Suzanne Collins brings us back to the brutal world of Panem with Sunrise on the Reaping, the second prequel to The Hunger Games series. This time, we follow a young Haymitch Abernathy as he is thrown into the 50th Hunger Games—the infamous Second Quarter Quell. While The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes explored the rise of President Snow, Sunrise on the Reaping shifts focus to another crucial figure in the Hunger Games mythos: the reluctant, sharp-witted, and ultimately broken mentor of Katniss Everdeen.
This novel does more than just expand the Hunger Games lore—it reconstructs our understanding of Haymitch Abernathy. We witness firsthand the ruthless Capitol manipulations that shaped him, the deep personal losses that hardened his resolve, and the tragic brilliance that ultimately secured his victory.
The Hunger Games Series Timeline
Before diving into the review, here’s a quick look at the books in order:
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020) – Set 40 years before The Hunger Games, following a young Coriolanus Snow.
- Sunrise on the Reaping (2025) – Set 24 years before The Hunger Games, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy’s Quarter Quell.
- The Hunger Games (2008) – Katniss Everdeen’s story begins.
- Catching Fire (2009) – The 75th Hunger Games (Third Quarter Quell) and the rebellion unfold.
- Mockingjay (2010) – The final confrontation against the Capitol.
Each installment has deepened the lore of Panem, and Sunrise on the Reaping is no exception.
Plot Overview: The Second Quarter Quell
The novel begins in District 12, with Haymitch Abernathy as a sixteen-year-old boy who is acutely aware of the Capitol’s cruelty but still clings to the hope of a future with Lenore Dove, a girl who shares his rebellious spirit. However, his world is shattered when his name is drawn for the 50th Hunger Games—an especially horrific iteration of the event, where twice the usual number of tributes are sent into the arena.
As Haymitch enters the Capitol’s sinister spectacle, we see the stark contrast between his charisma and his growing awareness of the systemic horrors surrounding him. His wit and defiance set him apart, but he is quickly forced into a brutal game of survival, where every alliance, betrayal, and manipulation is a matter of life and death.
Character Analysis: Haymitch Abernathy Like We’ve Never Seen Him
Haymitch Abernathy: A Survivor in the Making
In the original series, Haymitch is a jaded alcoholic whose trauma is veiled by sarcasm and cynicism. In Sunrise on the Reaping, we meet a version of him that is raw, intelligent, and fiercely determined—but not yet broken. Collins masterfully develops his character, making us understand why he became the man we later meet in The Hunger Games.
His survival in the Games is not based on brute strength but on strategy. He is cunning, able to manipulate the Capitol’s expectations, and most importantly, willing to break the rules to stay alive. His eventual victory is a bitter one, costing him everything he ever loved.
Lenore Dove: The Heart of the Story
Lenore Dove, Haymitch’s love interest, is a pivotal character whose fate looms over the entire novel. She is not just a romantic subplot but represents the last vestiges of innocence and hope in Haymitch’s life. Her interactions with Haymitch reveal a deep emotional core—one that makes his later years of self-destruction all the more tragic.
President Snow’s Influence: A Familiar Hand in the Shadows
While Snow himself does not take center stage as he did in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, his influence is omnipresent. The Capitol’s increasing spectacle of cruelty, the manipulation of tributes for entertainment, and the oppressive political strategy all bear his mark.
The Writing Style: Classic Collins with a New Edge
Suzanne Collins’ prose remains sharp, evocative, and deeply immersive. The novel is structured into three parts, mirroring the traditional Hunger Games format:
- “The Birthday” – Establishes Haymitch’s world before the reaping.
- “The Rascal” – His transformation during training and the start of the Games.
- “The Poster” – The brutal culmination of the Games and their aftermath.
Collins’ use of first-person narration allows for an intimate exploration of Haymitch’s thoughts, much like in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, though with a grittier tone. The dialogue is natural, the pacing is tight, and the action sequences are as gripping as ever.
One of the most striking aspects of Collins’ writing here is how she blends political commentary with psychological depth. Haymitch’s growing understanding of the Capitol’s power—how it controls narratives, manipulates public perception, and punishes dissent—is chillingly relevant.
Themes and Symbolism
The Corruption of Innocence
Haymitch enters the Games believing he can outsmart the system without becoming a part of it. However, the deeper he goes, the more he realizes that survival comes at a cost.
Rebellion in Its Infancy
The seeds of future uprisings are subtly planted throughout the book. District 12’s quiet resistance, Lenore Dove’s defiance through music, and Haymitch’s own strategic rebellion in the arena all hint at the rebellion that Katniss will later lead.
The Spectacle of Suffering
One of the most haunting elements of the novel is how it illustrates the Capitol’s ability to turn tragedy into entertainment. The Second Quarter Quell is engineered for maximum cruelty, foreshadowing the grotesque excesses of later Games.
Strengths of the Novel
- A Compelling Protagonist: Haymitch is as fascinating as Katniss and Snow, but in an entirely different way.
- Brilliant World-Building: The expansion of District 12’s pre-Katniss history adds layers to the original series.
- Tense and Emotional Action: The Games themselves are brutal, strategic, and deeply personal.
- Political Undertones: Collins continues to weave in commentary on power, propaganda, and resistance.
Critiques and Weaknesses
- Some Predictability: Since we already know Haymitch survives, some of the tension is lost.
- Slow First Act: The novel takes time to establish its setting before the reaping, which may feel sluggish for some readers.
- Less Surprising Than The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: Snow’s prequel had unexpected moral dilemmas; Haymitch’s story follows a more traditional underdog narrative.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Prequel
Sunrise on the Reaping is a powerful addition to The Hunger Games saga. It provides a rich backstory for Haymitch Abernathy, a deeper understanding of the Games, and another chilling look at the Capitol’s cruelty. Though it may not be as shocking as The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, it is just as thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
For longtime Hunger Games fans, this novel is a must-read. It cements Haymitch Abernathy as one of the most complex and tragic figures in Panem’s history. And, much like Katniss’ journey, his story reminds us that in the face of oppression, even the smallest acts of defiance can ripple into revolution.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of The Hunger Games series.
- Readers who love dystopian fiction with deep character studies.
- Those interested in the psychological effects of war and oppression.
Would you survive the 50th Hunger Games? Sunrise on the Reaping dares you to find out.
