Sunrise on the Reaping (the Hunger Games)

Like Suzanne Collins’s most recently-published previous novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, this brand-new book, Sunrise on the Reaping, is a prequel to her blockbuster trilogy, The Hunger Games. The Ballad was set during the tenth iteration of the games, a televised, bloody, fight-to-the-death “pageant” featuring children ages 12-18 drawn from Panem’s twelve districts. The Ballad tells the story of a young student, Coriolanus Snow, his scrabbling to escape his disadvantaged situation, his becoming a mentor to the female tribute from District 12, his risks and machinations regarding her Hunger Games participation leading to his fall from grace, and his subsequent decisions, which eventually, inexorably, lead to his climb to power. This brand-new novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, opens about forty years after Snow’s story, Snow is now president of the nation, and Sunrise on the Reaping begins on the very morning when district tributes are selected as tributes for the second Quarter Quell, year fifty of The Hunger Games. This novel tells the story of District 12’s Haymitch Abernathy, the sodden, sullen victor of the games who readers will instantly recognize as mentor to Katness and Peeta in the first two novels of the original trilogy. This novel opens on Haymitch’s sixteenth birthday. It follows his journey from unwitting tribute to shattered victor, supplying readers with a much-awaited back story. It is, in my opinion, worth the wait. Knowing what Haymitch experiences as a young man affords readers a richer understanding of the character’s subsequent behavior, and also provides them with a pulse-pounding, suspenseful, action-packed story similar to but distinct from the other hunger games sagas. It’s also fascinating to be introduced to characters whom readers have either known in different timelines or have heard of in connection with other characters in the fictional world Collins has created. Haymitch is a contemporary of the parents of the tributes selected in the first novel, so readers meet them as adolescents. Other Hunger Games victors, such as Beattie and Mags and Wiress, figure into the story as well. This expansion —and/or contraction?—of Collins’s world-building adds another layer of brilliance to this novel. Finally, a note on poetry and music in this book: Suzanne Collins’s intensive use of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” made me do a deeper dive into the role of music, folk-lore and oral tradition in locations where conflict has disrupted or destroyed the flow of history, or the narrative of history, at least. In the novel’s Covey family, gypsy-like nomadic musicians who figure peripherally in both this and previous novels, Collins celebrates the oral tradition of folk songs and protest anthems that resonate through the world of The Hunger Games. From Katniss’s singing her dad’s songs, to Lucy Gray’s proclaiming in song that the Capital can’t take anything away of real value, to Lenore Dove’s serenading her geese in the meadow —and being detained after singing politically-charged songs before crowds in District 12, these young women use song as links to the past, to their forebearers, carrying on the knowledge and agendas of their families and clans, and thus perpetuating the historical, political value of such music, and, correspondingly, the stirrings of rebellion that simmer under the surface of Panem. In Haymitch’s story, the disorienting, hopeless position he is in as a tribute in a year when the games demand twice the number of participants begins to mirror and then coexist with the unsettling, bewildering, sing-songy, dream-like metrical structure of “The Raven.” At first the poem is familiar—if not tremendously important—to Haymitch because the girl he loves is named Lenore, the same name as that of the poem’s speaker’s lost love. He surprises Plutarch Heavensbee (another familiar name from the original trilogy) by quoting part of “The Raven” to him prior to the beginning of the 50th annual bloodbath. (The idea of drinking to forget creeps cleverly into the narrative here, foreshadowing what Haymitch will become.) As the games disorient and plunge him into their particularly nasty chaos, echoes of the poem haunt his mind. It is as if he is performing a dirge for himself in his brain. Memories of death after death make reality unbearable for Haymitch, as he awaits his after-victory fate alone in the training center, during the surreal Capital celebrations of his win, and after he returns home to ashes and tragedy. The narrative is increasingly interspersed with stanzas of the poem. When he implores his former best friend (who readers infer will become Katniss’s father in a few short years) to take him to Lenore Dove’s hidden burial plot, he finds words from “The Raven” engraved on her headstone. The disorienting struggle to keep living with himself and without Lenore Dove compound upon his losses, and all that is left for him at the novel is the echo of “nevermore.”

