Book Review: Is the latest Hunger Games prequel “Sunrise on the Reaping” any good?
- Catalina Lan
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 15
You might've already seen the TikToks featuring a new cast, the trailer, and a whole new chapter in the world of The Hunger Games. But this time, we're not moving forward, we're going back.
The upcoming film is based on Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, a prequel set decades before The Hunger Games. It takes us to an earlier version of Panem, where the Games are still evolving and the Capitol's control over the districts is strengthening. This isn't another survival story. It's about how the Capitol built its power through manipulation and spectacle, setting the stage for everything we see in Katniss' rebellion.
The story takes place during the 50th Hunger Games, or the Second Quarter Quell, where the Capitol doubles the number of tributes as a reminder of its power. In District 12, a young Haymitch Abernathy is reaped on his sixteenth birthday. Unlike the future version we know from “The Hunger Games”, this Haymitch is still a teenager trying to survive, protect his loved ones, and understand a system designed to break him. In addition, he’ll also face the tributes in an arena described as both beautiful and deadly, where even nature is out to get him and survival depends more on strategy, alliances, and understanding the Capitol's game rather than personal strength.
The story centers on Haymitch Abernathy, but this prequel expands the world of Panem by introducing younger versions of familiar faces alongside several new characters. Joseph Zada stars as a young Haymitch Abernathy, portraying a version of the character who is more hopeful and emotionally vulnerable than the alcoholic mentor from the original films. Meanwhile, Elle Fanning plays a younger version of Effie Trinket, giving viewers a glimpse into the early days of her career and offering insight into how Capitol citizens became part of the Games’ system.
The film also introduces several important new characters. Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, a fellow District 12 tribute whose connection to the mockingjay symbol makes her stand out. Ben Wang joins the cast as Wyatt Callow, a tribute whose story highlights the entertainment and gambling culture surrounding the Games. Molly McCann plays Louella McCoy, one of the novel's most memorable characters, whose storyline reveals just how far the Capitol is willing to go to control public perception.
Many fans have also been wondering whether any original cast members will return. Since the story takes place decades before the events of the original films, the focus is on a younger generation of characters. In regards to the return of the actors, Jenifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are said to return as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, confirmed by various news channels.
While the original films balanced arena action with the growing rebellion, Sunrise on the Reaping leans further into themes of propaganda, psychological control, and the inner workings of the Hunger Games. Visually, it is expected to feel more raw and less polished, reflecting an earlier version of Panem where the Games were still evolving into the spectacle audiences later recognize. In terms of tone, it may feel closest to The Hunger Games but with even higher emotional stakes. This film explores why the Games exist and how they became one of the Capitol's most powerful tools of control.
As excitement continues to build, fans are already speculating about how faithfully the film will adapt the novel, how Haymitch's victory will be portrayed on screen, and which connections to the original trilogy might be expanded. Many are also eager to see how the adaptation handles some of the book's most emotional moments without losing the political commentary that makes the story so impactful. Everything we've seen so far suggests that Sunrise on the Reaping could become one of the franchise's strongest entries, especially for fans who enjoy the deeper backstory and political side of Panem.
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