Suzanne Collins, the renowned author of the bestselling Hunger Games trilogy, has announced the upcoming release of a new novel titled “Sunrise on the Reaping.” Set to hit bookshelves on March 18, 2025, this highly anticipated prequel will explore the events surrounding the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
According to Collins, the novel will take place 40 years after the events depicted in her previous prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” which chronicled the early life of the tyrannical President Snow. This new installment promises to shed light on the legendary Quarter Quell that loomed large over the history of the Games, even during the time of Katniss Everdeen.
The 50th Hunger Games have long been shrouded in mystery, with only glimpses of its dark history revealed in the original trilogy. Fans have been captivated by the tale of Haymitch Abernathy, the District 12 tribute who emerged victorious against 47 opponents in a brutal and unconventional manner. According to accounts, Haymitch exploited the magnetic forcefields surrounding the arena to launch a deadly weapon against his final opponent, a move that defied the intentions of the Head Gamemaker.
Welcome to the Second Quarter Quell.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/nuRcxtDZ7B
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) June 6, 2024
“The decision to murder all of Haymitch’s loved ones was extreme,” said literary analyst Sarah Williams. “This has fueled speculation that President Snow had a personal stake in these Games, perhaps even serving as the Head Gamemaker himself.”
Rumors and theories have swirled regarding Snow’s potential involvement in the 50th Hunger Games, with many fans believing his rage stemmed from a District 12 tribute defying his carefully crafted plans. The deceptively beautiful yet poisonous arena, reminiscent of Snow’s signature roses concealing the stench of blood, has only added fuel to this speculation.
In a surprising move, Lionsgate has already announced plans for a movie adaptation of “Sunrise on the Reaping,” set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Joe Drake, the studio’s chair, expressed excitement about returning to the world of Panem, stating, “The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”
As the Hunger Games saga continues to captivate audiences worldwide, “Sunrise on the Reaping” promises to unveil the mysteries surrounding Haymitch Abernathy’s triumph and shed light on President Snow’s involvement in shaping the events of the 50th Hunger Games, a pivotal moment in Panem’s dark history.
