Sunrise on the Reaping Is Here: Suzanne Collins Returns to Panem, Haymitch and the 50th Hunger Games + NEW INTERVIEW!

Sunrise on the Reaping is officially hereThe time has come!

Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping officially hits bookshelves today, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, bringing readers back to Panem for one of the most anticipated stories in The Hunger Games universe: Haymitch Abernathy’s Games.

Set nearly 25 years before the events of The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping follows sixteen-year-old Haymitch on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Longtime fans have known the broad outline of Haymitch’s victory since Catching Fire. We knew he survived. We knew he became the only living victor from District 12 before Katniss and Peeta. We knew President Snow punished him by killing the people he loved.

But Sunrise on the Reaping finally reveals the story behind the boy who became the mentor.

Suzanne CollinsNew Interview With Suzanne Collins 

In a new interview with Scholastic’s David Levithan released for the publication of Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins discussed why she wanted to return to Haymitch’s story after writing The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

David Levithan: After writing in Coriolanus’s voice for Ballad, it must have felt like quite a change to slip into Haymitch’s point of view. Can you talk about what it was like to be wearing his voice and how that shaped the book as a whole?

Suzanne Collins: After traveling with Coriolanus, who is endlessly manipulative and controlling, it was a relief to wear both Haymitch’s voice and character. He has a much greater capacity for hope and love and joy. More than Coriolanus — or Katniss, for that matter. His voice is Seam overlaid with Lenore Dove’s Covey influence. There’s far more color to his expression, more humor. Sadly, at the end of the book you see his concentrated effort to strip all that away, so by the time you reach the trilogy, his language has lost the musicality of his youth. A combination of his desperation to forget combined with years of Capitol TV erase it. I like to think in his remaining years after the war, he reclaims it. You can hear it coming back in the epilogue.

David Levithan: It is a particular challenge to start a novel when you and most of its future readers already know its ending. 

Suzanne Collins:  It’s another way to approach a story, but it has its advantages. If you look at Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, we learn in the prologue  that the lovers will die. So you’re really not focused on what’s going to happen, but on how or why it happens. In the same way, you know Haymitch becomes a victor and Snow kills his loved ones, but you don’t know the events that lead to these ends. How? Why? Where? What? Who? You have to read the book to find out.

David Levithan:  In some of our initial conversations about the book, we talked about whether it would be written in the voice of the older Haymitch looking back or the younger Haymitch processing it as he experienced it. What led you to decide to take the approach you ultimately did?

Suzanne Collins: I played around with it both ways, but I found that younger Haymitch speaks directly to the YA audience the best. An older person reflecting back on their youth or shifting into a child’s perspective is harder to pull off. Good work, Harper Lee!

David Levithan: How do you feel spending so much time in younger Haymitch’s shoes has changed your understanding of the Haymitch we see in the trilogy?

Suzanne Collins: I don’t think it changed my understanding of him — Haymitch is still Haymitch — but it gave me room to explore his earlier journey. Like his relationship to Katniss via Burdock. What it meant to take on his best friend’s child and see her through the war and become her surrogate father. It was nice to have some time with that angle.

David Levithan: Like the other Hunger Games books, there is a clear three-part structure in place here, with each part getting the same number of chapters. How does this structure help you shape the story?

Suzanne Collins:  I began as a playwright over forty years ago, and that dramatic structure became the template for the novels. Since I’ve worked with it for decades, it’s almost second nature, and that allows me to spend my energy elsewhere. This is the tenth book I’ve used this structure for, so I know certain things I want to achieve by certain points in the story. If I haven’t achieved them, something isn’t working the way I hoped, and I probably need to pause and figure out why.

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Suzanne Collins Reads From Sunrise on the Reaping Chapter 1

Listen to Suzanne Collins read from Chapter 1 of Sunrise on the Reaping

Before Sunrise on the Reaping arrived on bookshelves, we were given a rare and thrilling sneak peek at Haymitch Abernathy’s story — read by Suzanne Collins herself.

In two official audio excerpts, Collins reads from Chapter 1 of Sunrise on the Reaping, bringing fans back to District 12 on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games.

