discussion of politics, ethics, and "entertainment" with a group of adolescents. I'd love to tie reading the book into a unit of art instruction. 
 For art teachers: Peeta's interests in painting and drafting play an interesting role in this book with a possible connection to artmaking as a form of political subversion.