This prequel is scheduled to be published by Scholastic on March 18, 2025, and is currently available for preorder.

Suzanne Collins is set to release a new book titled 'Sunrise on the Reaping,' which takes place 24 years before the original Hunger Games series.

The story focuses on Haymitch Abernathy, a beloved character from the original trilogy, as he navigates the challenges of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.

The narrative begins on the morning of the reaping, where Haymitch faces the harsh reality of being selected to compete alongside 47 other tributes.

Haymitch is torn from his loved ones and must navigate the dangers of the Hunger Games, facing both friends and rivals in the arena.

Scholastic's David Levithan described the cover art as exploring the connection between conflicting forces, which resonates with the story's themes.

The Second Quarter Quell introduces a twist, with twice as many children being reaped from the districts to compete in the deadly competition.

Collins cites her inspiration for the novel from philosopher David Hume's ideas on governance and propaganda, emphasizing the relevance of narrative control.

A feature film adaptation of the new book is also in the works, scheduled for release in November 2026, with producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson returning.

The Hunger Games franchise has sold over 100 million copies globally and has grossed $3.3 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time.

The novel explores themes of loss and the will to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds, with Haymitch feeling he has been 'set up to fail' yet motivated to resist.

The cover for 'Sunrise on the Reaping' was revealed on October 16, featuring a serpent and a songbird, symbolizing the central themes of the series.