April 17, 2026
By Camila Bernal
Staff Writer
“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins is the second prequel to the young-adult trilogy “The Hunger Games.” While the main trilogy focuses on the inspiring rebel Katniss Everdeen, this novel follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, revealing the events in his Games that shaped him into the emotionally guarded mentor he would become.
The book begins the morning of the Reaping, an annual event in which one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts are randomly selected to compete in the Hunger Games. However, this year is different, as the Capitol has implemented a Quarter Quell, a special, crueler edition of the Hunger Games held every 25 years.
The book has a similar tone and setting to the trilogy, as both Haymitch and Katniss share the same goal of defying the Capitol.
The Capitol is where the government and the highest social classes live. Although it is not a district, it is in the dystopian country of Panem. As Haymitch continues to defy the Capitol, it dedicates itself to making his life miserable.
The novel is exciting and moving. Divided into three sections — “The Birthday,” “The Rascal” and “The Poster” — each reveals a different time in Haymitch’s life: before the Games, during the Games and after the Games.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” keeps readers on edge through constant shifts in tone, including tension, anger, hope and peace.
At the beginning of the book, Haymitch lives a fairly normal life with his mother and brother in their home in District 12, the lowest-class district. He leaves his house before the Reaping to meet up with his girlfriend, Lenore Dove. Since it is Haymitch’s birthday, they want to spend time together before the Reaping ruins their mood.
As the novel progresses into “The Poster” section, Haymitch reveals his courage and defiance. With the help of his friends, he challenges the rules and forms connections that end in devastating losses.
This near-perfect text highlights the reasons Haymitch identifies with Katniss in the trilogy and why he is so supportive of her. Haymitch sees that she can achieve what he could not. The book has a similar tone and setting to the trilogy, as both Haymitch and Katniss share the same goal of defying the Capitol.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” touches the reader through its natural human responses and reactions in times of trouble. Haymitch is a realistic character with emotions and trauma responses that people can relate to and even find comforting.
Readers are sure to connect with Haymitch and the other characters, all of whom face universal struggles, making “Sunrise on the Reaping” a powerful addition to “The Hunger Games” series.
