Suzanne Collins' latest addition to the Hunger Games universe, Sunrise on the Reaping, has taken the literary world by storm, selling over 1.5 million copies in its first week alone. This prequel not only enriches the backstory of fan-favorite Haymitch Abernathy but also deepens the connections to the original trilogy, particularly through the affectionate nickname he gives to Katniss Everdeen.
Published on March 18, 2025, Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the dystopian world of Panem, setting the stage 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games. The narrative kicks off on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, famously known as the Second Quarter Quell, where Haymitch, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the films, is one of the tributes. This prequel has already outsold Collins' previous works, including The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Mockingjay, in its first week, with more than 1.2 million copies sold in the U.S. alone.
According to Scholastic, the book's publisher, Sunrise on the Reaping sold twice as many copies in its opening week as The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes did in 2020 and three times as many as Mockingjay in 2010. The overwhelming positive critical and fan response has exceeded all expectations, with Scholastic Trade executive vice president Ellie Berger stating, "After nearly a year of anticipation, sales for Sunrise on the Reaping have exceeded all expectations, as has the overwhelmingly positive critical and fan response to the book across the world."
At the heart of the story is the relationship between Haymitch and the young tributes, particularly Katniss. In Sunrise on the Reaping, readers learn that the nickname "sweetheart"—which Haymitch famously uses for Katniss—was originally bestowed upon his childhood friend, Louella McCoy. The revelation adds depth to Haymitch's character and highlights his emotional struggles.
Louella, a 13-year-old tribute from District Twelve, shares a poignant history with Haymitch. As children, she affectionately referred to him as her sweetheart, a term of endearment that Haymitch later adopted for Katniss. "Her little face is so pinched that before I really think it through, I ask, 'So, are you going to be my ally or what, sweetheart?' She actually smiles. It's an old joke," Haymitch recalls in Sunrise on the Reaping, illustrating the tender bond he once shared with Louella.
This nickname takes on new significance when Haymitch realizes how much Katniss reminds him of Louella, especially after she volunteers for the reaping to save her sister, Prim. "Tough and smart, her hair in two braids then, reminding me for all the world of Louella McCoy, my sweetheart of old. And after she volunteered for the Games, that nickname couldn't help but slip out," Haymitch reflects in the epilogue of the prequel.
While the original trilogy presented Haymitch as a gruff mentor, Sunrise on the Reaping unveils his complexity and vulnerability. His use of the nickname "sweetheart" signifies not just a fond memory but also a deep-seated care for Katniss, despite his outwardly aloof demeanor. The backstory enriches the dynamics of their relationship, showing that Haymitch's apparent indifference masks a profound emotional investment.
Collins has expressed her desire to explore themes of power and control through the lens of propaganda in this prequel. She stated, "With Sunrise on the Reaping, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few.’ The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day."
As the Hunger Games franchise continues to thrive, with over 100 million copies of all five books sold worldwide, the anticipation for the upcoming film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping is palpable. Lionsgate has announced that the movie is set to be released on November 20, 2026, with Francis Lawrence returning to direct. The adaptation will follow the same successful formula that brought the original series to life, having grossed a staggering $3.3 billion at the box office.
In summary, Sunrise on the Reaping not only captivates readers with its gripping narrative but also enriches the lore of the Hunger Games universe. The exploration of Haymitch's past and the significance of his nickname for Katniss adds layers to their relationship, making it clear that even in a world filled with violence and despair, moments of tenderness and connection can emerge. As fans eagerly await the film adaptation, the book serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Collins' storytelling.