Listen to Suzanne Collins Read From Chapter 1

The first excerpt introduces readers to sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy on Reaping Day.

It is the beginning of the Second Quarter Quell, the morning that changes everything, and the first real glimpse of Haymitch before the arena, before his victory, and before the Capitol takes nearly everything from him.

A New Passage Featuring Haymitch and Lenore Dove

The second passage features Haymitch and Lenore Dove.

This moment offered a softer, more intimate look at Haymitch’s life before the Games, full of geese hissing, kisses stolen, a birthday gift, and one haunting question:

Can you imagine a world without the reaping?

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins follows Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games.

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First Sunrise on the Reaping Excerpt Reveals Haymitch’s Birthday, Lenore Dove, and District 12 Life

First Sunrise on the Reaping Excerpt Reveals Haymitch’s Birthday, Lenore Dove, and District 12 LifeBefore Haymitch Abernathy became the mentor we met in The Hunger Games, he was just a boy from District 12 trying to survive Reaping Day.

And thanks to the first official excerpt from Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping, we finally ave our earliest glimpse at Haymitch’s story.

The exclusive Chapter One excerpt, first revealed by PEOPLE, marked the true beginning of the Sunrise on the Reaping era. It introduced readers to sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy on the morning of the Second Quarter Quell - a day that is already devastating before the reaping even begins.

Because Haymitch’s birthday is July 4. Reaping Day.

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Official Cover and Synopsis Revealed for 'Sunrise on the Reaping' - Haymitch Abernathy Takes Center Stage

Sunrise on The Reaping Book Cover Reveal Attention, tributes! The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. Revealed this morning on the Today Show, the official cover of Sunrise on the Reaping is out, and it's everything we hoped for and more! The newest installment in Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games saga is set to hit bookshelves on March 18, 2025.

But wait, there's more! Alongside the stunning cover reveal, we've got the official book synopsis, confirmation of Haymitch Abernathy's point of view, and our first teaser quote from the man himself. Cue the screaming, crying, and throwing up!

Haymitch Abernathy's Story - Finally Told!

Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger GamesLongtime fans of the original trilogy will remember Haymitch Abernathy, District 12's sardonic mentor to Katniss and Peeta. He survived and won the 50th Hunger Games - the Second Quarter Quell - and now, he's stepping into the spotlight as the protagonist of this highly anticipated prequel. Scholastic confirmed in a press release that we'll finally delve into Haymitch's backstory.

Official Book Synopsis:

"Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town.

As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight... and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena."

First Teaser Quote from Haymitch:

Our first quote from Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the ReapingAfter the cover reveal, the official Hunger Games social media accounts blessed us with the first teaser quote from the upcoming book:

"They will not use my tears for their entertainment."

Can we talk about how powerful this line is? It's giving us major chills and hints at the emotional rollercoaster we're about to embark on. Haymitch's defiance and resilience are already shining through, and we can't wait to see more of his inner thoughts and struggles.

The Haunting Tagline:

Adding more depth to the emotional landscape of the book, Scholastic released a chilling tagline that foreshadows Haymitch's upcoming journey:

"When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?"

First Look at the Cover Art:

We also got some intriguing insights into the cover art from Scholastic's press release:

Sunrise On The Reaping Book Cover

"The spiky sun rises on a symbol that will come to mean a lot to Haymitch Abernathy, as well as countless readers," said David Levithan, vice president, publisher, and editorial director for Scholastic.

"Artist Tim O’Brien has created yet another iconic Hunger Games cover—this one symbolically exploring one of the central themes of the series: how conflicting forces can be connected by their common nature, the songbird and the snake springing from the same source."

The cover features a radiant, spiky sun between two familiar symbols, hinting at the dualities and conflicts that will shape Haymitch's journey. It promises depth and symbolism—exactly what we've come to expect from the series.

The Cover Controversy:

While the fandom is buzzing with excitement over the synopsis, teaser quote, and Haymitch's confirmed role as protagonist, the cover itself has sparked some debate! Our Instagram poll shows a 75% positive vs. 25% negative reaction so far.

