The Bookshelf: A chilling return to Panem: “Sunrise on the Reaping” review

Published 8:15 am Saturday, May 17, 2025

Twenty-four years before Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the 74th Hunger Games, there was another victor from District 12. “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is the second prequel and fifth book in the “Hunger Games” series — the heartbreaking story of Katniss and Peeta’s mentor, Haymitch Abernathy.

On the morning of his 16th birthday, Haymitch Abernathy is reaped in the 50th Hunger Games.

Ripped away from his family and the love of his life, Haymitch must compete against 47 other tributes. With a deadly arena, twice as many enemies and a corrupt government, something in Haymitch is compelling him to fight, even beyond the arena.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” is a gripping and bittersweet exploration of tyranny and propaganda.

Although we know how Haymitch Abernathy wins the Hunger Games from “Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Sunrise on the Reaping” proves we can’t always trust what we believe. How can we tell when something is real, and who can we trust? Suzanne Collins delivers a thought-provoking and masterfully-crafted addition to the “Hunger Games” series.

Lionsgate will be bringing our favorite characters back to the silver screen when “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” opens in theaters on Nov. 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence will return as the director.

Join us on June 5 at 5:30 p.m. for the Page-Turners Book Club. We’ll discuss our summer nostalgia-themed book selection and vote on our next selection for August. Light refreshments will be available, along with smiling faces and friendly discussions.

If you’re interested in exploring our catalog of books, videos, games and audio selections, check out ngrl.org or our social media. Our operating hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday; you can reach us at (706) 876-1360.