Since its debut, “The Hunger Games” has captivated readers and audiences worldwide. Suzanne Collins’ dystopian society with prominent characters like Katniss Everdeen has earned fans that have been following this series since its release.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the series, it follows a dystopian nation called Panem, where each year the Capitol, a wealthy authoritarian city, chooses 24 children — two from each district — to compete in a televised fight to the death. The Capitol performs these games each year in order to maintain control, reminding the districts below them that it will always remain in power.
Over the years, each new novel in the series has made a significant cultural impact, with dedicated fans eagerly celebrating the story’s growth. The story itself has sparked conversations about power and resistance, and each novel introduces brave characters who consistently stand up for what’s right — sometimes going so far as sacrificing themselves for the cause.
Harvard Book Store will be holding a celebration March 17 for the release of the latest addition to the story, “Sunrise on the Reaping.”
Set 24 years before the original trilogy, the novel delves into the 50th Hunger Games, focusing on one of the series’s most beloved characters, Haymitch Abernathy. This particular event was known as one of the most brutal Games in Panem’s history, having double the usual number of tributes. Throughout the novel, readers will be able to follow young Haymitch’s strategies and his own personal losses during his time in The Games.
A film adaptation is already in the works, with a planned release date of Nov. 20, 2026. While there is no cast list announced yet, fans have already been theorizing who will play the role of Haymitch and the supporting characters.
In addition to the book release, this celebration will be packed with immersive activities, making it a must-attend for both longtime readers and newcomers eager to visit the world of Panem.
Some of the activities include a costume contest, where attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters, and a prize will be awarded to the best dressed. The event will also feature a “Hunger Games” themed trivia challenge, testing fans’ knowledge of the franchise, with giveaways happening throughout.
If the costume contest or trivia aren’t your style, this event still offers a unique chance for franchise fans to connect and meet others who share their interests, and receive a copy of the highly-anticipated novel.
Harvard Book Store is a five minute walk from the Harvard stop on the Red Line. Doors will open at 10:30 p.m., and the themed activities lead up to the midnight countdown. Every attendee will receive a copy of “Sunrise on the Reaping,” giving them a chance to dive into the latest installment of Collins’ gripping universe.
Tickets cost $29.74 and will include a copy of the book at your arrival to the store. They are available for purchase on the store’s website.
Get ready to dress up, test your knowledge and immerse yourself in one of literature’s most compelling dystopian worlds. May the odds be ever in your favor!
