Suzanne Collins' upcoming novel,Sunrise on the Reaping, will delve into an entirely new story withinThe Hunger Gamesuniverse, yet the book already draws some connections to previousHunger Gamescharacters. Announced back in June 2024,Sunrise on the Reapingwill follow Katniss and Peeta’s mentor,Haymitch, as he enters the 50th Hunger Games. Although the novel is set to be released in March 2025,a brief excerpt from the start of the book was published byPeople,and it offers an early look at the highly anticipated story.
So far, there are a few mainelements ofSunrise on the Reapingthat audiences already knowabout. InCatching Fire,it is revealed that the Haymitch’s Hunger Games were a Quarter Quell, meaning they were extra dangerous. Of course, Haymitch won his games, but at a great cost. After finding a loophole in the arena, the Capitol punished him by killing all his loved ones. However, inPeople’sSunrise on the Reapingexcerpt,readers get to meet Haymitch’s little brother, Sid, and his world-weary mother for the very first time, leading to some interestingHunger Gamesparallels.
Haymitch’s Ma Is Almost Identical To Gale’s Mother Hazel
What This Haymitch/Gale Connection Means
After readingthe opening pages ofSunrise on the Reaping,one character that comes to mind is Gale’s mother, Hazel Hawthorne. In the excerpt, readers briefly see Haymitch’s mother, who is a hard-working laundress who lost her husband in a mining accident, and who has strict expectations for her son. InThe Hunger Games,Hazel is also a widow and a laundress, and is tasked with caring for her three sons and a daughteron the way. Although Haymitch’s mother does not have as many children, both women share a strong work ethic and weariness.
InThe Hunger Games,readers saw how Gale’s bitterness resulted in his downfall, and the same could be true for Haymitch inSunrise on the Reaping.
At first glance, the connection between Haymitch’s mother and Hazel may seem innocuous. Based on what readers know of Panem, it makes sense that these women have similar lives, even decades apart. However,some theories can also be made about how Haymitch’s story will parallel Gale’s. Like Gale, Haymitch has his whole family riding on his shoulders, which makes him amibitious, resourceful, and perhaps a bit resentful. InThe Hunger Games,readers saw how Gale’s bitterness resulted in his downfall, and the same could be true for Haymitch inSunrise on the Reaping.
There Is An Important Motif In The Hunger Games Of Single Mothers In District 12
How Sunrise On The Reaping Will Expand On Panem
Now that readers have an inside look at Haymitch’s story, a common theme is coming to light about parents in Panem.Haymitch, Gale, and Katniss all have single mothers whose husbands were killed in the mines, leaving them to provide for their families, alongside their eldest children. Even characters like Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird lost their parents in varying ways, showing just how vulnerable children in Panem can be. Clearly, this is an important idea forThe Hunger Gamesfranchise, and one thatSunrise on the Reapingmay expand upon.
Haymitch’s Hunger Games Prequel Has A Parallel To The Saddest Moment From The First Book
The Hunger Games franchise is full of heart-breaking scenes, and from the prequel’s excerpt, it’s likely to point to the series' saddest moment.
Something that will be interesting aboutSunrise on the Reapingwill be seeing how a young boy like Haymitch grows up in the world without a solid father figure. Arguably,Haymitch becomes a father figure for Katniss, so it will be worth exploring how Haymitch comes to terms with having no father. As readers already know,Haymitch’s story is a tragic one, yet this gives Collins plenty of opportunity to shed light on the culture and history of Panem. Hopefully,Sunrise on the Reapingwill makeThe Hunger Gamesfranchise even more evocative.
