“The Hunger Games,” a critically acclaimed young adult dystopian series written by Suzanne Collins, has just released its fifth installment: “Sunrise on the Reaping.” The original trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen in her quest to dismantle the unjust political system of Panem, where twelve different districts nominate young teenagers to fight to the death for the Capitol’s entertainment. The first three books surround her story and her story alone, while the following two branch out into the backstories of other characters, such as President Snow in “The Songbirds and Snakes,” and Katniss’s mentor Haymitch Abernathy in “Sunrise on the Reaping.”
Published on March 18th, the novel follows Haymitch and his selection for the Hunger Games when he is sixteen years old. Haymitch participates in the 50th annual games during a quarter-quell, meaning there are double the number of teenagers chosen for battle. Similar to Katniss and Peeta’s attempts in the original series, Haymitch attempts to dismantle the games from inside the arena while simultaneously keeping himself alive. The book’s sorrowful ending bleeds into the original trilogy set twenty-five years in the future.
Along with a gripping new story to add to her riveting collection, Collins provided backstories for multiple plotlines and characters introduced in prior novels through “Sunrise on the Reaping.” Haymitch’s connections with other characters are explored throughout the book, specifically his relationship with Mags, a character established in “Catching Fire,” the second installment of the original trilogy. We discover his connection, which was briefly discussed in the story prior, isn’t only one of mutual respect but rather a loving relationship.
It is also important to note that Collins has a reputation for creating stories that surround identifying and defeating political propaganda. The importance of conveying such a powerful message in young adult novels is not lost on the readers.
“Novels can teach teenagers how to understand when they are being lied to or coerced in a way that simply telling them cannot,” said Eva Hansen, a junior here at ETHS and a member of the Books R Us club, who is eager to read the new addition to “The Hunger Games.”
When asked about whether or not she believed books such as “Sunrise on the Reaping,” built based on desensitizing propaganda, were essential, senior Mahea Dano stated, “Not only does literature shape how young generations interpret the world, it enables us to question.”
Overall, this book introduces a new side of Haymitch Abernathy we have never witnessed before. His story is powerful, melancholy, and intuitive. His life is laid bare in this book; his triumphs and his lows combined into a beautiful story about the power of love and love lost.
