Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.
Sunrise on the Reapingis the latest novel in Suzanne Collins’Hunger Gamesseries, and it shows how easily Jennifer Lawrence can return to the movie franchise. The newest book is set over two decades before the events of the original trilogy and follows a young Haymitch Abernathy during his experience in the titular games. Alongside offering readers detailed insight into Haymitch’s character, Collins’ prequel delves into how his actions sparked the rebellion years before Katniss brought the games to an end. It features severalreturning characters fromThe Hunger Gamesand perfectly rewards long-time readers’ investment in the story.
Theending ofSunrise on the Reapingis a very optimistic and surprisingly light one that finally closes the chapter on Haymitch’s journey and proves that everything he’s been through was ultimately worth it.The book’s epilogue jumps several years into the future, following Katniss’ successful rebellion and the abolition of the Hunger Games themselves. What is next for the franchise afterSunrise on the Reapingremains to be seen, but the epilogue gives theHunger Gamesmovie franchisethe chance to bring Jennifer Lawrence back as Katniss Everdeen.
Sunrise On The Reaping’s Epilogue Means Jennifer Lawrence Can Cameo In The Movie
There’s A Perfect Opportunity For Lawrence’s Return
There’s been lots of discussion as to whether Jennifer Lawrence will return for the upcomingcinematic adaptation ofSunrise on the Reaping, but it initially seemed unlikely because of the book’s nature as a prequel. However,the story’s present-day epilogue makes itentirely possible for Lawrence to reprise her role as Katniss Everdeen. This would be an excellent way of paying homage to the original series without forcing unwanted fan service on the audience at every turn.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingis set to come out on July 24, 2025.
It’s only one scene, and it serves a specific purpose in the story. Compared to the firstHunger Gamesprequel movie, which was supposed to end on a bleak note as the version of Snow we knew from the movies was born,Sunrise on the Reapingcan be a much more uplifting film if it includes the epilogue from the book as a reminder that, eventually, Haymitch helped guide the person who broke this cruel system.
The Hunger Games Prequel’s Ending Needs A Katniss Appearance To Get Its Message Across
The Story Doesn’t Work Without This Emotional Closing Note
Not only is Katniss’ return made possible bySunrise on the Reaping’s epilogue, but the story actually necessitates it. This final chapter is essential for understanding the book’s key themes of patience, sacrifice, and legacy that Haymitch’s character embodies. Katniss’ inclusion in the epilogue is one ofSunrise on the Reaping’s biggest surprises, but the scene is a brilliant way of showing howHaymitch is slowly overcoming the trauma of his experienceand has come to view the District 12 victors as his “family.” If the film were to erase this scene, it would miss a huge part of Haymitch’s journey.
How Katniss Got Her Hunger Games Token From Maysilee: The Mockingjay Pin’s Full Backstory
Katniss Everdeen inherits the mockingjay pin from Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s ally in the arena, with some different versions of how this happens.
The epilogue also serves to draw some distinct parallels between Haymitch and Katniss; in the prior chapter, Plutarch tells Haymitch that they need “someone just like [him]” to overthrow the capitol. This is clearly supposed to lead to Katniss’ surprise appearance, and this scene wouldn’t be as emotionally powerful without Lawrence’s involvement in theSunrise on the Reapingmovie.
