Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Sunrise on the Reaping is the second prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. The previous prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, told the backstory of President Coriolanus Snow. Sunrise on the Reaping tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy, the only previous District 12 winner (who anyone can remember) of the annual Hunger Games.

Sunrise on the Reaping was published on 18th March and I was desperate to read it. It wasn’t available in Sainsbury’s (where they sell half price hardback books), so I thought I would have to wait until it came out in paperback. Then I remembered I’d got £10 in Waterstones points, so I bought it using those and it only cost me £6.99 in actual money.

Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games. Fans of the trilogy will know that Haymitch is an alcoholic, who mentors District 12’s tributes every year. Reading Sunrise on the Reaping, it is no surprise that he became an alcoholic.

Every year, the reaping – where the children who must fight to the death in the Hunger Games – takes place on Haymitch Abernathy’s birthday. In Sunrise on the Reaping, Haymitch turns 16. This year is a special year for the Hunger Games – the 50th anniversary, known as the second Quarter Quell. To commemorate the Quarter Quell, each district must send four tributes to the Games – two boys and two girls.

Obviously, it’s no surprise that Haymitch gets selected. He must leave behind his mother and younger brother, Sid, and head to the Capitol with the other tributes. He must also leave behind the love of his life – Lenore Dove, one of the musical Covey people of District 12.

When it comes to the Games, will Haymitch look after his fellow District 12 tributes? Will he be able to kill or will he survive on his wits?

We all know he’s going to win, but it’s a long and gruesome ride until his victory.

I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait any longer to read Sunrise on the Reaping. It is such a beautiful book – inside and out. There are lots of little snippets that fans will recognise from both the trilogy and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. To me, the epilogue at the end was perfect. If you love The Hunger Games, you will love Sunrise on the Reaping.

(And if, like my husband, you love The Hunger Games but you never read, the film will be out late next year!)