I've read all the Hunger Games books, so when I heard there was a new one out, I knew I didn't have a choice. I put a hold on Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (2025) and read it as soon as it became available. Sunrise is a prequel to the trilogy that made Collins famous. It focuses on Haymitch Abernathy, who in later books is the drunk and disillusioned "mentor" to Katniss and Peeta.
The book takes place around the 50th Annual Hunger Games. For the 50th Games, they've decided to take twice as many tributes from each district--two boys and two girls. Haymitch is eighteen and on his last year of eligibility, but he's put his name in many times for extra food and resources. Haymitch is in love with Lenore Dove Baird, a young singer who rebels in small ways against the Capital when she can. She is a relative Lucy Gray Baird, who was one of the main characters in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Lucy had a personal connection with the current President Snow.
As was no surprise, Haymitch's name is chosen in the reaping, along with a young girl who is like a sister to Haymitch. In addition, there is a snobby girl Haymitch has always hated, and an older boy whose family is known for placing bets on the Hunger Games tributes.
At least half of the book is everything that leads up to the games, and it was pretty interesting. The way the tributes are treated, President Snow's machinations, and the hints of rebellion all come up. When Haymitch's young friend is killed in an accident, instead of dealing with the consequences or picking a new tribute, the Capital brings on an unconvincing look alike. The poor lookalike is being controlled and has obviously been tortured. It's very sad.
The part of the book focused on the Hunger Games was hard for me to read. There were so many monstrous animals created by the Capital that it felt more like a horror story. It definitely gave me nightmares, and I was happy when I finally finished. I could see the ending coming, and it was gut wrenching. I was almost annoyed by how heartless it was, but this could never be a happy story or Haymitch wouldn't be the man he is in later books.
On the whole, Sunrise on the Reaping, was interesting and fits in well with the other books. However, I feel like I'm growing out of this series. The violence and crazy animals are getting more and more disturbing to me, and the concept of the Hunger Games has been pretty thoroughly explored. I'm not sure if I'll read any more Hunger Games sequels/prequels if they happen.
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