Suzanne Collins has once again delivered on bringing another masterpiece to the Hunger Games franchise. “Sunrise on the Reaping” which was released on March 18th by Scholastic Press makes for a gripping and emotional return to Panem that expands the Hunger Games universe. Set during the 50th Hunger Games—the infamous Second Quarter Quell—this novel explores the brutal event that made Haymitch Abernathy a victor. Not only does it provide an in-depth look at one of the franchise’s most beloved yet haunted characters, but also foreshadows the rebellion in a way that makes the original trilogy hit even harder.
The story follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he is reaped for the 50th annual Hunger Games, a special edition of the Games that forces each district to send in twice the amount of the usual tributes. With 48 children thrown into the arena instead of 24, the stakes are even higher. Through Haymitch’s perspective, we see a clever, determined and deeply human side of home that the original trilogy only hinted at. The novel also dives into the politics of Panem, showing how the Capitol’s oppressive tactics were already planting the seeds of rebellion decades before Katniss Everdeen’s rise.
One of the most incredible aspects of “Sunrise on the Reaping” is how seamlessly it connects to the events of the original series. From the subtle ways it hints at the Capitol’s growing fear of rebellion to the heartbreaking parallels between Haymitch’s journey and Katniss’s, the book adds so much depth to the Hunger Games world.
In the original series, Haymitch is seen as a bitter, sarcastic mentor who drowns his trauma in alcohol. This book shows exactly why he became that way. Watching him strategize, form bonds and suffer unimaginable losses made me appreciate his character so much more. His intelligence and survival skills are on full display, and by the end of the book, his pain feels personal.
Collins had a way of making readers care deeply about the characters, even knowing that most of them won’t make it out of the arena. Every triumph, every betrayal and every devastating loss hit hard. The emotional weight of the story lingered long after I closed the book. Some moments were so intense that I had to pause to process, but that’s more of a testament to Collins’ writing than a flaw.
Sunrise on the Reaping is a must-read for any Hunger Games fan. It expands the lore, deepens our understanding of a crucial character and delivers an emotional gut punch that rivals the original trilogy. If you loved the first books, this one will break your heart in the best way possible.
