Sunrise on the Reaping: Rehash or Refreshing

Fan service that brings out a great narrative.

I just finished the fifth book in the Hunger Games series. The concept going into the book made me have very low expectations because it is basically the same story of The Hunger Games, just with Haymitch. However, I was shocked because it did not feel old or stale. It had the same elements, but the connections to the other books and the characterization of Haymitch made it stand out. I appreciated getting a different look at how they get ready for the Hunger Games.

On the other hand, it’s extremely predictable. In the original two books, we know Katniss and Peeta must survive, but in Mockingjay and Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, I was surprised by how the events unfolded. It’s not Collins’ fault because it is how prequels work out. We knew Haymitch was going to win. We knew that since he broke down the capital, his family and Lenove Dove would be killed. In this great book, the one thing that upset me most was that Haymitch always called his girlfriend “Lenore Dove.” Just call her Lenore.

In summary, this novel surprisingly delivers to the fans in a fresh way, even through its predictability.