Some fans are absolutely loving the new design, praising its boldness and symbolic depth. Others are on the fence, hoping it will grow on them as more is revealed about the story and the meaning behind the imagery.

Let the Theories Begin!

We'll be diving deeper into a cover analysis and sharing all our thoughts on the synopsis, that heart-stopping tagline, and Haymitch's poignant quote in upcoming posts. But for now, we want to hear from you!

What are your initial thoughts on the cover?

How does Haymitch's teaser quote make you feel?

What emotions does the tagline evoke for you?

Are you excited to explore Haymitch's backstory?

What do you think the symbolism on the cover represents?

Drop your comments below or join the conversation on our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages. Let's get the discussion started!

Mark Your Calendars & Pre-Order Now!

Sunrise on the Reaping will be released on March 18, 2025. Secure your copy now by pre-ordering through the link below.

Pre-Order "Sunrise on the Reaping" HERE!

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes BOOK vs MOVIE: The Death Order

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes death order BOOK version. Click for FULL SIZEThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes death order MOVIE versionLike the previous Hunger Games films, the movie adaptation of Ballad stays faithful to the source material, right down to many of the iconic quotes from the book. But at 500 + pages, things had to be changed to fit the film's 2-hour and 38-minute runtime. (We're still holding out for that 4-hour cut! 🙏)

Coriolaus and Lucy Gray Baird in the arena

One significant change between the book and movie is the structure of The Hunger Games themselves, which affected the tributes' deaths. The deaths of Marcus (Jerome Lance), Bobbin (Knox Gibson), Coral (Mackenzie Lansing), and Jessup (Nick Benson) stay pretty consistent between the two mediums, though in slightly different order. Others like Reaper (Dimitri Abold), Dill (Luna Steeples), Wovey (Sofia Sanchez), and Treech (Hiroki Berrecloth), and Mizzen (Cooper Dillon) meet different fates in the movie compared to their book counterparts.

Lamina and Treech in the zoo

Coral and Reaper in the zoo

In the novel, mentor Gaius Breen is hospitalized after losing both legs in the arena bombing. He survives for twelve days before succumbing to his injuries. In the film, mentor Felix Ravinstill is hospitalized and dies after a few days, prompting Dr. Gaul to send the snake mutts into the arena.

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Dr. Gaul announcing Felix Ravinstill's death

In the book, Dr Gaul's snake mutts are deployed much earlier in the games - on Day 4. The snakes kill two tributes before Lucy Gray seemingly lures them to her and lulls them with her singing. The snakes die somewhat unceremoniously in the rain overnight. In the movie, they make a dramatic late entrance and play a pivotal role in concluding the competition, ultimately leading to Lucy Gray's victory.

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Lucy Gray Baird singing at snakes

In the book, it's Wovey who drinks from a poisoned water bottle that Lucy Gray leaves out for Coral, and Dill dies from complications due to tuberculosis early in the Games. In the movie, Dill drinks Lucy Gray's poisoned water, and the snake mutts overtake Wovey.

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Wovey, Lucy Gray and Dill enter the arenaWovey and Lucy Gray Baird

Lucy Gray and the poisoned waterIn the book, Mizzen falls to his death after being attacked by drones that Teslee hacked. In the film, he's one of the final tributes swarmed by Dr. Gaul's snake mutts. 

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Mizzen and the snake mutts

In the book, Reaper manages to evade Dr. Gaul's rainbow snakes, and the competition for Victor comes down to him and Lucy Gray rather than Lucy Gray and Coral. In their final confrontation, Lucy Gray tries to tire Reaper out, knowing he previously contracted rabies from Jessup. In the end, Reaper dies when he drinks water from a puddle, not realizing Lucy Gray had contaminated it with rat poison. In the movie, Reaper is given a more noble and dramatic death. He stays perfectly calm and lets the snake mutts overcome him. 

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Reaper's final moments in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes-

What's your take on the book-to-film changes in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? Do you believe these changes enhanced the excitement of The Hunger Games or detracted from the narrative? 

Rest In Peace Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland has passed away at 88.Today, we mourn the loss of a legend. Donald Sutherland, the actor who brought our President Snow to life in The Hunger Games franchise, has passed away at the age of 88.

