Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: deliciously dark, dystopian, doesn’t disappoint.
YA book title: Sunrise on the Reaping.
YA author: Suzanne Collins.
Genre: YA dystopia.
Published by: Scholastic.
ISBN: 9780702340574.
Recommended for children aged: 12+ year-olds.
First published: Hardback March 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: readers who want to find our more about Haymitch Abernathy and how his character develops.
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Our review:
Sunrise on the Reaping is the second prequel in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series, set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen first volunteered as tribute. This time, we follow a young Haymitch Abernathy as he’s thrown into the 50th Hunger Games – a particularly brutal Quarter Quell that doubles the usual number of tributes. Twice the competitors, twice the bloodshed, and twice the desperation.
The novel dives deep into themes of power, control, and media manipulation, continuing Collins’ sharp critique of how narratives are shaped to serve those in charge. As always, the Capitol twists reality to maintain its grip, editing history to erase uncomfortable truths. But at its core, this is Haymitch’s story – his struggles, his uneasy alliances, and the cunning that ultimately keeps him alive.
The Hunger Games aren’t just about survival; they’re about spectacle. Tributes aren’t merely fighters – they’re characters in a deadly show, forced to play roles that fit the Capitol’s agenda. Haymitch figures this out fast. Strength alone won’t cut it. He has to be smart, strategic, and, above all, aware of the bigger game at play. Through his journey, Collins exposes the Games for what they truly are: a machine built to crush hope, even as resistance quietly simmers beneath the surface.
This prequel also threads Haymitch’s story into the larger tapestry of rebellion. The seeds of dissent that will eventually ignite Katniss’ revolution are already there, tucked between the lines. We meet new characters who challenge the Capitol’s rule – some boldly, others in the shadows – offering glimpses of the quiet defiance that will one day explode into open war.
Our verdict:
Sunrise on the Reaping expands the Hunger Games universe with a gripping look at Haymitch’s past, adding new layers to his character and deepening the lore. The Quarter Quell twist is especially effective, reinforcing the sheer cruelty of the Games and the way Panem’s rulers tighten their hold through spectacle and suffering.
This is a darker, more psychological entry in the series, and it doesn’t pull its punches. Readers who know Haymitch as the cynical, alcohol-soaked mentor from the original trilogy will come away with a much clearer sense of how he got there. And for newcomers? The book stands well on its own, offering an intense, self-contained story while still enriching the bigger picture.
Collins, as always, weaves literary and historical parallels throughout, making the novel feel grounded despite its dystopian setting. The suspense never fades, even though we already know the outcome. Between its layered storytelling, sharp political undertones, and compelling character arcs, this is a deliciously dark and dystopian addition to the Hunger Games world.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- How does Collins depict the role of media and propaganda in shaping public perception?
- In what ways do Haymitch’s experiences echo or differ from Katniss’ in the original trilogy?
- What does the novel reveal about the Capitol’s control over Panem’s history?
- How do alliances and relationships impact survival in the Hunger Games?
- What historical or literary themes can be drawn from the story?
- How does the novel explore rebellion – both loud and quiet forms of defiance?
- What role does censorship play in the Capitol’s version of past events?
- Does this prequel change how readers view the original trilogy?
- How does the Quarter Quell format shift the dynamics of the Hunger Games?
- What real-world parallels can be drawn from the book’s portrayal of power and control?
Many thanks to Scholastic for the review copy.
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