This new book isn’t about Katniss or Haymitch… wait, actually, Haymitch is the star! Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before Katniss volunteers, during the 50th Hunger Games—the Second Quarter Quell. Yes, the Games Haymitch won. It’s basically the origin story of your favorite grumpy alcoholic mentor, and I am so here for it.
Collins has a habit of using prequels to explore the mechanics of control. Remember how The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes gave us a young Coriolanus? This time, she’s diving into Haymitch’s rebellion—and trust me, winning the Quell was not a lucky day for him. Expect a deep dive into propaganda, trauma, and the kind of clever sabotage that makes you cheer while wincing.
Why Haymitch? Why Now?
Let’s be honest: Haymitch is the most criminally under-explored character in the original trilogy. We got his surface-level messiness, but never the full story. Suzanne Collins has said she was inspired by David Hume’s idea that “the solvent of violence is easy,” and frankly, Haymitch’s Games were a masterclass in that brutal truth.
Also, the 50th Games had twice the tributes. Double the deaths. Double the trauma. Double the chances for Haymitch to pull off a win using only his wits and a force field. Plus, we get to see a young Maysilee Donner—Peeta’s mom’s sister—which is a chef’s kiss for fans who love the tangled web of District 12 history.
But here’s the playful part: imagine Haymitch as a teenager. He was likely sarcastic, reckless, and probably already drinking. The book might show us the exact moment his smile turned into a scowl. It’s like watching the making of a storm cloud—beautiful and slightly terrifying.
New Hunger Games Posters Tease ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Film
