Strolling through rows of bookshelves at the bookstore, I scan the shelves for my most anticipated read of the year: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. Published March 17, the new Hunger Games prequel is told from Haymitch Abernathy’s, Katniss’ mentor in the original Hunger Games trilogy, point of view. The book takes place 24 years prior to the original Hunger Games books when Haymitch was 16 and was reaped for the 50th Hunger Games, the second quarter quell. 

And if you aren’t already a fan of The Hunger Games, it’s a dystopian book series by Suzanne 

 Collins. It’s about a future world where the government, called the Capitol, controls 12 districts and as a punishment, they force each district to pick (or reap, as they call it) one boy and one girl, ages 12 to 18, to compete in the Hunger Games—a brutal event where they have to fight to the death in a treacherous arena. 

Many fans, as well as some of our bluebirds, are buzzing with anticipation and very intrigued about this book. Even more so as it is a quarter quell, which happens every 25 years and means the games have a twist.

“I know the book is going to be very intense because it’s a quarter quell. I also expect it to be extremely riveting, because I know that Haymitch has a lot of issues in the future that we get to know in the original trilogy. So, it is going to be super interesting to see the beginning of that,” Marcella Simpson (12) said.

Since it’s come about so recently, people are just getting started reading it or haven’t gotten the chance to yet, so to convince you or give you some insight into the story, I’ll overview the first couple of chapters. Of course, no spoilers. Except for the obvious fact that is listed on the cover and on the back of the book. 

“I know it will be a very captivating story. I’m eager to read it,” Simpson said.

The book opens on the day of the Reaping, immersing us in the life of District 12 while exploring Haymitch’s world, his relationships, and the people he holds close. The world-building is incredible just from the very first chapters, making the setting feel real and new characters strongly familiar. The gripping pace and unexpected twists keep you turning the page with anticipation. I’ve been surprised more than once.

“The world-building is very well done and interesting,” Adriana McCafferty (9) said.

What stands out most is how the characters’ personalities naturally develop. It feels like you truly know them and are in the story, only to realize you’re just three chapters in. The relationships and dynamics are incredibly well portrayed as well, especially the compliance of District 12’s people to the Capitol’s abuse that has an underlying kindle of rebellion. The connections and parallels to the original Hunger Games series are fascinating, adding so much depth to what we already know.

“I think his family is trying to do the best with the situation they are in, and I think his girlfriend is trouble,” McCafferty said.

This book gives new insights into Panem’s government and society, both intriguing and profoundly disturbing as well as horrifying. Suzanne Collins masterfully captures the horrors of this world in a way that is both eye-opening and heartbreaking. Some moments in the plot hit me so hard that I’ve cried multiple times. The emotional depth, the rich storytelling, and the compelling main character that is Haymitch all prove how phenomenal of a writer and storyteller Suzanne Collins is. This book could not be more extraordinary.

“The way that the Capitol people are is brutal, but we sort of already saw that in the original trilogy so it’s not surprising, just awful,” McCafferty said.

Even if you are not a fan of The Hunger Games, this is a great introduction to the world. And if you are a fan of The Hunger Games then you should definitely read it as it adds so much more to the already existing story. With Spring Break coming up, this is the perfect book to pick up to enjoy the time. 

 “It’s life-changing. It gives a new perspective and that’s why you should read it,” Simpson said.