In mid-March, Suzanne Collins released a new prequel to her famous book, “The Hunger Games,” called “Sunrise on the Reaping.” This prequel is centered around Katniss’s and Peeta’s mentor, Haymitch, and his experience in the Hunger Games. Collins wrote this book to provide insight on one of the beloved characters from the past trilogy and to expose problems she sees in today’s political world.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” begins with the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, which occurs on Haymitch’s birthday. The book walks the audience through Haymitch being “reaped,” his experience in preparation for the games, how he won and the aftermath of the games for Haymitch and his loved ones. Collins’s writing style is compelling and addicting. It feels as though the reader is inside Haymitch’s mind, and Collins ensures there are distinct voices, not blending Haymitch and her previous protagonist, Katniss, together. Once the reader begins the story, they do not want to put it down. Collins writes brutal scenes, demonstrating the horror of the Hunger Games.

Throughout this story, Collins emphasizes the control the Capitol has over Panem citizens. She expresses how propaganda is used to convince the Capitol citizens that the Hunger Games is justified and righteous. She shows how President Snow manipulates the districts through fear. Many times, Collins points out how though the districts are greater in number and population than the Capitol, they are still scared to fight back, to rise up against the tyranny of President Snow. Collins uses this to relate to the audience and urge them to realize how they may be manipulated now. It provokes anger in the audience for the characters who they have grown attached to that are murdered for “justice.”  

This prequel does not feel like a money-grab. Collins did not write it just to drag out her success, but to hit on issues she sees in the current political state of the United States as well. She utilizes symbolism throughout her story to emphasize how the Capitol utilized propaganda to create support for something as brutal as the Hunger Games. She writes this book to make United States citizens and the overall world aware of the propaganda used to brainwash them as well, trying to urge for resistance and to educate people. 

Overall, “Sunrise on the Reaping” is a well-written exposé of the modern political world that creates lovable, complex characters with developed relationships enticing readers to continue reading. Collins plays on reader’s emotions and connection to Haymitch to educate them on the dangers of propaganda present in the real world. This book accomplishes this goal. It entertains while maintaining a strong voice and message.