I despise cliffhangers but I'm not having to wait for the third book. 
 What I liked about this book is that the concept of the Games wasn't new. We knew the horror that came from the Games and yet Collins takes it a step further with the horror that is President Snow by making the Victors (who have been promised they would never have to put their names in as tribute again) the pool of names from which the Tributes would be pulled from. One more horrifying example of the corruption, greedy and evil nature of the Capitol. 
 The question is will everyone continue to be abused and oppressed by the Capitol or will they finally take a stand. From Katniss's point of view there is nothing to be done. You must convince the Capitol you aren't a rebel and save those you love. There is no way to save all you love and care about. 
 And yet even when Katniss and Peeta get to the Games they realize they are not the only Victors who are angered by being forced to fight to the death again. 
 And the Capitol is too stupid to realize the enemies you can create by harming those with Social power. 
 Catching Fire really turns from victims of the system to heroes willing to stand up and fight for what is right. This is the transition. 
 But what I love is that Katniss is essentially oblivious to the power struggle except in the regard that she thinks she has to prove something to Snow. All she sees is Peeta's life being spared by the end of the Quarter Quell. 
 We really see more of and in depth personality in Katniss. She can't say she loves Peeta or Gale but in most regards what she feels comes out in her actions and what she's willing to do. 
 Great book worth reading.