Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Sunrise on the Reaping was, by far, the most heartbreaking Hunger Games book. I’m so glad I finished it at home, and not in public, because I was a blubbering mess. Haymitch’s story provides so much insight into the three main Hunger Games novels, and it bridges the gap between the original series and A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes really well. We get to see Snow in his prime and the continued development of the Hunger Games mechanics.

Haymitch’s progression from being surrounded by people he loves to being all alone, from not being a drinker to never sobering up, from child to mentor, is wonderfully executed. His development is similar to Snow’s, but it’s so much sadder–Haymitch changes, not because of his own choices, but because he’s stuck in the scheming of people more powerful than him. 

I absolutely loved Maysilee. She’s the perfect meal girl who is still human. Her displays of strength were untraditional, but no less impactful. I always knew she was going to die, because I knew Haymitch survived, but I still hoped she’d make it out. I couldn’t help growing attached. She was such a perfectly executed character.

~~~spoilers in the next paragraph~~~

And, actually, I’m pissed at Beetee. I expect Snow to do the most evil, depraved things. But I think Beetee also holds responsibility for the deaths of Haymitch’s family and Lenore Dove. Beetee knew that Snow used people’s families against them. The only reason Ampert was in the games was to punish Beetee. Yet, Beetee asks Haymitch to help break the Games, seemingly without a thought to the family that could be used to punish Haymitch. Beetee is also a victim, but he took advantage of a scared young boy. He had good intentions, but what is the road to hell paved with again?

~~~end of spoilers~~~

I simultaneously want to reread this book immediately and never look at it again. Sunrise on the Reaping was such a rollercoaster, and I’m not sure my stomach is back in its place yet. I’m going to need a palate cleanser read after this, but, in my opinion, the best books always have the strongest flavors.

Thanks for reading with me,

Katie