Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games)

Sobbing, literally sobbing. I thought I knew what I was getting into, I know we all are aware that Haymitch went through some hard stuff but I don’t think any of us were expecting this.

As some of you may not be aware, Suzanne Collins mentioned that she only writes when she has something to say and boy oh boy were the messages prevalent in this one. Without diving into spoilers because I’m not about that, just know that propaganda affects all of us, even when you think it doesn’t.

This is by far my favourite of the hunger games prequel novels, honestly my favourite of all the novels. I will definitely be doing a reread sooner than later because I’m sure I missed so many things.

The story was absolutely phenomenal. All the little Easter eggs and parallels, the origins of Haymitch’s quirks and nicknames. Some familiar names and characters that we meet later on in the original trilogy. I honestly cannot wait for the movie adaptation to come out because I know it will be on repeat with the Hunger Games being my go to comfort movies.

This book rekindled my love for the dystopian and my passion for fighting back against the enemy, whoever that may be in your society.

🌾💔
I’ve been a Hunger Games fan from the very beginning. I read every book the week it came out and I was at the theater on release day for every movie. Now I’m in my thirties, still re reading the trilogy every few years because something about Suzanne Collins’ writing never loses its magic. Sunrise on the Reaping reminded me exactly why Panem has stayed with me for almost two decades now.
Going into this, I expected to understand Haymitch better. I did not expect to feel this much. There were moments where I had to set my Kindle down because my chest hurt. Collins writes him with so much depth that his choices, strengths, bitterness, and heartbreak feel almost personal. I laughed at his defiance and cried at the moments where he is forced to grow up all at once. It surprised me how heavy some of it stayed with me after I closed the book.
What really impressed me is how beautifully this fits into the entire Hunger Games universe. Between the original trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and now this book, Collins has created one long, seamless story with no real plot holes. The way she threads themes, symbols, and character echoes from one book to the next feels intentional and incredibly satisfying. There were a few quiet easter eggs in this one too, and if you’ve read all five books, you’ll spot them. They aren’t loud or forced. They’re subtle, emotional, and clever in a way that makes you appreciate how much care she puts into this world.
This book also made me rethink Ballad. Seeing how the Capitol operates in Haymitch’s Games, contrasted with Snow’s early years, ties everything together in a way that feels almost chilling. It’s rare for a series to still be revealing meaningful layers after five books, but Collins manages it without ever breaking her world’s rules or tone. That’s something only a master storyteller can do. And with the new movie trailer everywhere right now, reading this hit even harder. It’s surreal to have grown up with these characters and still feel so connected to them in adulthood. Collins writes with the kind of emotional clarity that reaches you no matter how old you are. I didn’t expect a prequel to make me reflect on the original trilogy with even more understanding, yet here we are.
If you love the Hunger Games series, this book is going to matter to you. It’s emotional in the ways that count and thoughtful in the ways longtime fans appreciate. Sunrise on the Reaping doesn’t just expand the story. It enriches it 📚🤍 It’s powerful, heartbreaking, and crafted with the same level of care that made the original trilogy unforgettable. As someone who has carried these books through different stages of life, reading this felt like returning to a familiar world with new eyes. I’m grateful we got this story and even more grateful for how beautifully it connects every piece of the series together.

It’s hard to put it down, I loved it, I just thought there was to much poem/song , it was a bit repetitive and English is not my native language, so if you are not English native, maybe try the translated version to fully get the poetic vibe.
I loved learning more about Haymitch’s story and how it connects with Katniss’s.

I couldn’t wait for the paperback so I settled for the hard cover! Love this book 😭

The book arrived in perfect condition, I love the design on the cover and the details in it.

Talking about the content. This is an amazing book. I have loved the hunger games since the very beginning and couldn’t wait to tackle Haymitch story. His story turned out to be so heart breaking that I just don’t have words to express what I felt while reading it, this book also explains so much of why he acts the way he does during the hunger games, what he had to face, all his challenges, the struggle and the ever lasting loss and grief he endured, it simply is a master piece, I love what Suzanne did with him and how she showed the development of Haymitch. I love all of it. And also to get snippets of other well loved characters like Effie and Maggs made it even more special for me. I love every second of it and highly recommend it to all Hunger Games fans.

Ms. Collins has a way of telling a deeply tragic story. I enjoyed this book immensely and am anticipating the movie adaptation. It is very sad, so if you’re sensitive, you may want to pass. The book’s main theme is propaganda and oligarchical cruelty. It also explores the importance of literature and art in society.
Panem et Circenses.