“Sunrise on the Reaping” takes readers on a journey through the past, revealing the untold stories of key figures from The Hunger Games universe. What stands out most about this prequel is how it adds layers of complexity to characters we thought we already knew. The book delves deeply into the lives of figures like Haymitch, Beetee, Wiress, and Mags, offering a fresh perspective on their struggles, hopes, and failed rebellions. One of the most compelling aspects of this story is the full exploration of Haymitch’s character. In the original trilogy, Haymitch is often seen as a jaded, cynical mentor to Katniss. But in "Sunrise on the Reaping", his backstory adds a poignant depth to his character. His experience in the Games, and his subsequent efforts to navigate the political landscape of Panem, truly helps readers understand the man behind the bitterness. It also highlights just how much Katniss and Haymitch mirror each other in their desires for survival, though Katniss’ drive and self-belief seem to propel her further than Haymitch ever could manage. The book also does an exceptional job of illustrating the insidiousness of President Snow. For the first time, we see Snow not as a shadowy figure in the background, but as the manipulative and ruthless tyrant he truly is. His actions against the rebels—and his cold, calculated ways of maintaining control—serve as a chilling reminder of how much power he wielded and how little he cared for those who sought to challenge him. The inclusion of other characters, like Beetee, Wiress, and Mags, is also a major strength of the novel. Through their eyes, we see the tragic attempts at rebellion and the harsh consequences of failure. The motivations of these characters—be it their desire for justice, change, or simply survival—feel deeply personal. Their attempts to change the system show just how dire the situation was in Panem before Katniss even stepped onto the scene. The writing is descriptive and immersive, with a strong sense of foreshadowing that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Suzanne Collins has a knack for weaving intricate political themes, subtle character development, and powerful emotional moments into a compelling narrative. This book isn’t just about survival or rebellion—it’s about the cost of wanting change in a broken system. Plutarch, in particular, emerges as a surprisingly complex figure. While he was an enigma in the original trilogy, here we see his motivations and struggles in greater detail. The political machinations at play, and the ways in which love, loyalty, and desire for change intersect, are explored in ways that leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. Overall, “Sunrise on the Reaping” is a thrilling, thought-provoking addition to the Hunger Games series. It not only expands the lore but also gives readers a deeper understanding of the political, personal, and moral forces that shaped the world of Panem. With its layered characters, gripping plot, and sharp commentary on power and resistance, this book is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

First let me say that I love The Hunger Games books. Suzanne Collins has an amazing gift for conveying both imagery and emotion. You truly see me feel every word. That being said, I don't feel that anything will match the original books. I did, however, like this prequel far more than the last. Haymitch is such a loved character and to now have so much more insight into his experiences, pain and identity brings new depth to the original books. So many pieces suddenly fit together. For me, and without any spoilers, I did feel the ending chapters of the book became somewhat muddled, for lack of a better word. Huge moments where somewhat rushed andalmost uneventful and then so much emotion was just relayed in poem/song after poem after poem. I found myself longing for her usual writing and for the first time ever, wanting to skip portions of the text. I thought the recap the end, in later years, was absolutely beautiful. Was it my favorite of the series? No. Was it my favorite prequel? Yes. Would I recommend the book? Absolutely. Even with the somewhat critical feedback I had regarding the end, I am so glad I had the opportunity to learn this story.

Twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping details sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy’s fateful experience during the 50th Hunger Games (the second Quarter Quell). Before proceeding please note that this review contains major spoilers for The Hunger Games Trilogy so if you haven’t read those books yet, and plan to, my advice is to give this review a wide berth until you have. Just like The Hunger Games this one also opens on the day of the reaping in District 12. And because it’s a Quarter Quell instead of two children, four will be reaped from each district (2 boys and 2 girls), 48 tributes across all districts. Just like the other two games we’ve read about, we get to know a selection of brave tributes that I grew to love and respect, all the while knowing that those characters weren’t long for their world. When we were first introduced to Haymitch in The Hunger Games he was damaged and broken with zero attachments to anyone or anything, and used alcohol to numb his pain and escape from reality. Having now finished Sunrise on the Reaping, and filling all the holes in his past, I now have a complete picture of the horrors, loss, despair, and betrayal he endured. I’m sure this comes as no surprise to anyone that this is not a happy story. Haymitch’s story was heart-wrenching, bleak, appalling, frightening, and cruel. As a reader though it was immersive, addicting, fast-paced, and action-packed, and I loved learning all the new details relating to this universe. Aside from Haymitch several characters from The Hunger Games novels appeared in this book. And, if you are anything like me and have a bad memory, or if it’s been a hot minute since you’ve read The Hunger Games, listed below are a reminder of the roles those characters played in the trilogy, and if it’s not too much of a spoiler, their part in this one. Wiress – District 3 Victor of the 49th Hunger Games and tribute in the 75th Hunger Games. Beetee Latier – District 3 Victor of the 34th Hunger Games and tribute in the 75th Hunger Games. Mags Flanagan – District 4 Victor of the 11th Hunger Games and tribute in the 75th Hunger Games. Effie Trinket – Escort for the District 12 tributes for the 74th and 75th Hunger Games. Plutarch Heavensbee – Head Gamemaker of the 75th Hunger Games. President Snow – President of Panem in The Hunger Games and in this book. Caesar Flickerman – Presenter of the 50th, 74th and 75th Hunger Games. I was ecstatic to be given more backstories and insights and motivations regarding these returning characters. One in particular was so heartbreaking and horrific, and another’s answered a question I had from Catching Fire. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the audiobook for a very reasonable price of NZD $1.74, and Jefferson White completely and utterly captured Haymitch’s voice. My only slight irritation was with all the poems, which were more prominent in the audio, and if I had of been reading an e-book or physical copy, I would’ve likely skipped over them. Because I’m in the zone, and haven’t yet read The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes, I’m going to move straight onto that one. Although, word of warning, there is a massive spoiler for that novel in this one, so I did kind of ruin it for myself. Completely my fault for reading out of order. I’m still as excited to read Ballad as I was to read Sunrise on the Reaping, and if it’s as phenomenal and memorable as this instalment then I have nothing to complain about.

