The next addition toThe Hunger Gamesfranchise will take place more than two decades before Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute, buta greatSunrise on the Reapingtheory would make a cameo possible.Sunrise on the Reapingwill tell Haymitch Abernathy’s story, following him into the deadly arena duringthe 50th Hunger Games tournament. This is one of thedeadliest Games in Panem’s history, and Suzanne Collins teased a focus on the “use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative” (viaThe Hollywood Reporter).
Needless to say, it sounds like theSunrise on the Reapingbookwill be another biting political commentary, and its movie adaptation will follow suit. While both versions of the story will place a heavy focus on Haymitch,we’ll probably see other familiar faces from previousHunger Gamesmovies. Katniss appearing seems like a stretch, as she won’t be born yet during the second Quarter Quell’s timeline. However, there’s still a way to work her into the upcoming prequel briefly.

A Great Sunrise On The Reaping Theory Opens The Door For A Katniss Everdeen Cameo
This Theory Suggests We’ll See Future Hunger Games Reapings
It’s not yet clear what the titleSunrise on the Reapingrefers to, but abrilliantHunger Gamestheoryoffers a possible explanation.It posits that Haymitch’s narrative might end with him becoming further and further disillusionedby Panem and the Games as he watches the reaping year after year (viaTikTok). This would demonstrate why Haymitch starts the original series completely detached from District 12’s tributes, and it would show how his cynicism evolves after his own Hunger Games. If done as a montage, it would be a powerful way of tying his story to future tournaments.
The New Hunger Games Book Is Already Honoring Katniss Everdeen In The Best Way
Katniss Everdeen cannot appear in the new Hunger Games book, Sunrise on the Reaping, but her character is already being honored in a clever way.
It would also enable Katniss Everdeen to appear at the end ofSunrise on the Reaping,as the 74th and 75th Hunger Games mark the final reapings Haymitch witnesses. They’re also the ones that actually change him, convincing him there’s hope of District 12 winning — and Panem changing — after all. Therefore, if thisSunrise on the Reapingtitle theory proves correct, Katniss and Peeta’s reaping needs to be included. It would actually make the perfect ending to theHunger Gamesprequel, offering hope after what’s sure to be a devastating story.

A Katniss & Peeta Apperance Is The Perfect Way To End The New Hunger Games Movie
It Will Directly Connect Haymitch’s Prequel To The Original Story
An appearance by Katniss and Peeta is the perfect way to endSunrise on the Reaping,as it will allow Haymitch’s narrative to go out on a high note — despite the fact that he faces tragedy on the heels of the 50th Hunger Games. Haymitch’s story promises to be heart-wrenching for most of its run, and that goes beyond his time in the arena. We know from previousHunger Gamesbooksthat Snow also kills Haymitch’s loved ones after he wins the Games, and the deaths of his mother, brother, and girlfriend will likely be included inSunrise on the Reaping.
All of this will serve to show how Haymitch becomes hopeless over time, but endingSunrise on the Reapingwith Katniss and Peeta will remind us that he finds that hope again.

All of this will serve to show how Haymitch becomes hopeless over time, but endingSunrise on the Reapingwith Katniss and Peeta will remind us that he finds that hope again. It will also directly connect 2025’sHunger Gamesprequel and its film adaptation to the original story. Given the impact Haymitch’s win and survival have on the first series, it feels fitting to call out that connection. It’s also a great way to make the franchise feel whole, especially ifThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingcan work in aBallad of Songbirds & Snakesreference as well.
Source:The Hollywood Reporter,TikTok
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a multi-movie franchise starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The films are based on the young adult dystopian book series by author Suzanne Collins. The first film was released in 2012, followed by Catching Fire in 2013, Mockingjay Part 1 in 2014, and Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015. In 2023, the fifth film in the series was released, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.