In many ways, this novel has the same strengths and pitfalls as the first Hunger Games: the plot is great. Suzanne Collins has phenomenal ideas. The issue, however, is that instead of slowing down to characterize, Collins introduces one of her interesting ideas (like the reaping) and then rushes the novel along to the next big issue without stopping to let the characters grapple with what has just occurred. Because of this crazy pace, the characters suffer and, ultimately, the novel suffers. 
 Despite this, the pace is gripping, and sheer curiosity kept me reading and interested.