BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

After “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” came out last year, Suzanne Collins has announced her next book novel “Sunrise on the Reaping,” focusing on the 50th Hunger Games, known as Haymitch’s games. Adding to the excitement, a movie adaptation is confirmed for 2026.

“The Hunger Games” is a dystopian novel series written by Collins. It is set in a post-apocalyptic future where the country of Panem (formerly North America) is divided into districts ruled by the Capitol, a powerful and wealthy city. The story follows protagonist Katniss Everdeen, a young girl from District 12, who volunteers to take her sister’s place in the annual Hunger Games, a televised event where one boy and one girl from each district are chosen to fight to the death until only one remains.

The trilogy consists of:

1. The Hunger Games (2008) – Introduces the setting, characters, and the concept of the Hunger Games.
2. Catching Fire (2009) – Continues Katniss’s story as she becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol.
3. Mockingjay (2010) – Concludes the series with Katniss leading a full-scale rebellion against the Capitol.

The series explores themes of power, inequality, survival, and the consequences of violence. It has been adapted into a successful film series as well, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.

On June 7, 2024, it was announced that Collins will release another Hunger Games novel on March 18, 2025, this one recounting the events of the 50th Hunger Games, referred to as the Second Quarter Quell.

As every Hunger Games fan knows, the 50th Hunger Games, which were Haymitch’s games, featured a special “honor” for the anniversary: double the usual number of tributes were selected, with two boys and two girls chosen from each district.

“Just Announced: A NEW Hunger Games novel by Suzanne Collins coming March 18, 2025! Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Pre-Order today!” it can be read on @songbirdsandsnakes official Instagram account.

On The Hunger Games’ official Instagram account, everyone can see the announcement that the movie version will be released on November 20, 2026. It says, “Welcome to the Second Quarter Quell. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026.”

Although she has not yet published the novel, Collins did disclose certain details about Haymitch’s games in the original Hunger Games trilogy. Regarding the movie, Woody Harrelson portrayed Haymitch in the original Hunger Games films. However, since the movie adaptation has only recently been announced, there has been no official confirmation yet on the actor who will portray the younger version of Haymitch. 

Haymitch, hailing from District 12, was 16 years old when he was chosen as a tribute alongside Maysilee Donner. They formed an alliance and managed to survive most of the games together. When only five tributes remained, Maysilee chose to venture out alone to avoid having to harm Haymitch. Unfortunately, she was killed by bird-mutts, and Haymitch stayed by her side, holding her hand as she died.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Instagram/@songbirdsandsnakes