Fans of Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” franchise know that Collins does not write unless she has something to say. This is why when the author recently announced she would be releasing a new installment to the series, the internet went wild.
Collins confirmed that her newest novel, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” is a prequel set between “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and the original trilogy. To fans’ surprise, the book’s movie adaptation was announced in tandem and confirmed to be released on November 20, 2026.
We still don’t know much about this new book, given that its release date is not until March 18, 2025. However, it is never too early to let the anticipation begin. Here’s everything we know so far.
What ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ is About
All Collins has mentioned plot-wise is that her new book will be Haymitch Abernathy’s story. The official synopsis for “Sunrise on the Reaping” is short and sweet:
“Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.”
“Sunrise on the Reaping”
Fans deduce this book will be about Haymitch because of what the original trilogy reveals about his past. He is the mentor to the series’ two main characters, Katniss and Peeta, as they fight their way through the games. However, Haymitch was also a victor of his own doubly deadly game years before Katniss and Peeta come along.
Additionally, Haymitch’s game was a Quarter Quell. This means the government altered the game’s rules to honor a 25th-year milestone. During Haymitch’s year, instead of the usual 24 tributes, the Capitol reaped 48 tributes, doubling the stakes and the tragedy.
What We Know About Haymitch’s Games
As mentioned, “The Hunger Games” trilogy gives readers a detailed overview of Haymitch’s backstory. From this information, we can better understand what exactly “Sunrise on the Reaping” might be about.
In “Catching Fire,” Katniss and Peeta watch Haymitch’s games to prepare themselves for their Quarter Quell. Haymitch wins his game by using the rebound of the arena’s force field to defeat the final tribute. The Capitol, angry that Haymitch outsmarted them, retaliates by killing Haymitch’s entire family and his partner. TikToker @kimadrigal24 gives a thorough overview of Haymitch’s background.
Collins reveals so much about Haymitch’s game in the original trilogy that fans (@MainstayPro on YouTube) were inspired to create their own short film long before “Sunrise on the Reaping” was announced.
What Fans Have to Say
Interestingly, Collins has revealed that this book will cover the idea of “implicit submission, how the masses are governed by the few, and how those in power use propaganda to control the narrative.” Though “The Hunger Games” is often marketed for young adults, Collins is not shy about inserting social commentary in her writing.
This particular statement has fans posing their own theories about how this book will be written. Note that the official synopsis does not explicitly mention Haymitch. This leaves fans wondering if this book will be primarily from Haymitch’s POV. Will Haymitch’s POV even be included? Take TikToker @luckyleftie’s thoughts:
Personally, I think it would be interesting for this book to feature a mixture of Haymitch’s POV and the POVs of people watching the game. This would allow Collins to twist Haymitch’s thoughts and actions through the Capitol and the viewers’ lens.
Collins’ mention of propaganda also makes fans wonder how this theme will tie into the book. Perhaps the book will be from the point of view of the game makers in the Capitol. Collins could then show how the government markets the games and makes them appealing to the public. Some fans, like @km_hofman, even suspect that the book will be written in a way that has readers rooting against Haymitch.
This theory seems likely to me, especially considering how bitter Haymitch becomes in the years after his game. While this is no doubt due to his trauma, perhaps public opinion also contributes to his anger. If the public pushes a narrative of villainy onto Haymitch, it’s no wonder why he becomes so hateful and hopeless.
No matter what the truth is, the lack of information about this book has readers undeniably curious. Given Collins’ writing skills, it’s safe to assume that anything is possible.
Who Will Play Young Haymitch?
While the new book is one thing, the new movie announcement has fans begging the question: Who will play young Haymitch?
Most fans agree that for continuity’s sake, young Haymitch should resemble his original actor, Woody Harrelson. It seems the most popular fan cast is Drew Starkey, best known for his role in Netflix’s hit show, “Outer Banks.”
While he’s less popular, one of my personal favorite fan casts is Damian Hardung. Damian Hardung is best known for his starring role in Amazon’s “Maxton Hall.” With his ability to act broody and aggressive yet kind and naive, I am confident that he could perfectly portray younger Haymitch’s complex character.
However, the issue with both these fan casts is that Haymitch is 16 years old when he wins his game in the books. These options are still plausible, as it’s no secret Hollywood tends to cast children older than they actually should be. Yet, some fans argue that Haymitch’s youth is vital to his story.
Haymitch’s age during his games is necessary to understand why his character is so cynical during the original trilogy. He faces unbelievable horrors at only 16 and lives with that trauma for the rest of his life. Having an age-accurate actor is essential for emphasizing Haymitch’s naivety. More importantly, the game’s dark themes will be even more jarring with a child actor.
With all this in mind, I believe the best fan cast to be none other than Walker Scobell. He is best known for his outbreak role starring in Disney’s Percy Jackson. Importantly, Scobell is just 15 years old. With his quick wit and teenage angst, I have no doubt he’d make a great Haymitch.
Regardless of who will play Haymitch or what the book will be about, there’s no doubt that “Sunrise on the Reaping” will be a hit. Until 2025, we can only wait and hope the odds will be in our favor.
