The Hunger Games fandom went into a frenzy when it was announced that Suzanne Collins had given us a new adventure into Panem. And now that I've finally managed to settle down, here are the five things I believe this book needs to have:
1. Haymitch's Tragic Backstory
When we first meet Haymitch in The Hunger Games, he's the only living winner from District 12. And very, very drunk. It's understandable, considering the trauma every single tribute has gone through. But we only have one chapter in a trilogy of books that talks about his Quarter Quell - and we see him as arrogant, intelligent, and cocky. He is smart enough to survive but shuts down after - most likely from the trauma of the arena. I'm interested in seeing the transition and what is going on in his head. Was how he was portrayed an act? Or is it something the Capitol decided to create for him through interesting editing?
2. Propaganda
This Hunger Games is going to be more brutal than most because instead of the usual twenty-four tributes, we are going to have forty-eight. Suzanne Collins has also said she's been especially inspired by propaganda and "real or not real" will be one of the biggest themes of the book. I am interested to see how this affects both the citizens of the Capitol and the citizens of the Districts - and what exactly kept them from rising up for another twenty-five years.
3. Caesar Flickerman
While I did enjoy Lucky Flickerman, I am very glad Caesar is going to be back. In Chapter 18 of Catching Fire, when Katniss and Peeta watch this Quarter Quell, we know he is doing the interviews, and the color he wears that year is green. But if propaganda is the theme, then I can only assume that he's going to be front and center in a way we've never seen him before.
4. Maysilee Donner
I can already feel this girl is going to make us cry. If you've never heard of Maysilee Donner, I'll give you a little recap. She is Madge Undersee's aunt, and more importantly, the original owner of Katniss' signature mockingjay pin. She and Haymitch team up together in the arena, but until they agree to split up - and she is killed almost immediately afterward. I am hoping she is going to be the emotional core of the book. Even if it does mean Maysilee will leave me reaching for my tissues.
5. Mama Everdeen
One of the few things we know about Mrs. Everdeen's childhood is she was Maysilee's best friend. She was even shown on television during the reaping holding on to her and crying. Even though she is more likely to be a minor character, I am hoping to get more insight into the character that will shed more light on how she was portrayed in the trilogy.
Sunrise on the Reaping comes out on March 18, 2025, and is available for preorder now.
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