A young Haymitch has been confirmed as the protagonist ofThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, as revealed by an official synopsis. Written by Suzanne Collins, the originalHunger Gamestrilogy, which was adapted into four successful films, follows the young protagonist Katniss Everdeen as she survives a brutal televised competition in which children are forced to fight to death as a reminder of a failed rebellion. The first prequel novel,The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was set 64 years prior and featured a young Coriolanus Snow as the protagonist. Now, another prequel novel is on the way.
In aTODAYshow exclusive,the official synopsis and cover art were revealed for the next book,The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. According to the synopsis, a young Haymitch Abernathy will be the protagonist of the story. Additionally, the vice president, publisher, and editorial director for Scholastic, David Levithan, shared a statement on the cover art, which is consistent with otherHunger Gamesbooks by depicting a serpent intertwined with a songbird. See the synopsis, cover, and statement below:
“Sunrise on the Reaping” 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.
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.
David Levithan: The spiky sun rises on a symbol that will come to mean a lot to Haymitch Abernathy, as well as countless readers. Artist Tim O’Brien has created yet another iconic Hunger Games cover — this one symbolically exploring one of the central themes of the series: how conflicting forces can be connected by their common nature, the songbird and the snake springing from the same source.
What The Book Synopsis Means For The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping Movie
The Movie Should Follow Suit
Thesynopsis confirms that a young Haymitch Abernathy will be the protagonist of the next book. Played by Woody Harrelson inThe Hunger Gamesmovies, Haymitch hails from District 12 and mentors Katniss and Peeta in the original trilogy. However, 24 years prior, which is whenSunrise on the Reapingis set,Haymitch competed in and won the 50th Hunger Games. Every 25 years, a special version of the Games is held, known as the Quarter Quell, in which the number of tributes is doubled, with 48 children being sent into the arena.
Hunger Games: How Haymitch Won The 50th Games (& What Happened Next)
Haymitch Abernathy was an integral part of the Hunger Games series, but his backstory was an interesting aspect that fans didn’t get to see.
The official synopsis all but confirms thatThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingmoviewill follow suit. Shortly after the second prequel novel was announced in June, a film adaptation was also announced, withLionsgate set to release it on July 06, 2025. At this time, it’s unknown who will be playing young Haymitch in the movie adaptation, thoughHouse of the Dragon’s Tom Glynn-Carney has been a popular fancast. Francis Lawrence, who has helmed the last four films, will direct.
Our Take On Haymitch Being The Protagonist Of Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping
He’s An Ideal Protagonist For The Next Prequel
Since it was revealed thatSunrise on the Reapingwould be set during the Second Quarter Quell, it was speculated that Haymitch would return, so the synopsis isn’t very surprising. Still,Haymitch is an ideal protagonist for the next prequel. Audiences already know him as the sharp yet cynical mentor toKatniss and Peeta, though exploring his own victory during the 50th Games should allow for deeper character development. His backstory, which aligns perfectly with the series' overarching themes of resistance and resilience, should offer a look at how Panem’s brutality shaped him into the person seen later.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Cast
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping explores the dystopian world of Panem 24 years prior to Katniss Everdeen’s story. This prequel focuses on the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, unveiling the origins of crucial events and traditions in the series.
