The Hunger Games has been a literary sensation since the first book by Suzanne Collins hit shelves in 2008. The dystopian young adult tale follows Katniss Everdeen and her participation in the nation of Panem’s brutal annual competition for survival. An immediate hit, the book’s two immediate sequels, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, were published in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
But the story didn’t end there. Nearly 10 years after Mockingjay brought Katniss’s journey to a close, Collins returned to Panem with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. A prequel to the original books, it centers on Coriolanus Snow as he serves as a mentor during an early Hunger Games, depicting the path that led him to become the villain of the trilogy.
And now the story is set to expand again. On March 18, a new Hunger Games prequel novel will be released. Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. It’s the story of Haymitch Abernathy, who goes on to mentor Katniss in her competition.
Listen on Hoopla Digital!
We are excited to have the Sunrise on the Reaping audiobook available on Hoopla when it releases on March 18! Patrons can borrow and start listening instantly, with no holds and no waiting.
You can also preorder the audiobook on CD, for patrons who prefer a physical version.
Yellowstone star Jefferson White is the narrator. Watch the announcement video and hear a sample of his performance here. You can also read an excerpt from the first chapter here!
Scholastic is hosting a Virtual Waiting Room where fans can sample other audiobooks they might enjoy in the time leading up to Sunrise on the Reaping’s release.
Official book description from Scholastic:
As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight…and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
Enjoy the entire series
Help patrons get ready for the new book with Hoopla! All previous entries are available in both audiobook and eBook format. This is a great way to revisit the series or visit Panem for the first time. They can also search “Hunger Games” to find soundtracks and scores from the movie adaptations and many other ways to enjoy and learn more about the series.
