Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)

Sunrise on the Reaping is an intriguing, if violent, prequel to the thought-provoking Hunger Games series.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games prequel). Scholastic, 2025. 400 pages.

• Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15
• Recommended For: Ages 15+

Sunrise on the Reaping: The Story

Haymitch Abernathy, mentor to Katniss and Peeta in The Hunger Games, is the star of Sunrise on the Reaping. Readers already know he was from District 12 and was a victor in the Hunger Games once upon a time because previous victors become mentors for their district’s future tributes. Thus, the outcome of his particular Hunger Games experience is known: Haymitch will be a victor. The rest of Haymitch’s story is a mystery.

Until now. We meet Haymitch as a teenager, on the eve of the 50th Hunger Games (a “Quarter Quell” event, happening every 25 years). During Quarter Quell years, the Capitol adds an extra dose of “excitement” to the games. For the 50th Games, double the number of tributes will be taken from each district: 2 boys and 2 girls. As with Katniss’s experience becoming a tribute, Haymitch’s is unique. But he does indeed become a tribute and heads off to the Capitol with three other District 12 kids.

Haymitch is a likable kid. He’s shrewd to boot, and he’s determined to help protect those he loves at all costs. Where Katniss is trying to survive in her first Games, Haymitch is more focused on bringing down the Capitol. In fact, he goes to such great lengths to sabotage the Games that the Capitol brings to bear its great wrath on him afterwards. Readers will fully understand why Haymitch turned to alcohol in the wake of the tragedy he suffers.

Is Sunrise on the Reaping a Good Read?

When the book opens, Haymitch is deeply in love. In fact, it’s almost overkill—his desire to be with his one true love: Lenore Dove. Presumably readers have already read The Hunger Games and “know” Haymitch; the text doesn’t give us enough time or information to have the same sympathy and affection for his girl (although those who’ve read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will know a little bit of Lenore’s family background). They spend plenty of time kissing, though, and they are planning to get married. When Haymitch leaves for the Capitol and the Hunger Games, all he can think of is returning to Lenore Dove.

Sunrise on the Reaping is, as the other books in the series, violent. More of the action seemed to happen “on stage” than in the other books, with descriptions of terribly violent acts witnessed by Haymitch. In The Hunger Games, Katniss usually surmises what has happened, or she comes upon the evidence. Hearing the events themselves described more graphically in Sunrise (including a beheading) generates a more visceral reaction in the reader.

Violence aside, Sunrise offers plenty of discussion material, especially surrounding the “what is real?” question. Collins explores this throughout her series, looking at the role of the media, but it seems more pointed in Sunrise. Perhaps that is due to the impact social media has now, coupled with AI and ever-better editing abilities for the average Joe, compared to when the first book was released (2008). We are constantly bombarded with images and reels that have been carefully crafted to present an image; what is real? A teen book club could find plenty to talk about! And, this is a golden opportunity to reinforce that where we look for Truth has everything to do with how we interpret messages and media.

Where Sunrise on the Reaping Fits and What It Offers

Haymitch and the rest of the District 12 tributes are mentored by Wiress and Mags, neither of whom is from District 12 because District 12 has never had a victor before. Astute readers of the series will recognize their names; we also meet Plutarch, Effie Trinket, Beetee, and other familiar names. Thus, as a prequel, Sunrise fills in the back stories for quite a few characters from the original series. If the original series is fresh in your mind, Sunrise will be extra interesting because Collins ties together so many threads from the series, especially Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

If you’ve not read the original series, I’m breaking my “read everything in publication order” mantra to suggest that you read Sunrise between The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. You will enjoy meeting those aforementioned characters more in Catching Fire after knowing a bit more of their back story, just like Haymitch himself will be more likable. Although there are some spoilers for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, I don’t think Songbirds is worth reading, and, if you choose to, the order is less important.

Considerations:

• Violence: Many tributes die in this book, sometimes horrifically. Other characters suffer disturbing injuries.
• LGBTQ Elements: There is a brief paragraph (2 sentences perhaps?) in the first chapter about two minor characters that make reference to same sex partners. It does not come up again, and if your teen is able to read this series thoughtfully and handle the violence, they should be able to gloss over the brief section.
• Sexuality: As mentioned, Haymitch and Lenore kiss. A lot. But nothing further seems to happen, and Haymitch soon leaves for the Games.

Bottom Line: If you’re a Hunger Games fan, Sunrise on the Reaping is a worthwhile read.

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: The Hunger Games
• A Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (another prequel, albeit disappointing)
• A Review/Reflection: A Christian response to The Maze Runner series, another popular dystopian series

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