By Beatrice Morandi
Suzanne Collins has once again transported readers back to the dystopian world of Panem with her latest novel, Sunrise on the Reaping. Released on March 18, 2025, this prequel explores the early life of Haymitch Abernathy, the eventual mentor to Katniss Everdeen, during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
The novel has struck a chord with millennials who grew up with the original trilogy. "I loved the first books of Hunger Games since the beginning. I honestly think it's a very well-written book and gives a sense of community even after 15 years," says Luna Trami, 28, a drums musician from Hackney.
Similarly, Duran Rafaela, 34, a waitress from Stratford, shares, "I've started to read the books after I saw the first movie. It's so good to read and watch; it doesn't fall into the obvious as many sequels do."
Critics have praised Collins's storytelling. Philip Womack of The Guardian notes, "Collins is an excellent writer, and there are moments of surprising lyricism, which help to leaven the grimness." Jennifer Harlan from The New York Times describes the book as "a propulsive, heart-wrenching addition to The Hunger Games, adding welcome texture to the cruel world of Panem".
The interconnected fates
Sunrise on the Reaping delves into Haymitch's experiences in the arena and his relationships that shaped his future. Notably, the novel uncovers his close friendship with Burdock Everdeen, Katniss's father, highlighting the interconnectedness of their fates. Additionally, Haymitch's relationship with Lenore Dove, a member of the Covey, ties into the broader narrative of Panem's history.
The novel's impact is evident in its commercial success. Sunrise on the Reaping quickly climbed bestseller lists, selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide within its first week. This enthusiasm has paved the way for a film adaptation, with Lionsgate announcing a release date of November 20, 2026.
Director Francis Lawrence has acknowledged the challenge of casting a young Haymitch, emphasizing the importance of finding an actor who can authentically portray the character's complexity.
The cover art, designed by Tim O'Brien, symbolically captures the novel's themes, focusing on conflicting forces sprung from a common source. This visual representation aligns with the narrative's exploration of interconnected destinies and the cyclical nature of history.
As millennials revisit the world of Panem, they find that the series continues to offer profound insights into societal structures and personal agency. Sunrise on the Reaping not only enriches the existing lore but also invites readers to reflect on the narratives that shape their own realities.
The highly anticipated release of Suzanne Collins’s Sunrise on the Reaping has sparked passionate debate across BookTok — and not all of it is glowing. While longtime fans of The Hunger Games praise the novel’s deep dive into Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory, many TikTok influencers and first-time readers have been “emotionally destroyed,” not by its brilliance, but by its emotional weight and slower, more reflective tone.
“I came in expecting rebellion and romance,” one creator with 2.3 million followers posted tearfully. “Instead, I got trauma, grief, and political complexity. I’m not okay.” Another viral review simply read: “Haymitch deserved better. Collins, why???”
The book’s darker tone and brutal exploration of PTSD, injustice, and generational cycles have left many content creators openly grappling with their feelings in real time. Some feel misled by the promotional material, expecting action-heavy drama rather than a character-driven psychological spiral.
Yet for others, this emotional impact is exactly why Sunrise on the Reaping is being hailed as a masterpiece. “If a book breaks you, it’s doing something right,” one user commented, defending the novel.
Whether devastated or deeply moved, BookTok can’t stop talking - and crying - about it.
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