A young Haymitch has been confirmed as the protagonist of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the RippingAs revealed by an official synopsis. Written by Suzanne Collins, the original Hunger Games Trilogy, which was adapted into four successful films, follows the young protagonist Katniss Everdeen as she survives a brutal television competition in which children are forced to fight to the death as a reminder of a failed rebellion. The first prequel novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakeswas set 64 years earlier and featured a young Coriolanus Snow as the protagonist. Now, another prequel novel is on the way.
In A Today show exclusive, The official synopsis and cover art have been revealed for the next book, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Ripping. According to the synopsis, a young Haymitch Abernathy will be the main character of the story. Additionally, Scholastic’s vice president, publisher and editorial director, David Levithan, shared a statement about the cover art that is consistent with others. Hunger Games books by depicting a snake intertwined with a songbird. See the synopsis, cover and explanation below:
“Sunrise on the Reaping” will revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of “The Hunger Games,” starting on the morning of the cut of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the second quarter wave.
As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the neighborhood spring, twice as much tribute will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams shatter. Torn from his family and his love, he is shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who is almost a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the games begin, Haymitch realizes that he has been set up to quit. But there is something in him that wants to fight… and that fight reverberates far beyond the deadly arena.
David Levitan: The pointed sun stands on a symbol, which will come to mean a lot for Haymitch Abernathy, as well as for many readers. Artist Tim O’Brien has created yet another iconic Hunger Games cover – this symbolically explores one of the central themes of the series: how conflicting forces can be connected through their common nature, the songbird and the snake springing from the same source.
What the book synopsis means for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay on the Ripping Movie
The movie should follow suit
The Synopsis confirms that a young Haymitch Abernathy will be the protagonist of the next book. Played by Woody Harrelson in The Hunger Games Movies, Haymitch hails from District 12 and mentors Katniss and Peeta in the original trilogy. But, 24 years earlier, which is when Sunrise on the ripping is set, Haymitch competed in and won the 50th Hunger Games. Every 25 years, a special version of the games is held, known as the Quarter Fountain, in which the number of tributes is doubled, and 48 children are sent into the arena.
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The official synopsis all but confirms that The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Ripping Movie will follow suit. Shortly after the second prequel novel was announced in June, a film adaptation was also announced, featuring Lionsgate is set to release it on November 20, 2026. At this time, it is unknown who will play young Haymitch in the movie adaptation House of the DragonTom Glynn-Carney was a popular fan. Francis Lawrence, who helmed the last four films, will direct.
Our take on Haymitch being the protagonist of Hunger Games: Sunrise on the cutting edge
He is an ideal protagonist for the next prequel
Since it was revealed that Sunrise on the ripping Would be set during the second quarter Quell, it was speculated that Haymitch would return, so the synopsis is not very surprising. yet, Haymitch is an ideal protagonist for the next prequel. Audiences already know him as Katniss and Peeta’s sharp but cynical mentor, though exploring his own victories during the 50 games should allow for deeper character development. His backstory, which aligns perfectly with the series’ overarching themes of resistance and resilience, should offer a look at how Panem’s brutality shaped him into the man he later became.
Source: Today
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Ripping
- Release date
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November 20, 2026