The Hunger Games' next movie, Sunrise on the Reaping, is exciting, but the story's focus will break a franchise tradition that could end up hurting the prequel's potential. 2025's Sunrise on the Reaping will mark the fifth novel in Suzanne Collins' dystopian series, with a movie adaptation already slated for November 2026. After the success of four Hunger Games movies between 2012 and 2015, Lionsgate greenlit The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the prequel based on Collins' 2020 novel. While some may have expected a Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes sequel, the franchise decided to go in another prequel direction.

Whereas The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes focused on the early life of Coriolanus Snow, Sunrise on the Reaping will put another notable Hunger Games character in the spotlight: Haymitch Abernathy. Woody Harrelson memorably portrayed the older version of the character in the first four movies, but Haymitch will be recast for the Hunger Games prequel. The figure will be critical to the story, which will focus on the 50th Hunger Games, aka the Second Quarter Quell. However, details surrounding that time in Panem's history are a risk for the next franchise prequel.

Who Wins The Hunger Games Is Already Known In Sunrise On The Reaping

The Upcoming Hunger Games Prequel Breaks The Pattern

Seeing as Haymitch was a vital ally in the original Hunger Games series, some of his early life was already revealed. The fact that he was a mentor to Katniss and Peeta meant that he was a previous victor of the Games. Therefore, it's already known that Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games before Sunrise on the Reaping even releases. This marks the first time a Hunger Games winner is 100% confirmed before the book's release.

There was a lot of speculation on Lucy Gray Baird's fate as a Hunger Games winner, but her victory wasn't revealed until The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes book. For Haymitch, it has previously been revealed that he was reaped from District 12 for the Second Quarter Quell, featuring twice as many tributes as previous Games. The matter in which Haymitch won has also been shared in Catching Fire, which featured his victory story, where he miraculously survived after the ax of a District 1 tribute missed her target, bounced off the force field, and ended up killing her.

Why Knowing The Hunger Games Winner Could Be A Problem For Sunrise On The Reaping

Some Of The Hunger Games Prequel's Biggest Details Have Been Revealed

The details surrounding Haymitch's shocking win at the 50th Hunger Games were shocking, but those familiar with previous entries in the franchise know that part of the character's past. So much of The Hunger Games' appeal had stemmed from the excitement and tension involved in Katniss and Peeta's fight for survival. The same could be said for Lucy Gray in the prequel story. Taking away the mystery of who wins creates a problem for Sunrise on the Reaping, seeing as the outcome has already been revealed well ahead of time.

not only do many know that Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games, but they also know where the story goes after the win.

In addition to dampening the thrill of the actual battle with Haymitch's cemented win, there's also an issue with the involvement of the Abernathy family. Sadly, Haymitch's mother, brother, and girlfriend were all killed at the request of President Snow after the 16-year-old's shocking win. While terrible, it's another portion of Haymitch's dark history that has been well-known, especially since it had continued fueling his hatred for Snow and the Capitol well into adulthood. So, not only do many know that Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games, but they also know where the story goes after the win.

Sunrise On The Reaping Could Still Avoid Its Hunger Games Problem

Haymitch's Early Life Is Still Interesting

Not being able to count on the element of surprise with significant plot points is disappointing. Granted, the title - Sunrise on the Reaping - carries enough intrigue to create excitement for the sequel. The fact that the title and synopsis for the upcoming prequel focus more on the reaping rather than the Games implies there could be bigger surprises in store. The story will likely rely more on the events leading up to the reaping instead of presenting the Hunger Games as the big highlight.

The notion of the Second Quarter Quell and the event's doubled tributes could enhance the tension, as could diving deeper into other characters connected to Haymitch. Centering on another teenager may seem repetitive, but Sunrise on the Reaping is still capable of creating a fresh and satisfying take on the horrors within Panem. Breaking tradition by leaning away from the actual Games is undoubtedly risky since it's always been used as a central plot device within the franchise. That said, it's worth looking into other compelling characters like Haymitch, even if some of his story has already been told.