Sunrise on the Reaping ending explained: How Suzanne Collins expands The Hunger Games universe

Correct, it’s understood that Haymitch was penalized for what appeared to be quick-wittedness with the force field, which was perceived as defiance. Additionally, it’s also known that his mother, brother, and partner lost their lives.

On the other hand, similar to many aspects of Panem’s past, it is often revised and embellished when one chooses not to accept Capitol propaganda.

Through the perspective of Haymitch’s personal account, it becomes clear that there were many aspects about his participation in the Games and his life story that remained largely unknown to us.

Let’s delve deeply into the insights we gained about the world of Panem as the sun rose on the Reaping.

*Warning: contains spoilers for Sunrise on the Reaping*

Haymitch’s involvement in the revolution

Just as every book in The Hunger Games trilogy reveals, the Games span far beyond the moment the Victor is declared. Similarly, the uprising aimed at abolishing them – along with the fear that gripped Panem – had roots deep before Katniss Everdeen came onto the scene.

At sunrise on the eve of the Reaping’s conclusion, the story unfolds events leading to The Hunger Games trilogy, focusing on precursory revolutionary acts – “posters” – prior to the recognized revolution. The narrative reintroduces beloved characters such as Haymitch, Beetee, Wiress, Mags, and Plutarch, participating in struggles that persist through Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Additionally, Effie’s eccentric character is showcased once more – a delightful extra!

In his last talk with Haymitch, Plutarch reinforces that Katniss Everdeen wasn’t the Chosen One, but rather someone “remarkably similar” to him, who simply benefited from a bit more good fortune and favorable conditions. The resemblance between Haymitch and Katniss has never been more apparent than in Sunrise.

It turns out that Haymitch played a more significant and active role in the revolution than we initially understood. His poignant deathbed pledge to Lenore, along with his past friendship with Katniss’ parents, further enhances his importance in the upcoming uprising.

The motif of revolution carried forward by successive generations persists in songs and verses, with Maysilee citing “Nothing You Can Take From Me” and Burdock Everdeen crooning “The Old Therebefore”, tunes that Lucy Gray also performs. Haymitch brings up “The Hanging Tree”, a song pivotal to both The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes as well as Katniss Everdeen’s battle cry for Panem. The romantic ballad “Pure As the Driven Snow”, written by Lucy Gray about her relationship with Snow, is omitted from Sunrise and is a song that Katniss never refers to.

Lucy Gray and Lenore Dove’s parents

In the story’s conclusion, we don’t learn where Haymitch’s girl, Lenore Dove, is located, and her whereabouts seem intertwined with the character of Haymitch’s mentor, Lenore Dove, who shares a name with an Edgar Allan Poe poem. You might have thought she was the daughter of Lucy Gray and Snow, as hinted by the book, but the father is left unclear. Suzanne Collins leaves both parents’ identities vague, suggesting that Snow and Lucy Gray may have had a child together as adults, which seems improbable. However, at the end of the book, we see Haymitch mourning Lenore Dove at Maude Ivory’s grave. This suggests that Lenore Dove is actually Maude Ivory’s daughter instead, since we know Maude died in childbirth.

Katniss and her connection to the Covey

In the aftermath of Ballad, there’s been much discussion about the Coveys since they aren’t mentioned in Katniss’ initial tale. These nomadic musicians were kept within District 12 following the first rebellion, and many hypotheses revolve around Katniss being a descendant of their lineage. This theory aligns well as Katniss demonstrates a strong connection to music, is familiar with Covey tunes, and has an exceptional ability to memorize songs quickly – the haunting Covey melodies echo throughout the original trilogy.

At the start of the story, we learn about Katniss Everdeen’s parents – Burdock Everdeen (also known as Lenore Dove’s “cuz”) and Astrid March – rather unexpectedly early on. Additionally, connections to the Covey and Haymitch are hinted through her father. However, it isn’t until the very end of the book that we manage to comprehend how the Sunrise on the Reaping event solidifies these family ties.

In this scenario, Lucy Gray remains a mystery as she’s not present in the picture, so we’re left with Maude Ivory and Barb Azure as potential ancestors for Katniss and Primrose Everdeen. If Maude Ivory is connected to Lenore Dove, then it suggests that Barb Azure could be related to the Everdeens. However, the ultimate connection lies in your interpretation.

Additional connections exist, take note. For instance, the flint striker featured on the Sunrise cover was crafted by Tam Amber. Interestingly, he also produced the Mockingjay pin which Maysilee Donner owned and eventually gave to Katniss. This can be likened to the Capitol’s overabundance of lighters, failing to recognize the flint striker’s potential as a powerful tool.

Haymitch’s tragic fate

As Haymitch reappears in District 12, it’s clear that his past is filled with sorrow – the loss of his mother, brother, and girlfriend are unavoidable facts. From the manipulation of his initial selection to the collective sympathy stirred by Haymitch “I don’t drink” Abernathy’s introduction, the destiny of despair was predetermined from the start. All we can do is bear witness as this tragic tale unfolds before us.

Throughout the novel, a sense of unease gradually builds up, reaching its peak with these inevitable tragic events. For instance, Suzanne Collins uses a poetic device called locus amoenus, where a seemingly idyllic setting harbors danger, such as Lucy Gray’s performance while Haymitch is imprisoned or the numerous doppelgängers, like Haymitch’s sisters and his former sweetheart. This isn’t just intriguing symbolically; it also leads to heart-wrenching moments, including the death of Haymitch’s mother and brother in a fire at District 12 due to an empty cistern, and the gumdrops that ultimately claim Lenore Dove’s life, causing immense pain for Haymitch. President Snow intentionally leaves poisoned gumdrops for her, reminiscent of the sweets Haymitch frequently gives her, as well as the berries shared by Katniss and Peeta. Unknowingly, Haymitch feeds two to her before realizing his mistake, despite having concerns about tainted food earlier in the story. It was meant to cause pain, and it did.

The Geese

In a different wording, Sunrise delves into ideas such as concealed subordination, media awareness, and propaganda. It’s suggested that Haymitch eventually reveals the truth about his manipulated games and their cost to his new family, Katniss and Peeta, in the epilogue. This revelation is crucial because it explains why they are helping him raise Lenore Dove’s geese. The Capitol had edited out all acts of resistance and unity from Haymitch’s Games footage, which means he must have shared this information with them to ensure they understood the healing power of raising geese for him. Indeed, our emotions were stirred just as theirs were.