When I picked up Suzanne Collins’ newest novel, I was hesitant. As the latest installment in the iconic Hunger Games franchise, I feared this 2025 prequel might feel like a shallow cash-grab.
However, I’m happy to report that “Sunrise on the Reaping” proved me wrong. A gruesome tale of survival and loss, Collins’ newest novel brings you back into the cruel country of Panem.
Taking place around a quarter of a century before the events of the original series, the novel follows Haymitch Abernathy, the hardened, alcoholic mentor of iconic heroine Katniss Everdeen, as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games.
The novel is classic Collins writing — emotionally charged and unflinching in its portrayals of violence under oppression.
But “Sunrise on the Reaping” takes it to the next level. Arguably Collins’ darkest book, this prequel reaches new levels of emotional maturity, adding grim texture to the familiar world.
In case you never picked up the original series or skipped out on the films, here’s what you need to know about the classic dystopian books.
In the world of The Hunger Games, society has collapsed and been replaced by the country of Panem, a totalitarian nation ruled by the wealthy Capitol. To keep its twelve districts in line, the Capitol holds an annual event known as the Hunger Games.
Every year, in a day known as “the Reaping,” two children from each district, one boy and one girl, are chosen as tributes to compete in the games. They fight to the death until one lone victor remains, while the brutal games are being televised as entertainment for the Capitol’s affluent citizens.
Collins’ newest novel begins the same as the original “Hunger Games” — with “the Reaping.” Marking the start of the Second Quarter Quell, the 50th Hunger Games has a twist: twice as many tributes are forced to endure the games.
Unlike the sarcastic, hardened mentor we meet in the original novel, younger Haymitch is principled, clever and lovesick. He dreams of building a life with Lenore Dove, a fellow District 12 member, singer and poet.
He’s also scrappy— he ferments illegal hooch, seeking to keep his little brother and mother safe by bringing home some extra cash and resources.
From the moment Haymitch is chosen at the Reaping ceremony, we see vignettes of the violence to come. A young boy attempts to flee the ceremony and is brutally shot and killed. The Capitol’s audience is all the wiser as they stream a picture-perfect edit to those watching — one that is free of murder.
Collins continues the picture-esque theme as we enter the arena for the 50th Hunger Games. Set in a dense, mountainous forest, the terrain is deceptively beautiful.
However, the landscape’s glamorous facade quickly fades as it is equipped with poisonous flora and bioengineered fauna.
Haymitch’s experience in the arena is visceral, marked with harrowing moments of violence, betrayal and constant reminders of the Capitol’s control. Collins spares no details of the horrors that shape the numbed mentor we come to know.
But don’t worry, “Sunrise on the Reaping” isn’t all doom and gloom. Collins’ deep exploration of connection and humanity saves the novel from simply being violence for the sake of violence.
Haymitch’s fellow District 12 members showcase a dynamic cast of characters.
Thirteen-year-old Louella is brave yet tragic. Wyatt is a pragmatic figure, constantly calculating their odds. Maysilee is sarcastic and savvy, and her kindhearted nature breaks through her tough exterior.
Together, the District 12 tributes refuse to be puppets for the Capitol’s spectacle and vow together to break the broken system — before it breaks them.
Collins uses her secondary characters as reminders of what goes on beneath the bloodshed. Each brutal death, personal tragedy and act of resistance weaves together to form the horrifying tapestry of the Capitol’s cruelty.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is filled with death and despair, but there are moments of respite.
Haymitch’s relentless determination provides hopeful moments of rebellion against the Capitol’s regime. In the darkest moments, sparks of resistance continue to fuel the District 12 tributes.
Collins gives us an unflinching description of the horrors of the Hunger Games and the humanity that perseveres.
As is true of most Collins’ novels, the world-building in this prequel is rich and textured. We delve further into the world of “The Hunger Games” — and for those who read the original series, Collins provides captivating context for well-known characters.
Collins builds tension brilliantly, and her pacing is relentless. If you haven’t read the original series, this novel can stand alone. But prepare yourself with a box of tissues as you dig into this gruesome novel.
“Sunrise of the Reaping” may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s certainly worth the read for both old fans of the series and newcomers to the world of “The Hunger Games.”