1
The Hunger Games
2008
Required
Start here for first-time readers (publication order).
Publication order recommended for newcomers.
What to read before Sunrise on the Reaping
Book placement: Sunrise is fifth in publication order and second in story order (after Ballad, before the original trilogy).
Recommended: Finish the original trilogy in publication order. Add Ballad if you want early-Games context. Then read Sunrise.
2
Catching Fire
2009
Required
Second novel in the original trilogy.
Read after The Hunger Games.
3
Mockingjay
2010
Required
Closes the original trilogy.
Read after Catching Fire.
4
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
2020
Optional
Prequel novel (10th Games). Helpful before Sunrise; not mandatory.
Optional enrichment for Sunrise. Avoid ending spoilers in discussions.
Where Sunrise sits
| Order type | Sequence |
|---|---|
| Publication | HG → Catching Fire → Mockingjay → Ballad → Sunrise |
| Story timeline | Ballad → Sunrise → HG → Catching Fire → Mockingjay |