Fans of “The Hunger Games” rejoiced this past month at the long-awaited release of “Sunrise on the Reaping,” a prequel to author Suzanne Collins’ original trilogy.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” takes place during Panem’s 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before the start of “The Hunger Games.” The book follows fan-favorite character Haymitch Abernathy, who we meet as a mentor in “The Hunger Games.” I have to admit, I am biased because Haymitch is my favorite character in the original trilogy, but my love for Haymitch also means that I had very high expectations. “Sunrise on the Reaping” exceeded them.
The novel opens in Panem’s District 12 on the morning of “Reaping Day,” which is the day when one boy and one girl is selected from each of the 12 districts to “play” in the Capitol’s “Hunger Games,” a ruthless battle to the death where only one competitor can win. “Sunrise on the Reaping” lets the reader into the games’ 50th anniversary, where the number of competing tributes has been doubled to celebrate.
Haymitch, as I expected, is more than compelling as a narrator. Reading from the perspective of a younger version of a character “The Hunger Games” fans know so well is so rewarding. Collins does an amazing job fleshing out this young Haymitch as a new, distinct person while also giving us glimpses of the man he will later become. His character really is brilliantly done.
And I can assure you that Haymitch will not be the only familiar face in this book for Hunger Games fans, but for the sake of avoiding spoilers, that’s all I’ll say on that. You’ll just have to read it to find out!
The new characters introduced are also delightfully complex. Maysilee Donner, one of the female tributes from District 12, is a strong and hilarious co-protagonist to Haymitch. She is sarcastic and sharp, but she also has a deeply kind side. Her interactions with Haymitch are a highlight of the book.
The other two District 12 tributes, Wyatt Callow and Louella McCoy, are also extremely well done. Wyatt is a little weird, but in the best way possible, and you really grow to enjoy him as the story progresses. Louella is someone you want to root for as soon as you meet her. Collins could have easily written her as a stereotypical, sweet and innocent thirteen-year-old girl, but she is instead afforded a deep inner strength that characters of her type often are not.
As a whole, this book is somehow darker than the original trilogy, but it’s not just for shock value — every page is thoughtfully used to communicate a story and warning of corruption, propaganda and exploitation.
I am always leery of prequels or sequels for beloved series, especially when they focus on adored characters like Haymitch, but Collins manages to avoid making the novel feel like pure fan service. There is a clear purpose to Haymitch’s story, and the book is a truly great addition to “The Hunger Games” universe.
