Hunger Games fans have reason to celebrate as Suzanne Collins announces another prequel to her acclaimed series. Titled *Sunrise on the Reaping*, the novel will explore the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, District 12’s mentor and the victor of the 50th Hunger Games. Published by Scholastic, the book is set to release on March 18, 2025.
Collins shared her inspiration for the new novel, citing David Hume’s concept of implicit submission and the ease with which the many are governed by the few. She also mentioned the story’s exploration of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative, echoing the question “Real or not real?” from *Mockingjay*.
*Sunrise on the Reaping* will take place 40 years after *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* and 24 years before the first *Hunger Games* novel. It will detail Panem’s second Quarter Quell, where the number of tributes was doubled, bringing Haymitch into the arena with 47 other contestants.
The original *Hunger Games* trilogy, released starting in 2008, was a significant success, leading to a film adaptation starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch. The most recent prequel, *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes*, was published in 2020, focusing on President Coriolanus Snow’s origin story.
As fans eagerly await the release of *Sunrise on the Reaping*, the series’ legacy continues to grow, promising another thrilling addition to the *Hunger Games* universe.