Hunger Games Prequel Sunrise on the Reaping Gets Cover & Synopsis

Scholastic has finally unveiled the official book cover and synopsis for Suzanne Collins’ newest Hunger Games prequel novel titled, Sunrise on the Reaping. It will center around Panem’s Second Quarter Quell, where a young Haymitch Abernathy gets chosen as one of District 12’s tributes.

The upcoming novel is set to be published on March 18, 2025. Shortly after the book was announced, Lionsgate also confirmed that development on the Sunrise on the Reaping movie has already started. At the moment, the studio hasn’t announced the project’s official cast. The new Hunger Games movie is currently slated to arrive in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Check out the Sunrise on the Reaping cover below:

What is the new Hunger Games prequel book about?

“The story will revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell,” the official book synopsis for Sunrise on the Reaping reads (via Today).

“As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight … and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.”

The character of Haymitch Abernathy was originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the film franchise. Unlike The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, fans already have an idea of what to expect from the upcoming prequel novel since 2009’s Catching Fire had mentioned key details about how Haymitch won his game, which featured 48 tributes rather than 24, while Katniss and Peeta were preparing for their own Quarter Quell.