On March 18, 2025, Suzanne Collins released her highly anticipated fifth “Hunger Games” novel “Sunrise on the Reaping.” After the release of her last novel, fans of Collins wondered if she would write another book, especially after she made it clear that she would only write when she had something to say. However, much to her fans’ delight, she announced her next book in June of 2024. “Sunrise on the Reaping” is yet another prequel, but it follows Haymitch as he is reaped and sent into the 50th Hunger Games, or the Second Quarter Quell.
The day the sun rises on the 50th annual reaping, Haymitch Abernathy turns sixteen. Unlike the previous reapings Haymitch had to endure, this one is different; instead of the typical two tributes per district, four are being reaped in honor of the Second Quarter Quell. All he wants is to make it through the reaping so he can spend the rest of his birthday with his girl, Lenore Dove. So when Haymitch’s name is called along with the three other District 12 tributes he feels all of his life dreams get ripped out from under him. As Haymitch makes his way to the arena with his fellow District 12 tributes, Wyatt Callow, an odds maker, Louella McCoy, his sweetheart who is basically family, and Maysilee Donner, the must stuck up girl in town, he gets a sinking feeling that everything is stacked against him.
Suzanne Collins truly is a master class writer with her amazing ability to weave these intricate stories that are deeply intertwined, even when they take place decades apart. “Sunrise on the Reaping” was everything I wanted and more when it came to Haymitch’s game. Everything that we previously knew about the games, Snow, and District 12 is completely turned upside down as you read this book. Not only do we get introduced to new compelling characters but we are also introduced to some familiar faces in unexpected ways. Overall, “Sunrise on the Reaping” was a beautiful addition to the “Hunger Games” series.