Sunrise on the Reaping

At the 50th Games, the second Quarter Quell, each district sends four tributes. In District 12, Woodbine Chance tries to run from the reaping and is shot. On his 16th birthday, Haymitch Abernathy shields his girlfriend, Lenore Dove, and ends up picked as the replacement. In the Capitol, his neighbor Louella dies in a parade accident and is swapped for a drugged look-alike. Mentored by Mags and Wiress, Haymitch joins Beetee's plan to sabotage the arena. The plan fails, and his allies fall one by one, Maysilee Donner among them. In the final fight, Silka's axe bounces off the force field and kills her. Haymitch wins, but Snow makes him pay: his mother and brother die in a fire, and Lenore Dove is poisoned. Haymitch sinks into drinking, but chooses to keep resisting.

1. Behind the scenesInspired by David Hume

   Suzanne Collins said she started from philosopher David Hume's idea of "implicit submission": how easily the many are governed by the few.

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2. Behind the scenesThe series' biggest debut

   The book sold over 1.5 million English-language copies in its first week, beating The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Mockingjay. The first printing was 2.5 million.

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3. Behind the scenesThe movie shot in Spain

   The adaptation is directed by Francis Lawrence, written by Billy Ray, and stars Joseph Zada as young Haymitch. Filming started in summer 2025 in Spain's Somiedo Natural Park. It opens 11/20/2026.

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