I was a bit of a latecomer to the original Hunger Games books. Like many others, I saw the film series starring Jennifer Lawrence before I gave the novels a chance. It wasn’t until lockdown during COVID that I finally bought the original trilogy — and devoured them. Even though I already knew what was going to happen, I found them brilliantly written and utterly gripping.
One surprise was how different the books felt, thanks to their being told entirely from Katniss’s point of view. Unlike the movies, the narrative doesn’t jump to other characters when she’s not around. That subtle shift made for a deeper, more intimate experience.
When A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes came out, I read it well before the film adaptation was even announced. At the time, I assumed it would be the final word on Panem’s world. So I was thrilled when Sunrise on the Reaping was announced — even more so when it was revealed that the story would centre on a young Haymitch Abernathy, the second Quarter Quell, and the Hunger Games that crowned him victor.
A Return to Panem’s Past
First, credit where it’s due: Suzanne Collins has done a phenomenal job building a dystopian world that has resonated with readers and viewers since 2008. In an era oversaturated with reality TV, the twisted spectacle of the Hunger Games feels disturbingly plausible. Thankfully, in the real world, we’re not (yet) watching people fight to the death for entertainment — but the parallels are unsettling.
Sunrise on the Reaping does not disappoint. While it’s unlikely Collins will return to the timeline after the original trilogy, she’s cleverly left herself a rich vein of storytelling potential: 73 years of previous Games to explore. Fans have long speculated about the backstories of characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason — and in this case, we finally get the story of Haymitch.
The Story: A Second Quarter Quell
The book opens 24 years before Katniss’s story begins. Sixteen-year-old Haymitch lives in District 12 with his mother and brother, and spends most of his time with his girlfriend, Lenore Dove. But the 50th anniversary of the Hunger Games — the second Quarter Quell — changes everything.
As part of the Capitol’s twisted celebration, this year’s Quell will reap twice as many tributes, meaning 24 competitors in total. It’s no surprise when Haymitch is among them.
Easter Eggs and Fan Favourites
One of the true joys of this novel is the number of Easter eggs it contains for longtime fans. While we don’t see Finnick or Johanna here, we do meet younger versions of familiar faces from Catching Fire — including Beetee, Wiress, and Mags.
Sunrise on the Reaping ties seamlessly into the established timeline, enriching your understanding of the original trilogy. It especially adds depth to Catching Fire, which now becomes even more rewarding to re-read (or re-watch). I’ll leave out the spoilers — but if you know, you know.
Looking Ahead: The Movie Adaptation
Although we’re still over a year away from the film’s release, Lionsgate has been teasing fans with casting announcements through the official Hunger Games channels.
Joseph Zada, who plays young Haymitch, has big shoes to fill — but I have a feeling he’ll surprise us all. Jesse Plemons as a young version of Plutarch Heavensbee (originally portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) is inspired casting. Maya Hawke and Kieran Culkin, stepping into roles linked to Amanda Plummer and Stanley Tucci’s characters, feel like pitch-perfect choices.
But the real show-stealer might be Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket. While Effie was more of a side character in the books, Elizabeth Banks transformed her into an icon on screen. Fanning has the charisma and range to reinvent her for a younger version.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading Sunrise on the Reaping before the movie hits cinemas. Not only is it a gripping return to Panem, it also deepens the legacy of the original series.
My Goodreads Rating: ★★★★★
What did you think of Sunrise on the Reaping?
Are you excited for the film? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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