Set 24 years before the original series, Collins’ new book delves into the Fiftieth Hunger Games, exploring themes of power and propaganda.
NEW YORK. The post-apocalyptic world of Panem is set to expand once more. Acclaimed author Suzanne Collins is returning with a fifth installment in her blockbuster ‘Hunger Games’ series, titled “Sunrise on the Reaping,” scheduled for release on March 18, 2025.
Collins, who revolutionized the young adult genre with her gripping tales of survival and rebellion, delves deeper into the history of Panem in this new prequel. “Sunrise on the Reaping” takes readers back to the Fiftieth Hunger Games, a brutal contest occurring 24 years before the events of the original 2008 novel and 40 years after the timeline of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” published in 2020.
In a statement released on Thursday, Collins shared her inspiration for the new novel, revealing a blend of historical philosophy and contemporary issues. “Drawing from David Hume’s notion of implicit submission and his reflection on how easily the many are governed by the few, I found fertile ground to explore deeper themes,” Collins explained. “The use of propaganda and the manipulation of narratives became central to the story, echoing Hume’s insights and the pervasive question in our times: ‘Real or not real?’”
Collins’ work has always been rich with allegorical references, from Greek mythology to Roman gladiatorial combat. With “Sunrise on the Reaping,” she continues this tradition, grounding her dystopian vision in philosophical ideas that resonate in today’s era of misinformation and media control.
Since its inception, the ‘Hunger Games’ series has captivated readers worldwide, selling over 100 million copies and being translated into numerous languages. The saga’s adaptation into a successful film franchise further cemented its cultural impact, with Jennifer Lawrence famously starring as the fearless Katniss Everdeen. To date, Lionsgate has yet to announce film rights for the new book, but given the success of the previous adaptations, it seems likely that “Sunrise on the Reaping” could follow its predecessors to the big screen.
The release of “Sunrise on the Reaping” marks another surprising turn in the ‘Hunger Games’ saga. In 2015, Collins hinted at moving on from the world of Panem, but her return in 2020 with “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and now this latest announcement suggest that Panem’s story is far from over.
Fans of the series can anticipate a return to the dark, complex world Collins masterfully crafted, offering new insights and thrilling narratives. With “Sunrise on the Reaping,” readers will once again be drawn into the deadly and intriguing world of the Hunger Games, a testament to Collins’ enduring storytelling prowess.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
