Sunrise on the Reaping

Sunrise on the Reaping

By Suzanne Collins

We listened to the audible version of Sunrise on the Reaping on a long road trip. Not being a Hunger Games fan, I was unaware of Haymitch Abernathy’s, the central character, place in the saga until towards the end. If you are a fan, you may recognize the name right off. If you do not, wait a bit for the revelation.

The novel centers on Haymitch’s traumatic experience as the 16-year-old tribute from District 12 during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, in which the Capitol doubles the number of tributes—forcing 48 children into the arena.

Haymitch lives with his impoverished mother and younger brother in District 12. The calling of his name on reaping day realized his worst fears. They separated him from his family and girlfriend, Lenore Dove, and sent him to the Capitol with three other District 12 tributes.

During training, Haymitch forms bonds with several tributes, including Maysilee Donner, Ampert (the son of former victor Beetee), and others. He learns of a covert plan to sabotage the arena, orchestrated with the help of Beetee and Plutarch Heavensbee, a rich inhabitant of the Capitol.

The arena is especially brutal, filled with poisonous plants, genetically engineered mutts, and deadly environmental hazards. Haymitch’s alliance quickly unravels as mutts, poisonous insects, and even each other kill tributes in gruesome ways.

Not to give away the ending, (OK, maybe that’s unavoidable), this is a prequel. It is also a backstory of how Haymitch Abernathy becomes the drunkard portrayed by Woody Harelson in the movie versions.

Overall, an editor could have shortened the book and not lose a thing. There is a boring amount of Poe's poems in the end, but overall, it’s a fine book.

Recommended.

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