Haymitch Abernathy from the Hunger Games series quickly went from being a drunken fool to a successful mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the revolution against the Capitol. The most recent book in the series, Sunrise in the Reaping, dives into his tragic backstory that turned him into the beloved character we see in the original trilogy.
Sunrise on the Reaping opens on the reaping day. The book is gut-wrenching from the very first few lines where you find out Haymitch’s birthday falls on the reaping day. It does not get any less heartbreaking for anyone who knows the original series as they progress through the book, knowing that his eventual fate is to lose everybody he loves. While the audience already somewhat knows Haymitch’s game and what it cost him, the book shows Snow’s cruelty in more detail.
Sunrise on the Reaping takes place in the 50th Hunger Games and shows the audience that Katniss was not the only rebel, or even the one that displays the most rebellion, cementing the idea that Katniss became the face of the rebellion by being in the right place at the right time.
The book also includes some of the fan favorites from the original trilogy, like Effie Trinket and Plutarch Havensbee. It shows Plutarch’s early rebellion days, how he managed to support the cause for rebellion despite remaining trusted by the Capitol and Snow. It also shows how Effie got her start in the Capitol. It also features Mags and Wiress as Haymitch’s mentors and includes Beetee’s genius and tragedy.
Sunrise on the Reaping is set between the original trilogy and the first prequel, meaning the audience gets to experience not only what happens before the trilogy but also what happens after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the original prequel that takes place on the 10th Hunger Games. It acts as a bridge between the books and confirms some fan theories (yes, Katniss is a part-Covey!). It also shows the origin of the Mockingjay pin and features more Covey songs.
Suzanne Collins said she only writes new Hunger Games books when she has a statement to make. With everything going on with the world right now, another Hunger Games sometime in the future is not too far fetched. Fans are torn between what book they would want next, with some wanting Finnick’s book and some wanting Tigris’s story. Personally, I think Plutarch’s story would make a great addition to the series. With another book being nowhere close for the moment, fans can still look forward to the Sunrise on the Reaping movie coming out on November 20, 2026.
