Sunrise on the Reaping: What to Know Before Reading Hunger Games Novel

Prepare to meet Haymitch Abernathy—again.

Previously, Haymitch Abernathy lived in District 12 before his reappearance as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark’s troubled mentor in “The Hunger Games” novel of 2008. However, his victory in the arena decades ago came at a heavy price, seemingly costing him everything. Suzanne Collins’ newest installment in her popular YA series, titled “Sunrise on the Reaping,” offers fans an exclusive glimpse into how Haymitch’s arduous path to triumph during the 50th Hunger Games eventually led him to the life of alcoholism and solitude that Katniss and Peeta encountered when they were chosen as tributes in the 74th Hunger Games.

In the novel “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Haymitch is portrayed differently compared to his character in the initial trilogy. Instead, he exhibits more hope, love, and joy than both Katniss Everdeen and young Coriolanus Snow, as Suzanne Collins explained in a rare interview with her publisher.

She clarified, “His facial expressions hold a lot more vibrancy and jest at first. Regrettably, towards the end of the book, one can sense his determined attempt to eliminate all that cheerfulness. Consequently, by the time we reach the trilogy, his writing lacks the melodious rhythm it once possessed due to his longing to forget and years spent under Capitol TV’s influence.

However, Collins is rejuvenating the story in her prequel by delving into the events that led him to retreat in solitude.

Here’s what to remember before diving back into the world of Panem in Sunrise on the Reaping…

Who Is Haymitch Abernathy?

In “The Hunger Games,” Haymitch, aged 40, stands as District 12’s sole survivor and second-ever winner of the Hunger Games. He’s been living in seclusion and drinking heavily for the past 24 years since his victory. Initially, Haymitch (portrayed by Woody Harrelson in all four films) seems content to continue his life as a recluse rather than train more children for their inevitable participation in the deadly games. However, he’s forced out of his lethargy when Katniss and Peeta insistently ask him to help them improve their chances of survival.

Aside from serving as the main supporter for Katniss and Peeta during the games, Haymitch also becomes a partner to them throughout their experiences in the victory tour, the Third Quarter Quell, and eventually the second uprising.

What Do We Know About Haymitch Abernathy’s Time in the Hunger Games Before Sunrise on the Reaping?

At sixteen years old, Haymitch was selected to participate in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. In contrast to typical Hunger Games, where one boy and girl from each district competed, this year saw eight contestants from each district – four boys and four girls. However, only one could emerge victorious. Although the original Hunger Games trilogy does not delve deeply into the games’ events, there are hints here and there.

In “Catching Fire,” Katniss and Peeta view recordings from the Games, and they discuss a maneuver by Haymitch that was nearly as perilous as the predicament that made them co-winners.

In Mockingjay, it’s only then that Haymitch discloses the terrible cost of his victory. He confides in Katniss, “My mother and younger brother… they were all gone just two weeks after I was crowned victor.” He adds, “It was because of that trick with the force field. Snow had no one left to use against me.

Instead of killing him, Snow explained that he served as an example, saying, “I represented the fate that could befall any Victor who created trouble for the young Finnicks, Johannas, and Cashmeres.

What Are the Hunger Games?

Every year, the Capitol of Panem organizes a competition known as The Hunger Games. In this contest, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 are selected at random from each of the 12 districts. They fight each other to the death in an arena until only one survivor remains, who is believed to receive wealth. However, as the series uncovers, this isn’t entirely true.

The Broadcasted Games are a stark reminder of the cost the districts must bear due to their uprising attempts, visible to everyone across Panem.

What Is a Quarter Quell in the Hunger Games?

Every 25 years, the Hunger Games add an extra cruel twist. For instance, in the Quarter Quell, as depicted in “Catching Fire”, instead of tributes being chosen randomly, each district was forced to select their own representative – a boy and a girl – who would then face almost certain death.

At the dawn following the Doubled Second Quarter Quell, where the participating tributes increased from 24 to 48, we find ourselves in the story. Notably, the third and final Quarter Quell, which marked the climax of this series, saw the selection of tributes hailing from past district winners, regardless of age or physical constraints.

How Many Years Before The Hunger Games Does Sunrise on the Reaping Take Place?

The story of “Sunrise on the Reaping” unfolds 24 years prior to “The Hunger Games,” with Haymitch becoming a tribute in the 50th annual event, while Katniss and Peeta both participate in the arena during the 74th year.

In terms of its placement, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is set 40 years prior to “Sunrise on the Reaping.” This story unfolds as District 12’s Lucy Gray Baird prepares for the tenth Hunger Games, where she catches the attention of a young Coriolanus Snow.

Will There Be a Sunrise on the Reaping Movie?

