Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games), Scholastic
✓ Product data checked October 20, 2026
Sunrise on the Reaping is presented as the fifth book of the Hunger Games series. It is told from the point of view of Haymitch Abernathy in District 12 on the day of the fiftieth annual Games, the Quarter Quell, when twice as many tributes are taken from their homes. The listing quotes a New York Times review and cites #1 bestseller rankings from USA Today, The New York Times and Publishers Weekly. Rated 4.7 across about 90,000 reviews on Amazon US, at roughly $13. The listing does not state the binding, so check the format on Amazon.
Why it makes a good gift
Best for : A Hunger Games reader who wants to know how Haymitch ended up in the arena
Best occasion : Christmas, a birthday, a book-lover stocking
Why it works : It gives a fan of the series a new story in the world of Panem instead of a re-read: the fifty-year-old Games, the Quarter Quell, and Haymitch as the narrator. The listing quotes several #1 bestseller rankings, and 4.7 stars across about 90,000 reviews at roughly $13 makes it a low-risk book for someone who already follows the series.
Avoid if : The person has not read the series, or prefers lighter stories: the listing describes a deadly arena. Check whether they already own it, since it is a bestseller many fans will have bought for themselves.
For
Teen Boys, Teen Girls, Him, Her, Friend
Budget
$ — Budget-friendly
Frequently asked questions
Is it the first Hunger Games book?
No. The listing presents it as the fifth book in the series, with Haymitch as the main character. We have no data on whether it reads well on its own, so someone new to the series may prefer to start with an earlier title.
Who is it for?
A reader who already follows the series and wants Haymitch's backstory. Amazon files it under Teen & Young Adult, and the listing describes a deadly arena, so it is not a book for a young child.
How much does it cost?
About $13 when we checked. That makes it an easy add-on to a bigger gift, but the price changes, so look at the Amazon page.
