Even though Sunrise on the Reaping was announced months ago, very little news followed about the very anxiously awaited fifth book in the world of Panem. To be fair, that is how the book industry always is, but it didn't stop The Hunger Games fans from clinging to every rumor and hint in their excitement. But last night it was hinted the Today show would have big news about this book, and it fully delivered! Not only did we get the cover of the new book, we got the official plot synopsis!
So first of all, the cover is beautiful. Purple is my favorite, and the Snake and the Mockingjay being connected as a crown makes for some very interesting symbolism. It makes me wonder a lot about young Haymitch and how he went from a fighter to a person who could barely function at the beginning of the trilogy. However, it's the synopsis that really piqued my interest.
""Sunrise on the Reaping" will revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of "The Hunger Games," starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.Sunrise on the Reaping synopsis
As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight ... and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena."
Haymitch's games is a story I have wanted to read ever since we got the chapter about them in Catching Fire, and with how intentional Suzanne Collins has been in returning to Panem, I am well aware this will be an emotional rollercoaster. In addition, with her previously talking about how she wanted to go into a theme of censorship, I am fascinated to see how that will play out within this book - especially as it is implied Haymitch will lose the fight he is trying to start for another twenty-five years.
Overall, I am so excited for this book, and I cannot wait to get any more news about it.
Sunrise on the Reaping is available for preorder through Scholastic and will release on March 18th, 2025.