Absolutely, as soon as Scholastic declared that the book was being published, Lionsgate affirmed it for the silver screen with a confirmed release date. The movie will premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Keep reading for more secrets about the world of The Hunger Games…

We’re not kidding when we say every young actress vied to portray Katniss Everdeen, the bow-and-arrow wielding heroine in “The Hunger Games.” Contenders included Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Emma Roberts, Saoirse Ronan, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jodelle Ferland, Lyndsy Fonseca, Emily Browning, Shailene Woodley, Kaya Scodelario, and Troian Bellisario. However, director Gary Ross had his heart set on Jennifer Lawrence from the get-go, eventually casting her as Katniss due to her Oscar nomination.

In 2011, Ross stated to Entertainment Weekly that he undoubtedly chose the ideal actor for the role of Katniss and in his opinion, there was no debate about who was the best fit. He described it as the most straightforward casting choice he had ever made during his career.

2. However, Lawrence was uncertain if she was prepared to accept the role, as she was apprehensive about the magnitude of popularity that would follow. (For instance, consider the situation faced by Twilight’s Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.)

At midnight in England, while I was asleep in bed, I received a call, as Lawrence shared with MTV News. The affection I had for the books and the script quickly became overwhelming, and suddenly it presented itself to me – the magnitude of the choice was daunting. However, it was ultimately her mother, Karen Lawrence, who guided her towards making the movie commitment.

In her own words, Lawrence stated that someone accused her of hypocrisy as she had previously claimed that the size of a movie doesn’t matter to her. This person pointed out a film that she admired and suggested she might have declined due to its small scale. Realizing that fear could prevent her from seizing opportunities, Lawrence decided she didn’t want her apprehension to hold her back. However, deep down, she yearned for the project and was working through her anxieties in order to pursue it.

3. Following Lawrence being named as Katniss, the Internet typically reacted in its usual way: Showed anger that the 20-year-old actress was older than the character, who is 16 in the first book, and had blonde hair. However, Ross didn’t pay heed to the initial criticism, explaining to Entertainment Weekly that the author of The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins, who also contributed to the script, approved of Lawrence being cast.

The filmmaker stated that Suzanne didn’t mind Jen’s age, but rather felt it crucial to have an individual of a specific maturity and authority to portray Katniss. As this character is meant to instigate a revolution, they couldn’t cast someone weak or underage for the role. Suzanne was very firm about this. Instead, she was concerned that we might select someone too young for the part, not someone who was too old.

4. Lawrence dismisses online reactions to her casting, explaining to MTV News, “Nope, as the internet feels to me like a bottomless pit. I rarely venture there.

She mentioned, “I hadn’t realized everyone was so troubled until after I had my hair dyed. That’s when people reacted with, ‘Wow, blonde hair can become brown!’

5. In the initial film, Lawrence earned a salary of $500,000. However, for the follow-up movie in 2013 titled “Catching Fire”, her earnings increased significantly to $10 million.

6. Among several contenders, including Alexander Ludwig, Hunter Parrish, Lucas Till, and Evan Peters, it was eventually Josh Hutcherson who won the role of Katniss Everdeen’s District 12 tribute and love interest, Peeta Mellark.

In a statement previously made, Ross expressed that he believed Peeta would be the most challenging role to cast due to the intricacy of the character. However, he feels incredibly fortunate that they found an actor who captures all aspects of this complex personality. He is eagerly looking forward to collaborating with Josh on the project.

8. As a lifestyle expert, I can tell you that when it came to portraying Gale Hawthorne, Katniss Everdeen’s thoughtful childhood friend, we went with Liam Hemsworth over David Henrie, Drew Roy, and Robbie Amell. Producer Nina Jacobson explained, “Gale is a man of few words, so the actor needed to embody him subtly rather than through dialogue.” Liam managed to do this masterfully, bringing Gale’s reserved yet impactful character to life in a way that felt authentic and true to Suzanne Collins’ writing.

8. For the film, each of the main actors needed to change their hair color: Chris Hemsworth, who has naturally blond hair, dyed it dark; Jennifer Lawrence, who has brown hair, underwent a detailed process to turn her hair darker; and Josh Hutcherson bleached his previously dark locks.

Hair stylist and designer Linda Flowers disclosed to Cosmopolitan magazine back in 2014 that they rented six wigs priced at $5,000 each, available in various shades of brown. In the end, Ross chose the darkest wig as a reference for dyeing Lawrence’s hair, despite his preference leaning towards the lightest shade.

9. To prepare for the physically demanding role, Lawrence underwent various workout methods.

She shared with MTV News that although there’s a lot of training involved, it’s surprisingly enjoyable. Over the past six weeks, she’s taken up archery, rock climbing, tree climbing, combat exercises, running, and vaulting. Yet, she also does yoga and other activities to maintain her agility, making her feel like a cat.

