Suzanne Collins' upcomingHunger Gamesprequel,Sunrise on the Reaping, is undoubtedly exciting, yet the novel has already proven that it is going to repeat one tragic element of Katniss’s story, but even worse. In June 2024, it was announced thatThe Hunger Gameswould be returning witha new prequel novel calledSunrise on the Reaping.The book, which is already being developed into a movie, is going to be set during the 50th annual Hunger Games. Notably,those games were fought by Katniss and Peeta’s District 12 mentor, Haymitch Abernathy.
The prospect of learning ’s time in the Hunger Gamesis both exciting and daunting. Collins has already proven that she can successfully expand the world of Panem through her 2020 novel,The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.Thus, readers are expecting another riveting story. However, Haymitch’s story is also concerning because there have already been hints within the original trilogy about what happened to him.Haymitch may have won his Hunger Games, but his success came at a serious costthat is far more upsetting than even Katniss’s story.
Haymitch’s Hunger Games Book Confirms It’s Repeating The Worst Everdeen Family Tragedy
How Sid Will Be Similar To & Different From Prim
One fact that has already been confirmed aboutSunrise on the Reapingis that the story will duplicate Katniss’s most upsetting tragedy: losing Prim. Although Katniss faces a number of intense challenges over the course ofThe Hunger Gamestrilogy,her main goal is always to protect her younger sister Prim. By the end of the series, her efforts prove to be all for nothing, as theDistrict 13 rebels end up killing hundreds of children, including Prim. It seems that Haymitch also has a younger brother whom he loves dearly, and unfortunately, he will also end up losing him.
Based on an excerpt from chapter one ofSunrise on the Reaping,released byPeople,Haymitch’s brother seems to be quite similar to Prim. Sid is a ten-year-old boy who is the younger brother of 16-year-old Haymitch. The pair live with their weary mother, while their father was killed in a coal mining accident. Really,the biggest difference between Sid and Prim is that Sid is too young to be entered into the reapingfor the Hunger Games. In this way, Haymitch will not have to volunteer for Sid, yet Sid’s demise will still come in another way.
Haymitch’s Brother Being Younger Than Prim Makes Sunrise On The Reaping’s Big Death Even Worse
How Sid Will Die In Sunrise On The Reaping
Although Sid cannot be reaped, his death may be even worse than Prim’s. One major reason for that is Sid being several years younger than Prim. Bythe end ofThe Hunger Games,Prim is 13 and has shown quite a lot of growth from being the scared little girl in the first novel. However, Sid will not have this chance. At just 10, Sid will eternally remain an innocent child. Even in Collins' excerpt,it is clear that Sid is far more vulnerable and childish than Prim ever was, and this will make his death that much more tragic.
Everything We Already Know About Sunrise On The Reaping’s Hunger Games Thanks To Catching Fire
Sunrise On The Reaping is a highly-anticipated prequel depicting Haymitch’s games, and Catching Fire already hinted to much of his experience.
Sunrise on the Reapingis still a few months from being released, yetThe Hunger Gameshas already offered some hints as to what will happen during Haymitch’s games and how his family will be affected. InCatching Fire,Katniss and Peeta discover that Haymitch won his Hunger Games by finding a loopholein the arena. This upset President Snow, who saw Haymitch’s win as an act of defiance against the Capitol. As a result, Snow kills everyone that Haymitch loves, including Sid. Though it is unclear how exactly this happens, the fact alone is clearly upsetting.
Catching Fire Already Told Us That Haymitch’s Story Is So Much Sadder Than Katniss'
Sunrise On The Reaping Will Not Have A Happy Ending
It is obvious based on what readers know fromCatching FirethatHaymitch’s story is so much worsethan Katniss’s. Katniss volunteered for the Hunger Games, and though she didn’t like it, she entered with a sort of resolve to save Prim. On the other hand, Haymitch is being picked himself, which creates even more terror for him. Furthermore,audiences already know that Haymitch’s loved ones, including Sid, his mother, and his girlfriend will all be deadby the end of the novel. This is what turns Haymitch into the alcoholic readers meet at the start ofThe Hunger Games.
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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
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Sunrise on the Reaping
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Because of this, readers should not expect any sort of happy ending fromSunrise on the Reaping.In fact, just likeThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,those who readSunrise on the Reapingshould anticipate a dark and dread-inducing finale. After his games and the death of his family, Haymitch will be forever changed. Though he does eventually find peace at the end ofThe Hunger Gamestrilogy,Sunrise on the Reapingwill not see that glimmer of hope. Ultimately, Haymitch’s story is a tragedy, through and through.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a multi-movie franchise starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The films are based on the young adult dystopian book series by author Suzanne Collins. The first film was released in 2012, followed by Catching Fire in 2013, Mockingjay Part 1 in 2014, and Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015. In 2023, the fifth film in the series was released, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
