Haymitch's Hunger Games Prequel Has A Parallel To The Saddest Moment From The First Book

Suzanne Collins’ upcoming Hunger Games prequel is one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2025, with the Sunrise on the Reaping novel finally exploring Haymitch’s experience in the Second Quarter Quell—also known as the bloodiest Hunger Games in history. Fans of Collins’ bestselling series have long awaited the prequel novel, although it’s widely known Haymitch’s story does not have a happy ending. From the early Sunrise on the Reaping excerpt, it’s clear the book will draw several parallels to the original trilogy—and one might point back to the saddest moment in the first book.

The excerpt gives readers a quick glimpse into Haymitch’s life before the games, pointing out several similarities between his Hunger Games character and Katniss’—as both are from the Seam, care for a younger sibling, and lost their father to a coal mining accident at a young age. It’s likely these similarities will continue to grow throughout the narrative, and the two characters’ Hunger Games experiences may be more similar than previously believed. Especially as Sunrise on the Reaping‘s back cover blurb draws the saddest parallel to Katniss’ first Hunger Games ally.

Sunrise On The Reaping’s Synopsis Includes A Description Of The Three Other Tributes

Haymitch Describes One Of The Tributes As A Younger Sister

Custom image by Kiersten Hall

Sunrise on the Reaping‘s Hunger Games also happens to be a Quarter Quell—demanding the districts reap double the amount, bringing the total number of tributes to 48. While Catching Fire reveals Haymitch will eventually form an alliance with his fellow tribute Maysilee Donner—who also is Katniss’ mother’s friend and Madge’s aunt—Collins’ earlier book barely touches on the other two District Twelve tributes. Thankfully, Sunrise on the Reaping‘s new synopsis gives readers a bit more detail—as Haymitch describes his fellow tributes as “a young friend who’s like a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most uppity girl in town“.

Farenheit 451, The Hunger Games, and The Grace Year book covers

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Knowing Katniss’ mom grew up in the wealthier part of District 12, it’s assumed Maysille Donner is the character described to be the “most uppity girl in town”—leaving readers to guess who the other two tributes may turn out to be. However, it’s through the other two tributes’ descriptions that Collins reveals the most about the prequel’s plot. And the fact that one tribute is described to be Haymitch’s “young friend” hints that his relationship with the second female tribute will likely draw a parallel to Katniss and her young ally, Rue.

Sunrise On The Reaping Has A Character Who Is To Haymitch What Rue Was To Katniss

The Full Extent To Their Relationship Has Not Yet Been Revealed

Sunrise on the Reaping‘s excerpt hints that one of Haymitch’s fellow Hunger Games tribute’s isn’t a stranger—but someone he has a longstanding relationship with. Having just turned 16 himself, Haymitch’s description of the young tribute who is “like a sister to him” hints that her character is on the younger side, even potentially as young as 12 years old—the qualifying age for the Hunger Games. This adds another layer of complexity to Haymitch’s games, as not only will he be up against double the amount of tributes, but will likely feel responsible for protecting his friend as long as possible.

This element to Haymitch’s Sunrise on the Reaping story tracks closely with Katniss’ experience in the games—as she also felt responsible for and protective over her first ally, Rue.

This element to Haymitch’s Sunrise on the Reaping story tracks closely with Katniss’ experience in the games—as she also felt responsible for and protective over her first ally, Rue. Rue’s character constantly reminds Katniss of her younger sister, Prim, and the comparison was a huge aspect to Katniss’ storyline. It’s likely Collins plans to set up a similar sentiment between Haymitch and this other tribute—using her character to remind Haymitch of his brother. However, this tribute is hardly mentioned when Katniss watches Haymitch’s games in Catching Fire, and it’s possible her character doesn’t survive long.

Katniss Doesn’t Really Take Note Of This Character When She Watches Haymitch’s Games In Catching Fire – What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping

The Second Female Tribute Is Mentioned Only Once

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games with an orange and green fiery background
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

When Katniss and Peeta watch the 50th Hunger Games in Catching Fire, the narrative mainly focuses on Maysilee Donner—Haymitch’s future ally. However, Katniss does make one comment about the second female tribute, noting that the young girl is clearly from the Seam. This is something Katniss is able to detect just by looking at her, and Collins often explained throughout the novels that those in the Seam tend to have similar characteristics—including dark straight hair, olive skin, and gray eyes. From Katniss’ description, it can be assumed that this young girl and Haymitch grew up rather close, potentially as neighbors.

However, knowing Haymitch had a close relationship with the girl, it’s unlikely he would have left her to fend for herself.

Knowing Haymitch views her like a sister, this possibility would make the most sense. However, this is the last and only mention of the second female tribute throughout the entire scene. The lack of this young girl’s character is a big cause for concern, and hints that she likely doesn’t survive long in the Games. Katniss explains that the clips jump around quite a bit, tending to focus on elements that were only important to Haymitch’s victory. However, knowing Haymitch had a close relationship with the girl, it’s unlikely he would have left her to fend for herself.

It’s like watching complete strangers in another Hunger Games. But I do notice they omit the part where I covered her in flowers.

—Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games

Instead, it seems Collins plans to draw an even deeper parallel between the mysterious character and Rue. The Capitol often hides truths from its citizens, and fans of the original Hunger Games trilogy will remember that the aftermath of Rue’s death was never broadcast to the public. This is because Katniss goes out of her way to cover Rue’s body in flowers. Knowing this, it’s likely the Capitol wouldn’t televise Haymitch’s experience if he had a similar one to Katniss—but Haymitch’s prequel novel is likely to discuss his young friend’s fate in tragic detail.