Sunrise on the Reaping — book order
Publication: 5th novel (2025), after Ballad. Story order: 50th Games — after Ballad (10th), before the original trilogy. Do not reverse Ballad and Sunrise.
Common mistake elsewhere: Some lists put Sunrise before Ballad in story order. Correct chrono: Ballad (10th) → Sunrise (50th) → original trilogy.
Publication order (first-time readers)
- The Hunger Games (2008)
- Catching Fire (2009)
- Mockingjay (2010)
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020)
- Sunrise on the Reaping (2025)
Story / chronological order
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes — 10th Games
- Sunrise on the Reaping — ≈50th Games
- The Hunger Games → Catching Fire → Mockingjay
Where Sunrise fits
Medium: Book (2025); film US theatrical target ≈ 2026-11-20 (confirm locally).
Before reading Sunrise: Most newcomers finish the trilogy in publication order first; Ballad is optional enrichment. See what to read before Sunrise.
FAQ
Do I read Sunrise before Ballad?
Publication order: no — Ballad was published first. Story order: Ballad still comes first (earlier Games).
Must I finish the trilogy first?
Strongly recommended for first-timers. Publication order preserves reveals. Chronological re-reads are for people who already know the trilogy.
Film vs book timing?
Book is out; film targets ≈ 2026-11-20 US. See also should I read Sunrise before the movie?