New paperback editions of the highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel book, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” are set to launch later this year, coinciding with the upcoming movie’s premiere on November 20, 2026. This latest installment in the Hunger Games franchise serves as a prequel to the original trilogy, focusing on the character Haymitch Abernathy, who is known as the mentor of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in the original series.
Set during the Second Quarter Quell, “Sunrise on the Reaping” dives into Haymitch’s teenage years as he faces his own Hunger Games challenges. The book offers a deeper understanding of this complex character, adding richness to the narrative established in prior installments such as “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
According to reports, two new editions of the book will be released: a trade paperback edition on August 4, and a box set featuring the entire series, including “Sunrise on the Reaping,” which will be available from September 1. Additionally, a paperback edition with a new movie tie-in cover will also launch on September 1, boosting the excitement surrounding the franchise.
Since the announcement of the book and movie together in the summer of 2024 and the subsequent release of the novel in March 2025, buzz has surged, particularly with the release of the first teaser trailer for the movie, dropping on November 20, 2025. Key roles in the film are filled by actors such as Joseph Zada as Haymitch, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove, marking a fresh chapter in this beloved saga.
Fans of the series can look forward to exploring this new narrative while gearing up for the film, ensuring that the legacy of the Hunger Games continues to thrive.