🌾💔 I’ve been a Hunger Games fan from the very beginning. I read every book the week it came out and I was at the theater on release day for every movie. Now I’m in my thirties, still re reading the trilogy every few years because something about Suzanne Collins’ writing never loses its magic. Sunrise on the Reaping reminded me exactly why Panem has stayed with me for almost two decades now. Going into this, I expected to understand Haymitch better. I did not expect to feel this much. There were moments where I had to set my Kindle down because my chest hurt. Collins writes him with so much depth that his choices, strengths, bitterness, and heartbreak feel almost personal. I laughed at his defiance and cried at the moments where he is forced to grow up all at once. It surprised me how heavy some of it stayed with me after I closed the book. What really impressed me is how beautifully this fits into the entire Hunger Games universe. Between the original trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and now this book, Collins has created one long, seamless story with no real plot holes. The way she threads themes, symbols, and character echoes from one book to the next feels intentional and incredibly satisfying. There were a few quiet easter eggs in this one too, and if you’ve read all five books, you’ll spot them. They aren’t loud or forced. They’re subtle, emotional, and clever in a way that makes you appreciate how much care she puts into this world. This book also made me rethink Ballad. Seeing how the Capitol operates in Haymitch’s Games, contrasted with Snow’s early years, ties everything together in a way that feels almost chilling. It’s rare for a series to still be revealing meaningful layers after five books, but Collins manages it without ever breaking her world’s rules or tone. That’s something only a master storyteller can do. And with the new movie trailer everywhere right now, reading this hit even harder. It’s surreal to have grown up with these characters and still feel so connected to them in adulthood. Collins writes with the kind of emotional clarity that reaches you no matter how old you are. I didn’t expect a prequel to make me reflect on the original trilogy with even more understanding, yet here we are. If you love the Hunger Games series, this book is going to matter to you. It’s emotional in the ways that count and thoughtful in the ways longtime fans appreciate. Sunrise on the Reaping doesn’t just expand the story. It enriches it 📚🤍 It’s powerful, heartbreaking, and crafted with the same level of care that made the original trilogy unforgettable. As someone who has carried these books through different stages of life, reading this felt like returning to a familiar world with new eyes. I’m grateful we got this story and even more grateful for how beautifully it connects every piece of the series together.

Sunrise on the Reaping, published in 2025, is the fifth novel in the Hunger Games series (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and the first prequel novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) by author Suzanne Collins. It is the second if you read them in chronological order. This one is set around the 50th Hunger Games, or the Second Quarter Quell, which is the games that Haymitch (who would later become Katniss' mentor) won. It is set 24 years before the events of the original novel and details how Haymitch was selected during The Reaping, the plans to undermine the games, and the lengths to which Snow would go to keep order and punish those who got out of line. It also explains Haymitch's personality and actions in the later books. The hardcover version of the book is just over 380 pages. The style, tone, and pacing of the book are similar to the others in the series, so it will be as fast or slow a read as those if you have read the others. While the story in this book is mostly a stand-alone story you can follow without reading the other books, it does help, as the author assumes readers know the history of the games and the reason they are held, and does not rehash that part of the story. The author does an excellent job making the story interesting and suspenseful, even though, if you have read the original trilogy, you know part of the outcome going in. Chances are, most people who will read this are already fans of the series. If you are, this is absolutely worth reading. If you are into dystopian future stories, this is also worth your time, but I would highly recommend reading at least the first novel in the series (The Hunger Games) before you read this one.

