Suzanne Collins Announces ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ a New ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Coming in 2025

As expected from the successful novelist, Suzanne Collins has declared that she is to write a new prequel book based on her highly successful Hunger Games series. Titled “Sunrise on the Reaping” is set to be released on 18th of March 2025 under the publishing company Scholastic.

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The Hunger Games Returns to Its Dystopian Roots

For fans who want more stories set in the postapocalyptic country of Panem, “Sunrise on the Reaping” takes readers back to the time before the 50th Hunger Games or the Second Quarter Quell. This penultimate episode takes place a full sixty-four years before the events of the Hunger Games, which initiated the entire bestselling Hunger Games trilogy.

Collins said that her muse was the Scottish writer David Hume who wrote about the implicit submission and the natural tendency of mankind to be led by others. She wants to continue exploring the cruel world of propaganda and narrative manipulation with this new tale.

From Page to Screen Yet Again

Not only will readers be able to be transport to the world of Panem through the lens of the literature, but “Sunrise on the Reaping” has already been optioned for a film. The studio that brought the Hunger Games film series is Lionsgate and the movie adaptation of the novel is set to be released on November 20, 2026.

A Franchise Rejuvenated

Following what appeared to be a conclusive ending to her post-apocalyptic series in 2010 with Mockingjay, Collins returned with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a captivating prequel set long before Katniss’ rebellious story. 

Interest in this new narrative suggests Collins has reclaimed her desire to venture back into the well-written world of Panem. Audiences have been eagerly awaiting other stories set in this world after the thrilling dystopia and mortal combat that was The Hunger Games franchise.

Hunger Games By the Numbers

Just how massive is the popularity Collins tapped into with her original trilogy? Consider these staggering numbers:

Over 100 million total copies sold across the four existing Hunger Games novels

Translated into more than 50 languages globally

4 blockbuster film adaptations starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen

The movies grossed nearly $3 billion at the worldwide box office

With such built-in audience fervor, the upcoming release of “Sunrise on the Reaping” is destined to be one of the biggest publishing events of 2025 for readers of all ages. Prospective viewers can also start marking their calendars for November 2026 and the next chapter of Hunger Games mania on the big screen.

Conclusion

As fans eagerly await their return to the enthralling world of Panem, one thing is clear – Suzanne Collins’ imaginative vision shows no signs of losing its grip on readers’ minds. With “Sunrise on the Reaping,” she’s poised to unfurl another chapter exploring the harsh realities and moral complexities that made The Hunger Games a paradigm-shifting cultural milestone. Whether devouring the printed pages or experiencing the story on the big screen, audiences will soon receive an enriching look at how the nation’s darkest traditions began taking root. For the foreseeable future, the games seem destined to remain as electrifying as ever.

FAQs

Q1: What is the title of the new Hunger Games prequel book? 

A: The title of the new prequel book by Suzanne Collins is “Sunrise on the Reaping.” 

Q2: When is the Sunrise on the Reaping book release date? 

A: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to be published on March 18, 2025. 

Q3: What is the time period and setting of Sunrise on the Reaping? 

A: The book takes place 64 years before the original Hunger Games novel, on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also called the Second Quarter Quell. It is set in the nation of Panem.

Q4: What was the inspiration behind this new Hunger Games story? 

A: Collins stated she drew inspiration from the ideas of Scottish philosopher David Hume about “implicit submission” and how easily the masses are controlled by authorities. She wants to explore propaganda and narrative control.