10. On the final day of her six-week training period, Lawrence collided with a wall while performing an exercise, which nearly caused a delay in production.

In an exclusive confession to The Hollywood Reporter, I shared a harrowing experience – one that left me flat-footed against a wall, my midriff meeting the cold surface unexpectedly. My trainer feared the worst, suspecting a ruptured spleen. Panic ensued as I was whisked away for a CAT scan and subjected to the claustrophobic confines of a tube, where they filled me with a burning fluid. Thankfully, no bones were broken, just some bruises – and my determination remained unscathed, allowing me to carry on.

11. Prior to filming, Hutcherson underwent intensive training, as he shared with Collider in 2012, “I hadn’t done anything like this for a movie before. I gained around 15 pounds of muscle, which meant lots of eating chicken and following a high protein, low carb diet.

12. Regarding Hemsworth, it was disclosed that his older brother, Chris Hemsworth (known for playing Thor), gave him some unexpected tips in preparation for the film.

Chris Hemsworth shared that his brother playfully scolded him by texting, “Before our movie came out, he advised me to slim down,” Hemsworth told The Hollywood Reporter. “He quipped, ‘It’s called The Hunger Games, not The Feasting Games!’

During the thirteenth week of shooting, Lawrence unintentionally caused Hutcherson to lose consciousness after accidentally kicking him on the head.

In an interview with Yahoo, Hutcherson recounted an instance where a woman was acting rather arrogantly, as if she were some martial arts master like Jackie Chan. This individual began demonstrating kung-fu moves, boasting that she could kick over my head. However, her show of skills ended abruptly when she accidentally kicked me in the temple and I lost consciousness. When I regained awareness, I found her crying and consoling me, as she had inadvertently hit me while I was lying there unconscious.

14. During filming in North Carolina, the team endured scorching temperatures of up to 100 degrees, regular downpours, and occasionally had bears stray onto the set, drawn by the scent of their meals.

15. Initially, Woody Harrelson declined the role of Katniss and Peeta’s drunken mentor Haymitch Abernathy twice, confessing in 2017 to The Hollywood Reporter that he didn’t realize how big it would become and thought it wasn’t a good part. However, he was mistaken; it turned out to be a fantastic role and an excellent decision, for which he is grateful that director Gary Ross contacted him.

16. Every day, Elizabeth Banks needed a manicure to fit the character of Effie Trinket, who was Katniss and Peeta’s escort from the Capitol. The detailed nail designs turned out to be rather inconvenient during filming.

In an interview with Collider in 2012, Banks expressed that he effectively couldn’t perform daily tasks on his own. He had assistants who handled everything for him. He couldn’t text on his phone, go to the restroom, or change clothes. By the time he reached the cafeteria, everyone else had finished eating and left. He exclaimed, “There’s no one to eat with! I just arrived!” It took him around 25 minutes to dress and undress in his costume.

17. Lenny Kravitz, who played the role of Katniss Everdeen’s stylist and trusted ally Cinna, was already acquainted with Jennifer Lawrence before they started filming, due to his daughter Zoe Kravitz’s friendship with her.

In 2012, he shared with HeyUGuys that they were filming “X-Men: First Class” in London. Since he lived in Paris, the cast would often stay at his place as it served as their temporary lodging. As a result, he had the chance to meet Jennifer Lawrence there and instantly fell for her charm and humor. He recounted finding it amusing when Gary asked who was playing Katniss, only to learn that it was Jennifer Lawrence, and he appreciated the fact that they already shared a relationship. He believed this would be beneficial because, in a way, he saw her as a daughter figure, so their bond would prove useful for the film.

18. At the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in 2013, “Safe & Sound,” a song from the movie that Taylor Swift co-wrote and performed with the band Civil Wars, was awarded Best Song Composed for Visual Media.

19. (In March 2012,) When the film hit theaters, it shattered records for both opening day earnings ($67.3 million) and opening weekend take for a non-sequel ($152 million). By the end of the year, it climbed its way to become the third highest earning movie of that time. (As a dedicated follower, I was there witnessing these incredible milestones.)

20. Director Ross originally planned to come back, but in the end, he chose not to continue with the series. Instead, Francis Lawrence took over and directed the subsequent three movies.

In March 2022, Ross shared with Variety that the choice was extremely challenging for him. What seemed unclear to others was his dual role – he was both the writer and director. Typically, you do one job before moving on to the other. With only three-and-a-half months to work on two movies, he acknowledged there wasn’t enough time to excel at both. Fortunately, he had the opportunity to direct “Free State of Jones,” a project he still cherishes as one of his best works, even though it didn’t receive wide viewership. All in all, things worked out well for him.

2025-03-19 18:18