The Hunger Games series has been a pillar in young adult literature for more than a decade. The release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games prequel (which was reviewed by 42Fifty upon release last year), was an immense success.
After the achievement of the latest installment, Collins announced that she would be releasing another prequel titled Sunrise on the Reaping on March 18, followed by the movie adaptation of this newest novel the following year.
“I think it being a movie series definitely makes [the books] more popular,” said OH English teacher Abby Bartle. “I think a lot of kids have watched the movies, even like The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes… then decided to pick up the book because that was our ‘One Book One School’ [title].”
Many students have grown up reading the series, most of them in their formative middle school years.
“I read the first book when I was in middle school and loved it,” said OH junior Ava Maxwell.
“Then [I] finally read all the books and watched the movies when The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was released. I love it so much because of the characters and plot,” she added. “The books are a little easier to read but still very entertaining.”
Now that most of the older generation of fans have grown up, fans are starting to resonate with the story in a new way. With the current political climate of the country and the Hunger Games series’ commentaries on society and politics alike, the awareness factor of fans is a huge contribution to the excitement surrounding the new book.
“I love the messages that Suzanne Collins has in her books,” said Bartle. “It makes me want to get up and fight the government.”
The newest installment in the series will follow Haymitch Abernathy, a cranky victor from District 12 with substance abuse issues he developed following his own exit from the arena. The plot will revolve around his selection for the games and what happened during the second Quarter Quell, the year in which double the amount of tributes were put into the Hunger Games arena.
“I’m interested to see how his game made him into the character that he was in the original books… They’ve been releasing excerpts that have really drawn me in and they just seem really exciting to see,” said OH junior Hailey Nass. “It’s double the amount of players than normal so that’s gonna be interesting to watch and read.”
The release of another prequel opens the door to the possibilities of even more stories. For Hunger Games fans, there are many characters that are not given the amount of detail people would like to have. So, in years to come, many fans are expecting more characters’ backstories to be told.
“I would love to see Effie’s story. That would be an interesting one to see what got her into it and how she sees the tributes because she always wants to help them… she always shows sympathy for them and is always trying to help them in any way she can,” said Nass.
The new book does not just mean excitement for existing fans. Collins’s writing is something to be admired by all, and many students can find something to love about the books.
“No one can write a cliffhanger like Suzanne Collins,” said Bartle. “The [original] book makes us feel connected to someone who is such a badass and so cool… Even though it’s about a female main character, I think so much of it can resonate with boys also, and that makes it such a universal book that anyone can enjoy.”
At the end of the day, people are extremely excited to get their hands on the newest book and find out about Haymitch Abernathy. This glimpse is sure to keep new readers and seasoned fans alike entertained.
“[I’m most excited for] a new story. Not to be evil, but I’m just like the Capital: I love the games. It’s interesting to see how everyone’s story is different, but they all have one goal: to survive,” said Maxwell.
I am a senior at OH and so excited to be a Managing and Opinions Section Editor this year! I love working on 42Fifty, but I am also very involved in band and numerous honor societies here. Looking forward to doing great work this year!
Excellently done article! I wish I had done this idea!