Suzanne Collins is taking us back to Panem with “Sunrise on the Reaping,” a brand new prequel to “The Hunger Games” that delves into the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, set 25 years before the original trilogy during the 50th Hunger Games.
If “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” wasn’t enough to satisfy readers’ need for more dystopian drama, this latest installment promises another deep dive into the political mess and brutal traditions that define Collins’ world.
Collins has a knack for mixing action with serious social commentary, and “Sunrise on the Reaping” does a phenomenal job of delivering more.
The book is set before the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which means we get a fresh look at the aftermath of the first rebellion and how the Capitol keeps tightening its grip on the districts. Expect more of the ruthless power plays and moral dilemmas that made the original series so gripping.
Reader reviews reflect a strong positive reception, with many expressing excitement about Haymitch’s story and the deeper insights into Panem’s history. On Goodreads, the novel holds an impressive average rating, with 90% of reviewers awarding it five stars. Fans have described the book as action-packed, and praised its character development, noting a deep connection to the characters and their journeys.
Compared to “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” which focused heavily on Coriolanus Snow’s rise to power, “Sunrise on the Reaping” seems to shift the focus back to the districts and the people suffering under the Capitol’s rule. While “Songbirds and Snakes” explored the early days of the Hunger Games and how they evolved into a media spectacle, this new book appears to dig into the aftermath of rebellion and the Capitol’s increasing need for control.
Fans of the original trilogy might appreciate that “Sunrise on the Reaping” feels more closely tied to the themes of resistance, survival, and moral conflict that made “The Hunger Games” so compelling in the first place.
Considering Collins’ approach to expanding “The Hunger Games” universe, “Sunrise on the Reaping” raises the question of whether or not there could be even more stories to tell. With so much of Panem’s history left unexplored, there’s room for Collins to dive into other key moments, rebellions or even different perspectives on the Games themselves.
While nothing has been confirmed, the success of these prequels proves that fans are eager to return to this world. “Sunrise on the Reaping” is in the works for a film and is set to release in theaters Nov. 20, 2026.
