The hunger games: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Scholastic, 2010. ISBN 9781407109374.
Katniss is forced to take on the role of leader of the rebels fighting against the Capitol, and the hated President Swan, when the Mockingjay becomes a symbol of revolution. Still unsure whether Peeta is alive, and with Gale always by her side, she delves into the murky political world behind the organisation. Point and counter point sees her pitting her wits against the wise Plutarch and in a morass of political maneuvering she finds that she has promised to lead the group only if Peeta, now seen as a traitor, is kept alive. But in return she must obey all directives, something she has never done in the past, so is trapped.
The Capitol screens out to all districts live interviews with Peeta, showing off their captive for all to see, and seriously undermining Katniss. But on the last occasion it is clear that he is being tortured and he warns them of an impending air strike. Gale and the others then decide they must get into the Capitol and rescue Peeta  and the others trapped there. Katniss is overjoyed, but when Peeta returns he is seriously damaged.
A brilliant and absorbing third part of this story, Mockingjay will have the readers hold their breath as the game unfolds, drawing many people in to its sphere. Katniss is in District 13, long believed to be abandoned and is appalled when she sees that the people have gone underground, building up a regimented and sparse life. Each person has a daily routine painted on their arms, telling them exactly where they must be for all the hours of the day. The description of the underground city is breathtaking in its completeness, the compliance of its people even more so, but all the while, we know that Katniss will deliver some blow to the dictatorship which has evolved, as well as take on the Capitol. The trilogy had me hooked from page one to the end.
Fran Knight