Such a wonderful story. It is still interesting even if you have already read the main 3 books. It is really an emotional journey that follows Haymitch. This book really answered all of my questions. *SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THE FIRST 3 BOOKS!* I now understand how the rebellion came together and how big of a role Haymitch and Plutarch played init. Sunrise on the Reaping also gave me another perspective of the reaping, games and capitol. It also amazes me how different Effie Trinket has become since the 2nd quarter quell.

A knife to the heart story. Back in Panem for the second Quarter Quell and we follow Haymitch, a familiar character to those familiar with Collins' earlier work. Haymitch is a young boy that wants to save the world or burn it down trying. This time, there are four tributes from each district, two boys and two girls. We instantly see Haymitch's hero streak at the reaping, and it never truly stops. He simply wants to get back to his family and his favorite girl. I was so impressed by the way the original three books and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes stories were woven through this book and how it all lined up so perfectly - and clarified some mysteries we didn't even know were there!

Fav read of all time, arrived in very good condition as well

’The moment out hearts shattered? It belongs to us.’ Brutal, harrowing and highly disturbing at times ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ doesn’t simply pack a handful of emotional gut punches and flinch inducing moments into its pages; its jam packed with them throughout. Yet, despite its heavy nature, it’s a highly compelling read that is pretty much impossible to put down. Not a combination that is always easy to come by but Suzanne Collins always nails it somehow. Needless to say I was hooked. Truthfully I can’t fully decide if this is the most brutal of The Hunger Games books yet. There were certainly occasions when it felt that way to me with scenes and manoeuvring that felt particularly barbaric. But it must have been over a decade now since I read the original series so maybe time is a factor in me feeling that way; I’ll never forget the hollowed out, bleak feeling that fell over me upon finishing ’Mockingjay’ all those years ago after all. This definitely had more than its fair share of macabre moments though and I have to say that these particular games may just be the most savage yet. Obviously, given the twisted nature of the games they’re always unthinkably horrific but between its misleadingly idyllic setting, its vast array of mutts and the higher than ever number of Tributes the barbarity of this particular set of ‘games’ really stands out. ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ is more than just an account of Haymitch’s time within the arena though. Technically that’s what is covered but there’s another storyline interwoven throughout which will mean a lot to fans of the series. Here you learn just how long certain things have been brewing. This is also a chilling insight into the propaganda of Collin’s world. Its more than simply disturbing to see just how expertly the Capitol can put a spin on any moment. Character wise there’s a mixture of old and new faces involved in this instalment. Some of the individuals from the other books that featured caught me completely off guard. It gave me additional insight into several characters who appear within the other books and also left me oddly curious to discover more of Plutarch’s story. Within the previous books I don’t think I gave him as much thought as I should of; now though...well I have to confess I’m kind of craving an instalment centred around him. Just how insightful an account of propaganda would you get by following in the footsteps of one of the people whose job it is to sell the Hunger Games story? Besides which I desperately crave more insight into his motivations now. Besides these old characters there were a few new faces that particularly stood out to me. I won’t name anyone again – as I think it’s best uncovering what people are like for yourself – but there was definitely one new face that I loathed instantly (trust me, you will too) and another that I ended up coming to root for immensely over the course of the book. Character journeys certainly seem to be something that the author excels at. There’s more that I could say about this novel but truthfully I think this is a review that’s best kept vague. Although I will quickly highlight the beauty of the epilogue too because I can’t share my feelings and not give that segment a shout out. Other than that I’ll simply say that this is a magnificent, brutal and fascinating new venture into Collins’ world that is sure to delight – and devastate – fans of the series. Altogether I definitely recommend ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ ; it’s another glorious book by Suzanne Collins that has left me longing to dive back into the dystopian genre (and re-read her original trilogy too). Its sure to strike a chord with the series many fans but if you haven’t yet read any of the books this could still work as a starting point into exploring the series. Its harrowing, brutal, chillingly disturbing and yet utterly impossible to put down. Needless to say I was utterly hooked and can’t wait to see what others think of it too. Please tell me I’m not alone in wanting a Plutarch book now.

Great book. Arrived as promised. Hard back copy. Well worth it.

Fast delivery but book came without a plastic wrap. Stains visible over the cover and the side of the pages. However, pages content looks fine and serves its purpose.

Delivery was on time. Great book