“The Sunrise on the Reaping” release reignites conversations about the original “Hunger Games” trilogy

NORMAL, Ill. — New York Times Bestselling Author Suzanne Collins’ best known for her book trilogy “The Hunger Games” has been sparking conversation on social media following the release of her novel “Sunrise on the Reaping.”

The fourth book in the book universe focuses on the beloved trilogy character Haymitch Abernathy. The novel takes readers 40 years after “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” during the 50th annual Hunger Games.

The original trilogy which was later turned into films is a beloved dystopian series in the young adult literature world.

Edcel Cintron-Gonzalez is a Ph.D. candidate at Illinois State University studying Children’s and Young Adult Literature in the English department. He spoke about why he believes the original trilogy remains widely discussed and relevant over a decade since the first book’s release.

“It reminds me of how ahead of the times the original trilogy was.” Cintron-Gonzalez said. “The specific themes the book discusses are relevant now. As we know now, there is a lot of inequality when we think about poverty, privilege, systems of power and gendered inequality now.” 

He added that the original series also examines the idea of government power.

“Every day we’re having a threat of major changes of government, it’s everyday people are reminded that if we don’t stand up and do something, we’re going to let those in power take over our lives.” Cintron-Gonzalez said.

Influencers on BookTok, the sub-section of TikTok dedicated to reading and book content have not been afraid to talk about why and when the release of the prequel hits closer to home right now.

“I feel like Collins is being more intentional with publishing these prequels given that state of the United States right now.” Cintron-Gonzalez said. “I don’t think it’s just a reminder of the importance of being aware of what systems of power are capable of but it’s also a reminder of how serious or evil systems of power can become and are willing to do anything to control people.” Cintron-Gonzalez said.

The film for the prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” hit theaters in 2023, bringing in $349 million at the box office. The highly anticipated film for  “Sunrise on the Reaping” has started production as of early April but will not hit the big screens until 2026. Collins and her team have not made any announcements regarding further novels in the “Hunger Games” universe.