The second Hunger Games prequel is here, and fans are finally getting a taste of Haymitch Abernathy’s origin story.
Author Suzanne Collins released her highly anticipated novel Sunrise on the Reaping on Tuesday, March 18, and Hunger Games fans have been eating it up ever since. This book — the author’s second prequel in The Hunger Games series — tells the story of the 50th Games, otherwise known as the Second Quarter Quell. Yes, there is also a love story involved.
Sunrise on the Reaping is a followup to Collins’ 2020 novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which was set 64 years before the first Hunger Games book. This book is set 24 years prior to Katniss Everdeen’s story — but there are a few Easter eggs sprinkled without.
Keep scrolling for Sunrise on the Reaping spoilers:
Who Is Haymitch Abernathy?
Hunger Games fans were introduced to Haymitch 24 years after his own Hunger Games win as Katniss Everdeen’s mentor before the 74th Hunger Games. The first Hunger Games novel portrays Haymitch as a drunk dealing with the demons of his past, and Sunrise on the Reaping explains why.
How Does ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ End?
With everyone dead, essentially. A typical Hunger Games novel, if you ask Us.
For those who are new here, the Hunger Games only has one winner (except for, like, when Katniss gets involved, but we digress).
Following the Second Quarter Quell, Haymitch returns to the Capitol as the 50th Hunger Games winner. Through his victory tour, its revealed that the televised version of the Hunger Games was heavily edited to cut out Haymitch’s rebellious attempts to sabotage the arena. When he returns to District 12, Haymitch finds his mother and brother dead before reuniting with his girlfriend, Lenore (related to Lucy Gray Baird from Songbirds and Snakes), who ends up dying in his arms following a move of payback from President Snow. (Hi bestie, we missed you.)
Does ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Mention Katniss Everdeen?
Sunrise on the Reaping has a few nods to Katniss, including the origin of her Mockingjay pin, which was originally owned by Maysilee Donner, a female tribute from District 12. Katniss’ parents also make a major appearance, with readers getting to know more about Asterid March and Burdock Everdeen.
There is also an epilogue, which offers Hunger Games fans an update on Katniss and Peeta as Haymitch confides in them about his past.
Will ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Be a Movie?
Yes, the film is set to be released on November 20, 2026. The casting process can officially begin now that the book is out, and the studio doesn’t have to worry about the script spoiling the plot.
Will There Be More ‘Hunger Games’ Novels?
Hunger Games fans on TikTok have started theorizing that there will be a third prequel to complete a second trilogy, but Collins has not announced further novels.
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