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Sunrise on the Reaping: Everything You Need to Know About the New Prequel of The Hunger Games

What is it about, when does it come out, and what time period is it set in?

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Great news brings joy to the heart, and fans of The Hunger Games are thrilled with the recent announcement from Suzanne Collins: a new addition to the series. It’s been almost sixteen years since readers first immersed themselves in the dystopian world she created, a world that captivated audiences worldwide. 

In the first book, we meet Katniss, a young woman from District 12 who prioritizes her family’s survival above all else. However, when her sister is chosen in the annual ‘reaping,’ Katniss volunteers as tribute to save her life. Along her journey, she forms lasting friendships and perhaps even finds love, but it won’t be without its challenges. 

What is Sunrise on the Reaping About? 

Almost right from the start of The Hunger Games, we meet Haymitch Abernathy. The mentor for the tributes from District 12 that happens to be the only one from that district who’s won the games. However, in Suzanne Collins’ latest book, Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, we get to know Lucy Gray Bird, another victor.

Haymitch ends up mentoring Katniss and Peeta, but we don’t know much about his past. What we do know is that he won the Second Quarter Quell and lost his family because of President Snow’s orders, which led him to struggle with alcoholism.

Actor Woody Harrelson on the set of the film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I. Murray Close/Getty Images.

Being such a crucial character in The Hunger Games trilogy, fans have been itching to learn more about his backstory. So, Sunrise on the Reaping is all about Haymitch Abernathy. 

In What Era Is Sunrise on the Reaping Set? 

This volume takes place 40 years after the events in Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before the beginning of the first ‘Hunger Games’ book. 

What Can We Expect from the Storyline? 

We’ll get to witness the early days of Haymitch’s involvement in the games, learning how he managed to win and the challenges he faced to emerge victorious. As mentioned earlier, he won in the 50th edition.

In the main trilogy, we find out that the rules were different that year: four tributes were chosen from each district instead of the usual two, as a way to commemorate the rebels, resulting in a larger number of participants in the arena and a more intense competition. 

Release Dates

Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled t on March 18, 2025. As for the film adaptation, based on information from Deadline, it’s set to be released in theaters on November 20, 2026. Additionally, discussions are underway for Francis Lawrence, the director of the previous movies, to return for this one.