Creeping up on the year anniversary of the book “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins, we should appreciate the novel that gave us a deep dive into Haymitch Abernathy’s, mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, early life and story. In “Sunrise on the Reaping,” you get to see what made him the messed up but strategic mentor we know and love. Suzanne Collins nails it, showing us Haymitch’s toughness, his trauma and how he became who he is.

The book throws you right into District 12, feeling immersed into the Capitol’s oppression and the awful reaping. Collins balances Haymitch’s innocent moments with the harsh reality of life under the Capitol. You really feel his struggles with being poor, losing the people he loved the most and his goal on just trying to survive. It brings his character to life.

This book is amazing at keeping you on your toes, wanting more and connecting so many parallels to the original books. Collins nails the gloom of District 12 and the tension that leads to the uprising all while keeping the focus on Haymitch’s growth. It’s a fresh look at the Hunger Games, showing how his early experiences shaped him. The writing is intense and emotional, with moments of heartbreak and hope. Collins makes Haymitch so complex, dealing with addiction, regret and wanting to be better. He’s definitely one of the most interesting characters in the series.

To sum up, “Sunrise on the Reaping” is a must-read. It’s a look at how an ordinary kid from District 12 can have his life turned upside down, persevere through the toughest world, and gives light to a familiar character in the original dystopian book series we all love.

The film adaptation will be released on Nov. 20, 2026.