Reading Order
Hunger GamesThe Hunger Games Reading Order
Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games universe spans three original trilogy novels, one prequel (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), and the forthcoming Sunrise on the Reaping (March 2026) — Haymitch Abernathy's own Hunger Games, set 24 years before Katniss's story. The original trilogy can be read by anyone; the prequels/companion novels work best read after the main trilogy.
Where to start
Start with The Hunger Games (Book 1 of the original trilogy). The prequels enrich the world but work best after you know how the story ends for Katniss.
Complete Hunger Games Book List
- 1Buy
The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins·2008·Book 1 — Katniss volunteers as tribute; the Capitol vs. the Districts begins - 2Buy
Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins·2009·Book 2 — the Victory Tour, the Quarter Quell, and the sparks of revolution - 3Buy
Mockingjay
Suzanne Collins·2010·Book 3 — the rebellion comes to a head; Katniss becomes the Mockingjay - 4Buy
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Suzanne Collins·2020·Prequel — Coriolanus Snow at age 18 in the 10th Hunger Games - 5Buy
Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins·2026·Companion novel — Haymitch Abernathy's 50th Hunger Games; March 2026
Hunger Games — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hunger Games reading order?
Publication order: The Hunger Games (2008) → Catching Fire (2009) → Mockingjay (2010) → The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020) → Sunrise on the Reaping (March 2026). The original trilogy should be read first; the prequels are richer if you already know Katniss's story.
When does Sunrise on the Reaping come out?
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins releases March 18, 2026. It is set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games and follows Haymitch Abernathy as a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games — the Second Quarter Quell.
How many Hunger Games books are there?
There are 5 books in the Hunger Games universe: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay form the original trilogy; The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020) is a prequel following young Coriolanus Snow; and Sunrise on the Reaping (March 2026) follows Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Hunger Games.
Do I need to read the Hunger Games in order?
Yes — the original trilogy (Books 1-3) must be read in order. The prequels (Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping) can technically be read standalone, but they contain spoilers for the main trilogy and hit harder when you already know how Panem's story ends.
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