By Ava Grippo – Entertainment Editor

“Sunrise on the Reaping” is a dystopian novel and the newest addition to the “Hunger Games” series written by Suzanne Collins. The novel came out on March 18. “Sunrise on the Reaping” is a prequel to the “Hunger Games” series that follows the beloved character Haymitch Abernathy. 

The novel follows Haymitch’s game during the 50th quarter quell. He is one of four tributes reaped from District 12 to participate in the yearly hunger games.  Haymitch lives with his mother and brother, and is in a relationship with a girl named Lenore Dove, also from District 12, who he is madly in love with. Haymitch says, “The two things I love best – wasting time and being with my girl, Lenore Dove”. The story starts off on Reaping Day, which also happens to be Haymitch’s birthday. Haymitch is headstrong, and knows what he wants. He is not afraid to stand up for his girl. He takes good care of his siblings and helps his mother, much like Katniss did in the original trilogy. 

The other tributes reaped were Maysilee, a wealthy girl from District 12 whose family owns a candy shop; Wyatt, who is an oddsmaker; and Louella, Haymitch’s neighbor. The four of them start off the wrong foot, but as the story goes on, they learn to come together and trust one another. 

Collins does a great job at making you fall in love with the characters. Maysilee is sassy and endearing, making Haymitch second guess what he originally thought of her. Wyatt is a smart, caring guy who proves himself to be extremely loyal. Louella is a sweet, loving girl. Haymitch’s relationship with each of them entices readers, helping them fall in love with all four of the District 12 tributes. 

As readers follow Haymitch’s story, they get a better insight into what happened during his games. Haymitch is determined to write his own poster and stand up to the capitol. “They will not use my tears for their entertainment,” Haymitch says. Collins does a fabulous job keeping the readers on edge and invested in the story with gruesome deaths and plot twists. Haymitch’s story is a heartbreaking one, leaving no room for happiness. 

“Sunrise On The Reaping” does a great job showing Haymitch’s journey and how he went from a boy just trying his best to take care of his family to becoming the drunken mentor we first met in “The Hunger Games.”