A new “Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins has been announced. The upcoming novel, titled “Sunrise on the Reaping," will be released next year on March 18, 2025. According to publisher Scholastic, it will start on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
As reported by the Associated Press, the fifth volume in Collins' dystopian series will be a prequel set 40 years after the events of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”, and 24 years before the events of the original "Hunger Games" novel.
Author Suzanne Collins also shared her inspiration for the new novel with AP, citing David Hume’s concept of implicit submission and the dynamics between rulers and the ruled.
“The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day.”
"Sunrise on the Reaping" will be set during the Second Quarter Quell, won by Haymitch Abernathy. Haymitch was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the 2012 film "The Hunger Games".
There are no official announcements regarding film rights for "Sunrise on the Reaping". But, the novel could potentially follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and become a major motion picture.
The "Hunger Games” series, originally adapted into four successful films starring Jennifer Lawrence, has earned a remarkable $3.3 billion worldwide, solidifying its status as the 20th highest-grossing film franchise.
Prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" was also adapted as a film in 2023, featuring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth and earning $337.4 million globally.
In our review of the 2023 film, we said: "It works as a faithful adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel, yet falls flat when it comes to depicting the maze of interpersonal manipulation and emotions that make up its main characters’ ultimately doomed relationship."
"Actors Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler are brilliant additions to the franchise with equally magnetic takes on their very different characters, but aren’t given enough time to fully flesh them out."
If you’re looking to catch up before the release of “Sunrise on the Reaping” next year, check out our guides on How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order and How to Watch the Hunger Games Movies in Chronological Order.
For even more book news this month, consider IGN's top picks for the best sci-fi fantasy novels in June, including Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland, Moonbound by Robin Sloan, and more.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
