Ever since the release of the original Hunger Games trilogy in the late 2000s, fans have been desperate to know about the 2nd Quarter Quell, Haymitch’s Hunger Games. Sunrise on the Reaping gave readers all the answers and a movie to look forward to. Here is what we know about this highly anticipated release.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
About the Book
This novel is a prequel to the original Hunger Games series, set 24 years earlier, and focuses on the 50th annual Hunger Games. Otherwise known as the 2nd Quarter Quell. Readers already know that these games belong to Haymitch, the only victor from District 12 before Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.
During the 50th Hunger Games, officials reap twice the usual number of tributes, creating a deadlier competition and increasing every child’s chances of selection. When they call young Haymitch Abernathy’s name, he leaves behind his family and the girl he loves and joins three other District 12 tributes who offer little comfort or support.
As they travel to the Capitol, Haymitch quickly realizes the truth: the Capitol has already decided their fate. The system has stacked the odds against them, and survival will demand more than strength; it will require intelligence, courage, and defiance.
The book shows Haymitch’s refusal to back down, even when the odds are against him. It further delves into themes of propaganda, societal control, and resistance, as many of the Hunger Games books do.
The story also introduces characters who appear in later novels, especially in Catching Fire, which features the 75th Hunger Games and the Third Quarter Quell. In that brutal edition, the Capitol selects all tributes from the existing pool of victors, creating a direct and powerful connection between this book and the rest of the series.
Names to look out for are Beetee, Mags, Wiress, and, of course, Effie Trinket.
When does it come out?
The publisher released the book on March 18, 2025. Soon after, the studio announced the movie adaptation. On November 20, 2025, the studio also unveiled the official teaser, exactly one year before the film’s theatrical release. This was before the filming had even ended and generated much buzz.
The studio still plans to release the movie in the United States on November 20, 2026.
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Who’s in the Cast?
The studio began announcing the cast in April 2025 through a series of staggered reveals on its official social media accounts and major entertainment outlets. This built serious anticipation. “Fancasts” of Hunger Games characters are nothing new, so the casting department had huge shoes to fill. It’s safe to say that they didn’t disappoint.
16-year-old Haymitch will be played by Joseph Zada. A 20-year-old Australian actor, most well known for his roles in Total Control and We Were Liars. As an upcoming star with a noticeable resemblance to Woody Harrelson, the original Haymitch, fans are already excited to see him on screen.
Another big pair of shoes to fill was those of President Snow, who is 58 years old when this book takes place. Since a younger and older Snow already exist canonically, it was important to find the sweet spot. Ralph Fiennes has been selected for the role.
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Other standout casting choices include Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove, Haymitch’s girl.
Perhaps most excitingly, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, aka Katniss and Peeta, are confirmed to return in Sunrise on the Reaping. This makes sense, since the book has an epilogue that includes Katniss and Peeta.
As one of the most beloved dystopian series to date, the expectations are high. However, they have shown us that they are committed to continuing the Hunger Games legacy, and we are so excited to see!
