The Odds Are In Our Favor Again
Suzanne Collins, the author of the Hunger Games series, does it again with the debut of Sunrise on the Reaping. On March 18, the long-awaited book and audiobook were released to the public, making it the 5th release in the series.
Within the first week, Sunrise on the Reaping sold 1.5 million copies worldwide, making it the most successful release of the Hunger Games book series. The collection includes The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and Sunrise on the Reaping.
The dystopian series takes place in the nation of Panem, a future version of North America, with 12 districts and a wealthy capital at the center of it. The people of the districts are tasked with producing the resources to keep the nation running while being forced to forage for food and struggling to survive. As punishment for previous war and entertainment for the citizens of the capital, each year, there is a lottery that chooses one man and one woman from each district for a televised event where the tributes fight to the death in an arena. Out of 24 tributes that enter the arena, only one may leave as a victor.
The first three books and four movies, follow Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers as a tribute for the 74th annual Hunger Games in the place of her sister Primrose. Katniss, played by actress Jennifer Lawrence, fights against the capital and the President of the nation, Coriolanus Snow, who does everything he can to control and punish her for her disobedience.
A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the fourth book and fifth movie in the series. It tells the origin story of Coriolanus Snow, played by Tom Blyth. Taking place during the 10th games, it gives insight into how the games began and how they evolved into what they were during the time of Katniss Everdeen.
The newest release, Sunrise on the Reaping, shows the experience of Haymitch Abernathy, who we got to know as Katniss Everdeen’s mentor during her time in the games. Every 25 years, the capital changes the rules. During the 50th games, they doubled the number of tributes chosen to participate and at 16 years old, Haymitch Abernathy was chosen. Through blood, sweat, and grief, he fought to the end to become the victor. Francis Lawrence will direct the movie which is set to be released on November 20, 2026.
The Hunger Games series rose to fame in the early 2010’s, selling millions of copies, breaking box office records, and becoming an icon in popular culture. Many millennials and Gen Z grew up during the peak of the series. This new release will bring people together again, to escape the real world and immerse themselves in Panem and its twisted history.