“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” the intense sequel to “The Hunger Games,” continues where the previous movie left off. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) have returned from the notorious Games, where twenty four randomly selected children from the poverty-stricken districts are annually forced to fight to the death in an Arena for the entertainment of the rich people living in the Capitol. The first movie ended with Peeta and Katniss unintentionally rebelling against the government when they won the Games by threatening to commit suicide.

Now, in “Catching Fire,” Peeta and Katniss have no choice but to pretend to be a couple to convince the people of the districts that their threat of suicide was an act of love and not an act of rebellion. Peeta never for a moment has to fake his love for Katniss, whereas Katniss is overwhelmingly indifferent to the situation. On the sidelines of this love quandary is Gale, also infatuated with Katniss. This situation creates an unconventional love triangle, as Katniss, rather than stereotypically succumbing to her internal conflict over her suitors, concentrates on her role in the bigger picture.

Jennifer Lawrence perfectly portrays the damaged but determined Katniss Everdeen. Lawrence’s expressive face allows her to depict a girl who feels both immense anguish and affection at various points in the film, but never yields to her emotions. She has no choice but to persevere for the sake of her loved ones no matter what the Capitol has in store for her.

Josh Hutcherson’s acting is just as genuine as he portrays Peeta, the sad, benevolent and emotionally steadfast boy trying to win Katniss’ heart. Hutcherson’s performance is captivating, and his character’s undeniable love for Katniss is as credible as it is touching.

Liam Hemsworth plays a less prominent, but memorable role as Gale, the boy waiting for Katniss back in District 12. Hemsworth’s acting is natural and sincere. His performance leaves the audience sympathizing with his hate for the Capitol, as his character endures whippings and misfortune in his admirable rebellion.

“Catching Fire” is faster paced and more eventful than its predecessor. My only criticism of the movie would be that several scenes are essentially repeats from “The Hunger Games,” but this repetition is necessary to the intricate plot and can easily be overlooked. This movie centers on the conflict between Katniss and President Snow and the action-filled struggle that surrounds her predicament.

“Catching Fire’s” special effects create captivating and believable settings.  From man-eating apes to a blistering, deadly fog, the movie’s fictional terror and excitement will leave any action-movie goer thoroughly entertained.

For anyone who enjoys good acting, utopian society plots, and exciting action scenes, ”Catching Fire” is a phenomenal movie. I would personally recommend that anyone who goes to see it either read the book series or watch the previous movie, as the movie is a fast-paced sequel and can at times be hard to follow. Remarkably true to the book, and a more eventful sequel to “The Hunger Games,” “Catching Fire” was overall a captivating and exciting movie.