With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away,” Kiefer Sutherland announced on X, formerly Twitter, “I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.” 

We will forever be grateful to Donald for his brilliant portrayal of Snow in The Hunger Games franchise. He brought immense joy to the fandom, skillfully embodying the villain we loved to hate. 

Rest in Peace, Donald. 

The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping Character Speculation - 20+ Characters That Could Return

The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping - Which characters could return?We only have a few clues about Suzanne Collins' upcoming Hunger Games prequel book, Sunrise on The Reaping. Still, they're enough to make us start speculating (obsessing?!) about what characters from the previous books might return and what surprises the new book might hold. 

Here are some of the potential returning characters and the intriguing reasons why they might appear in the new book. Remember, this is all in good fun, and none of these characters are confirmed to be in the story. 

Haymitch Abernathy: Haymitch is the victor of the 50th Hunger Games, which means his presence in Sunrise on the Reaping is almost guaranteed. We know from the book announcement that the story starts on the morning of the Reaping of the 2nd Quarter Quell. Catching Fire (book) includes a scene where Katniss and Peeta watch a recording of his Games.

Plutarch Heavensbee: Suzanne Collins said of the new book, "The story lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative." Who better to include in this deep dive into propaganda than the head of propaganda during the rebellion and the Secretary of Communications after? In an interview for The Hunger Games's 10th Anniversary Special Edition, Suzanne Collins revealed that Plutarch had been plotting as an underground rebel since at least Finnick Odair's Games (65th). The Second Quarter Quell could have been his awakening.

President Snow: By the 50th Games, Snow had already been president for a while, so he is another character likely to appear. The Catching Fire book featured a scene involving Snow announcing the 2nd Quarter Quell.

Tigris Snow: We don't know exactly what happened to Tigris between The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and The Hunger Games, but SOTR may provide some insight. Katniss remembered Tigris as one of the most celebrated Hunger Games stylists, so we might see her in her prime during the 50th.

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Everything We Know About the 50th Hunger Games: A Look at the 2nd Quarter Quell

The 50th Hunger Games/Second Quarter Quell - Let's Review!Get ready! Suzanne Collins' new book, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to hit the shelves on March 18, 2025, with a film adaptation following on November 20, 2026. This installment takes us back to the 50th Hunger Games (the Second Quarter Quell), starting with the morning of the reaping. 

We have yet to uncover the secrets of the new book, so let's delve into everything we DO know about the 2nd Quarter Quell from the previous books! 

The Second Quarter Quell

A Quarter Quell is a special edition of the Hunger Games held every twenty-five years to mark the anniversary of the end of the First Rebellion. Each Quell introduces a twist in the reaping process, altering the selection of tributes in some way. 

In the Second Quarter Quell, as a reminder that two rebels died for every Capitol citizen, twice the number of regular tributes were sent into the Games for a total of 48.

The Reaping in District 12

In the book, an unnamed girl and boy were reaped along with Maysilee Donner, whose twin sister and a young Mrs. Everdeen were seen clinging to each other in the crowd. Haymitch Abernathy was the last tribute called. 

Did you know? Maysilee's twin grew up to be Madge Undersee's mother in Katniss's era. In the books, Madge was Katniss's school friend and was the one who gave her the Mockingjay pin (which originally belonged to her Aunt Maysilee!) before the 74th Hunger Games. So Katniss and Madge were friends, and Maysilee, Mrs. Undersee, and Mrs. Everdeen were friends growing up. The web of connections in the Hunger Games universe is truly fascinating. 

Caesar Flickerman: Rocking the blue suit since the 50th Hunger Games

Pre Games

By the 50th Games, Caesar Flickerman was the Hunger Games host, and he was wearing his famous twinkling midnight blue suit.

In his interview with Caesar Flickerman, Haymitch came across as snarky, arrogant, and indifferent. 

Caesar: "So, Haymitch, what do you think of the Games having one hundred percent more competitors than usual?"

Haymitch: "I don't see that it makes much difference. They'll still be one hundred percent as stupid as usual, so I figure my odds will be roughly the same."

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