It’s finally here! I’ve waiting for this book since the first time I cracked open “The Hunger Games.” Haymitch has always been one of, if not my favorite character in the trilogy, and after all this time, he finally has a book exploring his past! I waited for weeks to get a copy of “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins, but when I finally did, I read it in a matter of days. And of course, I absolutely must do a review on this fantastic novel. Bear with me folks, this might be one of my longest reviews yet, because I have so much to say, and clearly so does Suzanne Collins. But without further ado, lets delve 24 years into the past of Panem!
About the Book:
For those not accustomed to the young adult experience that is “The Hunger Games” series, the trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen, the female tribute from District 12 who is reaped to play in the 74th annual Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is an event where two teens from each district of Panem fight to death in an arena to remind the nation of the betrayal of the districts in their revolt 74 years prior to the first novel. These books, and later movies, became a staple for young adults in my generation. The series originally ended after the third novel where Katniss leads the new revolution against the capital; however, in recent years, Suzanne Collins, the fantastic author that she is, has begun releasing prequel novels to the original trilogy.
The first of these prequels was released in 2020 and quickly gained critical acclaim for its relevant themes and details, I am of course referring to “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” While this book was not my favorite, I still enjoyed the reimagined story and the underlying themes. Readers of Collins’s work say that Collins only writes when she has something to say about the world we live in, and that could not be more prevalent in these prequel novels.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is the second of these prequel novels and was released this past March. The novel sold over 1.5 million copies in its first week, indicating the enduring popularity of the franchise. This prequel delves into the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, a pivotal character in the original series, exploring the events of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This story has been one that fans have been asking for since the birth of the original series, and Collins did not let us down whatsoever. Here is a good spot to give a spoiler warning for the whole novel as I will be delving into most of the major plot points and this is not a book you want spoiled, so if you haven’t read it, then what are you doing here? Go get your hands on a copy of it!!
Set 24 years before the original trilogy, “Sunrise on the Reaping” follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy from District 12. During the reaping for the Second Quarter Quell, which mandates double the usual number of tributes. Going into this book, you already know that Haymitch is reaped and put into the games, making the reaping feel less strenuous than previous books, however, Suzanne Collins masterfully diverts our expectations by making Haymitch a substitute for the actual tribute, who tries to escape and is killed, this makes Haymitch’s reaping even sadder than many originally thought. After the reaping he enters the Capitol alongside fellow tributes, including Wyatt, Maysilee Donner and a body double named “Lou Lou.”
As the Games commence, Haymitch navigates a gorgeous grassy arena, however it turns out that it is just as deadly as it is beautiful and he soon realizes it is filled with poisonous hazards and genetically engineered creatures. Most readers already knew this about the arena, but Collins deepens the blow of it once again with some of the most brutal deaths in the series, which become even more impactful as you grow to love the characters Haymitch encounters. He forms alliances with many other tributes, such as Beetee’s son Ampert who was selected to punish Beetee (a character who also plays a major role in the main trilogy). His most notable ally is Maysilee, easily one of the most enjoyable characters in the book. These games are nothing like the games we’ve read in previous novels, with Collins subverting expectations at every corner, and in turn making one of the most devastating novels I’ve ever read.
Review of the Book:
If it wasn’t clear enough, I LOVED this novel from beginning to end. While the original “Hunger Games” book will always have my heart, “Sunrise on the Reaping” knew exactly how to tear my heart apart (in a good way). What makes this novel so impactful is the immense relevance of its underlying themes and topics to modern American society, a throughline in all of Collins’s works. One of the novel’s significant strengths is its deep exploration of trauma and the psychological toll of the Hunger Games. Haymitch’s character is portrayed with nuance, highlighting his transformation from a hopeful youth to a disillusioned victor. His relationship with Lenore Dove Baird (the descendant of Lucy Gray Baird from the previous prequel novel) adds emotional depth, illustrating the personal costs of rebellion and survival. Collins also effectively examines themes of propaganda and the manipulation of narratives. The juxtaposition of the Capitol’s portrayal of the Games with Haymitch’s lived experiences underscores the power of media in shaping public perception. This commentary resonates with contemporary discussions about truth and information control.
While this is not exclusive to “Sunrise on the Reaping” the world-building and political nuance make it a standout novel amongst many other YA literature. Set 24 years before the original Hunger Games trilogy, the novel deepens our understanding of Panem during a particularly volatile era, when the Games were still solidifying as both a punishment and a spectacle. Collins deftly portrays the Capitol’s evolving use of propaganda and fear, while drawing unsettling parallels to contemporary issues like media manipulation, authoritarianism, and the dehumanization of marginalized groups. The novel also benefits from a morally complex protagonist. Collins excels at crafting characters who are not easily labeled as heroes or villains, and this entry is no different. The central figure is shaped by personal trauma, loyalty, and ambition in a way that challenges the reader’s sympathies and expectations. It forces us to reconsider the origins of rebellion and compliance in a society built on fear.
Another major strength lies in the rich thematic exploration of memory, legacy, and complicity. “Sunrise on the Reaping” isn’t just a prequel, it’s a story about how history is shaped and distorted, and how individuals navigate survival when their choices are constrained by systemic oppression. Collins weaves these themes into the action without sacrificing narrative momentum, maintaining a strong emotional core that ties the personal to the political. Collins’s sharp, economical prose remains a hallmark of her storytelling. She uses language efficiently to deliver powerful emotional beats and vivid scenes without overwhelming the reader. Her ability to evoke tension, dread, and quiet defiance is still as effective as ever, making this a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Finally, I want to talk about why this book is such a good prequel. Prequels should not just be books that exist before the main timeline, but they should make an impact on the original story and its meaning, changing something about it or making the reader notice something different that they might not have noticed before. While I did not reread the trilogy after reading this novel, I did rewatch the movies and this book made them far more impactful. In the original trilogy, Haymitch is not viewed very fondly by many of the main characters for his constant drunkenness and unruly attitude, but after reading “Sunrise on the Reaping,” you grow to understand and empathize with him.
Overall, “Sunrise on the Reaping” is an extremely compelling addition to the Hunger Games universe, providing valuable context to Haymitch Abernathy’s character and the broader themes of the series. This is easily the darkest novel in the entire series so far, but it has got to be my favorite read this year. I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this book, and I only wish more people had read it in my inner circle so I can blabber on about how much I loved it.
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