It’s nearly time to step back into the arena.
When Suzanne Collins published “Sunrise on the Reaping” in March 2025, she added new lore and depth to beloved (and loathed) Hunger Games characters. The film adaptation comes to theaters Nov. 20, with a “dream” cast for filmmakers Francis Lawrence and Nina Jacobson.
But if you don’t have time for a full reread of the series or are (gasp) only a fan of the movies, we’re here to get you prepared before you head to the theater. Check out our full series refresher or brush up on which characters appear in the book. Or, start here with a primer on all the books in the series.
How many Hunger Games books are there?
There are five books in the Hunger Games series, including the original trilogy and two recent prequels. Collins took a 10-year break
between finishing the trilogy and publishing her first prequel.
Here are all the Hunger Games books, in order of publication:
- “The Hunger Games” (2008)
- “Catching Fire” (2009)
- “Mockingjay” (2010)
- “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” (2020)
- “Sunrise on the Reaping” (2025)
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is set 64 years before the events of the first book, just a decade after the games began. A young Coriolanus Snow, growing up in the post-war Capitol, is assigned to mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12.
And in “Sunrise on the Reaping,” we watch Haymitch’s games unfold 24 years before Katniss enters the arena. The novel is a cornucopia of beloved characters, including younger versions of Effie Trinket, Plutarch Heavensbee and Caesar Flickerman. Katniss’ parents even appear in the book.
Scholastic has also released new, collectable illustrated editions of the original series by Nico Delort.
When does ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ come out?
“Sunrise on the Reaping” will hit theaters Nov. 20. The movie stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch, with Woody Harrelson reprising his role as the older version of the character. Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Glenn Close and Jesse Plemons also star.
Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will reprise their roles as Katniss and Peeta.
Is Suzanne Collins writing another Hunger Games book?
Time will tell whether Collins has another Panem story up her sleeve. Either way, fans won’t stop lobbying for it, especially Finnick’s backstory.
“As for the future . . . I genuinely have no idea,” Collins’ editor, David Levithan, told Variety in 2025.
Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, covering buzzy releases, chatting with authors and diving into the culture of reading. Find heron Instagram, subscribe to our weeklyBooks newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brush up on Hunger Games series before 'Sunrise on the Reaping' movie hits theaters
