Summary
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingis set to expand the beloved dystopian franchise, andthe upcoming prequel thankfully delays any need to return to Katniss Everdeen’s story. Katniss is the heroine of theoriginalHunger Gamesbooksand movies, and she’s become an iconic pop culture figure. She’s probably the most compelling leadThe Hunger Gamesfranchise will ever have, but it’s for the best that Suzanne Collins and Lionsgate aren’t returning to her story in their spinoffs.
Sunrise on the Reapingwill take place duringthe 50th Hunger Games, soits narrative will unfold long before the Mockingjay becomes the face of the rebellion. In fact, given that it covers the second Quarter Quell, the upcomingHunger Gamesprequel will inevitably see Haymitch representing District 12 in the titular tournament. Witnessing Haymitch’s Games in real time — and digging deeper into the history of Panem — is an intriguing prospect. It’s also a great way for Collins to revisit the franchise without involving Katniss — something that would be too risky to justify.
10 Biggest Hunger Games Moments That Could Appear In The New Prequel
The new Hunger Games prequel may include moments alluded to in the previous books as it depicts Haymitch’s victory in the arena and events afterward.
Sunrise On The Reaping Helps Hunger Games Expand Without Katniss Everdeen’s Return
The Prequel Novel & Movie Continue Exploring Panem Before The Mockingjay
Sunrise on the Reapingis yet anotherHunger Gamesprequel from Collins, and likeThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,it allows the author to continue expanding on this world without touching the original story.The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakesshowed what the Hunger Games were like before the original trilogy, andSunrise on the Reapingwill demonstrate how they’ve evolved in the 40 years since Snow’s origin story. Collins' prequels paint a fascinating picture ofThe Hunger Games’timeline, revealing how Panem and the Games evolve over 75 years.
Prequels are a more efficient way of bringing readers back to this universe, and they allow for new perspectives and messages to emerge without tarnishing the legacy of Katniss' story.
Such explorations of Collins' world are more interesting than returning to Katniss' timeline, which will ideally be a period of peace following everything that happens inMockingjay.It’s hard to see how the author could continue the narrative ofThe Hunger Games,which is whyCollins is unlikely to pen a sequel. Prequels are a more efficient way of bringing readers back to this universe, and they allow for new perspectives and messages to emerge without tarnishing the legacy of Katniss' story.
Sunrise On The Reaping Could Be The First Of Multiple Books About Haymitch
Knowing that Haymitch wins the 50th Hunger Games tournament,many are expectingSunrise on the Reapingto follow his character into the arena. If it does, it could be the first of multiple books focused on Katniss and Peeta’s mentor. Haymitch’sGames are the bloodiest in Panem’s history, and fans already know they have a shocking ending. However, Haymitch’s backstory doesn’t end there. Haymitch loses his family to the Capitol, and he sinks into depression and alcoholism.The Hunger Gamestrilogy alludes to the latter, andSunrise on the Reapingwill reveal how he got there.
Given the brutality Haymitch faces even after the Games, it seems possible to center more than one book on his character. This is especially true if Collins weaves in other perspectives, like she did inThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.Given the author’s promise to tackle propaganda inSunrise on the Reaping, it makes sense to have some of the story take place outside the arena. Collins can easily expand on the Quarter Quell by showcasing its aftermath. Whether she’ll do so remains to be seen. But either way,she’s better off writing more prequels than revisiting Katniss' narrative.
Hunger Games Needs To Wait Longer To Continue Katniss' Story (If It Ever Does)
It’s Too Soon To Return To Katniss (& It Risks Ruining Mockingjay’s Ending)
The Hunger Gamestrilogy isn’t that old —Mockingjaydebuted in 2010 — soit feels a bit too soon to revisit Katniss' story. If Collins ever chooses to write a sequel toThe Hunger Games,it should be further out from its conclusion. At present, the original series has a strong legacy. Although many young adult andchildren’s books from the 2000s have aged poorly, readers continue to hold Collins' trilogy in high regard. Its message is timeless, and it almost feels more relevant now than whenThe Hunger Gamesfirst came out.
While it’s possible tyranny will come back to Panem, Collins might be better off exploring that cycle long after Katniss and Peeta are gone.
Of course,it’s doubtful that Collins should ever return to Katniss' story, even if she does write aHunger Gamessequel one day.Mockingjaygives Katniss and Peeta a hopeful ending, highlighting that they feel safe enough to start a family after ending the Games. While it’s possible tyranny will come back to Panem, Collins might be better off exploring that cycle long after Katniss and Peeta are gone. Otherwise, she risks diminishingMockingjay’s ending and ruining Katniss' journey. That’s why it’s a relief thatSunrise on the Reapingis another prequel, as it leaves Katniss' story alone.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a multi-movie franchise starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The films are based on the young adult dystopian book series by author Suzanne Collins. The first film was released in 2012, followed by Catching Fire in 2013, Mockingjay Part 1 in 2014, and Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015. In 2023, the fifth film in the series was released, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
