The Hunger Games. It has always been a staple in the literature community. 

So many of us grew up with this dystopian novel. I mean, when one thinks of iconic books, they think of The Hunger Games. The trilogy forever shaped a generation of readers through examining societal issues and media manipulation. These themes were relevant then and are still prevalent now within Sunrise on the Reaping. 

Now, saying I was excited for the newest instalment was an understatement. When I first found out Suzanne Collins was returning to the world of the Hunger Games and sharing Haymitch’s games, I was counting down the days. 

It took me a few days to get the book, so I was dodging spoilers online. I couldn’t escape the common theme within the posts on my for-you page: that it was heartbreaking. 

I was stupid enough to brush that off—I mean, I have read Song of Achilles, how bad can it be? 

I was such an idiot.

Sunrise on the Reaping destroyed me. I mean, just from the first sentence, ‘Happy Birthday Haymitch’, and then reading on and discovering that it was also the reaping day, like that was already heart-wrenching enough. I mean, birthdays are supposed to be a day of celebration, not a day to watch others meet their doom. But then came the actual reaping itself. Honestly, why was I so dumb to assume that Haymitch’s reaping was fair? 

And from then it was just one heartbreaking moment after the others. From Haymitch mentioning that he is not a drinker, to Lourella’s death, and then to the games themselves. I had grown so attached to so many characters, even knowing they would eventually die. Lourella and Ampert were so sweet and acted almost like siblings to Haymitch. Maysilee was such an icon through her sass that broke through some of the heavy themes the book had. Their deaths were so brutal, especially Ampert's. 

And of course, let’s not forget Haymitch’s homecoming. Suzanne Collins did not hold back in dumping all of his trauma, but I honestly can’t blame her. She is reminding us who the real enemy is, after all those President Snow TikTok edits. We deserve it.

However, other than the fact that it felt like a slap to the face, it was honestly such an enjoyable read. There were those rare funny moments that broke the sadness, like Maysilee constantly roasting Drusilla, who one hundred per cent deserved it, to the moment where Haymitch chugged a bottle of milk and, of course, seeing the characters from other books come back, like Wiress, Beetee, Mags and Effie (who was my personal favourite). 

I did hear that some people hated that; they said it read like fanfiction. Honestly, I can see that, however, not for the same reason. I feel like bringing all these characters back would make the book a little confusing for those who haven’t read the trilogy but want to join the franchise. Personally, this wasn’t an issue for me since I have read the trilogy; however, I do feel like the amount of character was also a bit excessive. 

However, despite that, I enjoyed Sunrise on the Reaping. I advise you to read it if you adore The Hunger Games—just be sure to have tissues with you. 

I give Sunrise on the Reaping a four out of five stars!