The long-awaited Hunger Games novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, by Suzanne Collins, has finally been released, bringing fans back into the vivid world where the annual games unfold. Released on March 19, 2025, this new installment serves as a prequel that chronicles the story of 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games.
The novel is set 24 years before the events of the original trilogy centered on Katniss Everdeen, yet it takes place 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. As readers dive into Haymitch's perspective, they are reacquainted with familiar faces, totaling 11 returning characters from previous Hunger Games books.
One of the most significant revelations in the book is Haymitch's backstory, showing a very different version of the character portrayed in the original series. Readers see him as passionate and rebellious, before he became the cynical mentor we meet in The Hunger Games series. Collins expertly connects the narrative threads of her works through these character links, providing a deeper understanding of Haymitch's past.
Among the noteworthy character reappearances is Katniss' mother, Asterid Everdeen, known as Astrid March during her interactions with Haymitch. This adds layers to her character that were absent from the original series. Haymitch's history with Asterid and her husband Burdock paints a bittersweet picture of loss, as their relationship complicates his character trajectory.
Additionally, the ruthless President Snow still trades power plays and threats against Haymitch, highlighting his manipulative nature in earlier times. Snow's personal relationship with Haymitch is illustrated through tense encounters, where Haymitch's rebellious spirit earns him the ire of the Capitol leader. This portrayal sheds light on how the oppressive regime operates, giving context to the struggles faced by the residents of District 12.
Other familiar faces are displayed in new roles. Plutarch Heavensbee, who later plays a pivotal role in the rebellion, is shown working against the Capitol even in this early time. His efforts involve sowing the seeds of resistance while maintaining his cover, offering insight into his complex character evolution.
Haymitch’s allies include district mentors Wiress and Mags, whose guidance shapes his journey through the 50th Hunger Games and adds a nurturing aspect to their otherwise grim realities. Beetee, another returning character, provides an emotional depth to the story as he navigates the precarious situation of mentoring his son, Ampert, during the Games.
The new novel has garnered significant attention and acclaim, quickly becoming the best-selling fiction book on Amazon shortly after its release. It marks a promising expansion of the Hunger Games universe, which retains the interest of both longtime fans and new readers.
While the book will satisfy ardent fans, it remains to be seen how the upcoming film adaptation, set for release in November 2026, will translate these intricate relationships and character developments to the big screen. The anticipation surrounding the adaptation generates excitement, fostering a renewed fervor for the Hunger Games lore.
Despite the success of Sunrise on the Reaping, its eBook version has not caught on as much as other popular series, such as the Empyrean Series, which continues to dominate Kindle sales. While the physical editions of Collins' books are still a hit, the comparison with Kindle offers a glimpse into the changing dynamics of readership.
In the end, Sunrise on the Reaping reveals profound connections and rich narratives that deepen the Hunger Games experience. As readers engage with Haymitch's journey and the fabric of the world Collins has created, it reaffirms the franchise's lasting relevance.
