For Hunger Games fans who were fond of the character Haymitch Abernathy, prayers have finally been answered with the prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. 

This book is by Suzanne Collins, the author of the original Hunger Games trilogy and other prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It was published on March 18, 2025. 

Sunrise on the Reaping follows the story of Haymitch Abernathy’s time in the Hunger Games arena. In the original trilogy, Haymitch was Katniss and Peeta’s mentor and helped them navigate their way through the Hunger Games by providing advice from his experience. 

So, readers knew that Haymitch had been in The Hunger Games before, and Collins even included some details about his experience, but there was still a lot that was unknown, which is why fans have been hoping for a prequel about him for years. 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was the first prequel that was added to the Hunger Games back in 2020 following the childhood of the president of Panem, Cornelius Snow. The popularity of this book and the movie that was created based on it led to widespread discussion of and hope for another prequel, most people wanting it to be about Haymitch. 

“I have loved Haymitch since the first Hunger Games book,” senior Lucy Kirkland said. “I’ve always wanted to learn more about his story.” 

For me, when Hamytich’s prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, was first announced, I was excited but skeptical. 

I have been a Hunger Games fan for seven years, so I welcome any new additions to the series, and Haymitch has always been one of my favorite characters, so I was excited to read more about him. 

However, since so many people had been begging for a Haymitch book and the first prequel got so much attention, I was nervous that this book was only going to be a money grab and would not actually do the story justice. 

Thankfully, I was very wrong. 

Sunrise on the Reaping was an overall amazing addition to the Hunger Games world and was such an exciting read. 

The book opens on the day of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, where children from all over Panem are being chosen to fight to the death the games. At first, Haymitch escapes being chosen, but after a series of unfortunate events, he ends up a tribute. He is then whisked away to the Capitol, leaving his family and friends behind. 

In the Capitol, he is given a makeover, presented to the people, goes through a series of training days, makes new friends and enemies, and eventually is thrown into the arena to fight to the death. 

A big worry that many people had going into the book was that it would not be that interesting, since the original trilogy explained a good amount of Haymtich’s story. But, Collins was still able to add so many new details and events, build on the story, and even show how what readers thought happened, might not be entirely true. 

By far my favorite part of this book was the characters. There were so many cameos from old characters, such as BeeTee, Wiress, Mags, and, of course, Haymtich. It was so fun to see some of my favorite characters when they were younger and learn even more about them. 

I also loved all of the new characters, especially Louella, Maysilee, and Wyatt, Haymitch’s fellow tributes from District 12. I thought they all added something unique to the story and were so interesting to read about. 

I really liked what Collins did with the character of Cornelius Snow. He is supposed to be a horrible president who represents tyranny and overuse of power, but after his book and movie, many fans started to like him and sympathize with him. Collins put this to rest in Sunrise on the Reaping, really highlighting how awful he is and making a larger statement on why too much power for one person is never good.

The plot added so much to the Hunger Games world, obviously in terms of Haymtich and his story, but also details about other characters and how the world ended up where it was when the original trilogy began. 

“I loved seeing all the connections to the previous books because it ties the plot together in ways I wouldn’t have expected,” Kirkland said. 

The writing was very strong, as well, like all Suzanne Collins books are. Collins has a way of telling stories that is so captivating and makes it impossible to put the book down. 

“Sunrise on the Reaping was so action-packed and fun to read,” junior Lauren Steele said. “I love all the Hunger Games books and this one was no exception.” 

Although I did enjoy Haymitch as a character, I did not love him as a narrator. He paid close attention to details and would often drag on for paragraphs in his own thoughts. It was interesting to see some of his internal dialogue, but at the same time I really wanted the plot to keep moving forward. 

The book was around 400 pages, which I can understand why it was necessary, but it did feel slightly long.

Besides that, it was hard to find things I did not like in this book. The characters, plot, and writing were all lovely and made for another great installment in the Hunger Games series. 

For those who are big Hunger Games fans, definitely read this book. It adds so much to the world and will make you remember why you love the books so much. Even if you are a more casual fan, this book is not one to miss. And if you have never read these books before, now is the time to start. 

Sunrise on the Reaping was a great read, like all Hunger Games books are, and I highly recommend reading this book.