2025 marks a significant milestone for fans of dystopian fiction: it's been 17 years since Suzanne Collins introduced us to the gripping universe of *The Hunger Games* and its iconic protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. With a much-anticipated prequel on the horizon, set to release in just a few weeks, there's no better time to dive back into the saga that started it all.
Set in a chilling dystopian future, *The Hunger Games* series depicts a world where children are forced into annual combat to the death, a spectacle designed to suppress dissent and control the populace. This brutal premise not only ignited a fervor among young adult readers but also inspired a global archery trend. If you're eager to revisit this compelling series but unsure where to begin, we've got you covered with a guide to reading the *Hunger Games* books in order. Additionally, explore our resources on *The Hunger Games* movies and discover other captivating books that echo the series' themes.
How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order
The latest addition to the series, *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes*, is a prequel set before the original trilogy. However, for a deeper appreciation of the saga, we strongly recommend starting with the initial trilogy to fully grasp the context. If you prefer a chronological journey, feel free to begin with *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* before moving on to the others.
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1. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games
Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun...
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This groundbreaking YA novel launched the *Hunger Games* phenomenon. Inspired by the juxtaposition of reality TV and wartime news, Collins crafted a world where children are pitted against each other in a deadly game for the entertainment of their nation. The story introduces us to Katniss Everdeen, a resilient young woman from the impoverished District 12, who steps into the arena to protect her younger sister. Alongside her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, Katniss navigates the brutal competition, outwitting both her peers and the oppressive Capitol.
2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Catching Fire
Sparks are igniting. Flames are spreading. And the Capitol wants revenge.
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After surviving the first Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta find themselves in even greater peril. Their defiance has sparked rebellion across Panem, drawing the ire of President Snow. As they embark on a "Victory Tour," the duo encounters burgeoning resistance and soon finds themselves back in the arena. This sequel expands the universe, introducing beloved characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, and sets the stage for a dramatic shift in the narrative.
3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
Mockingjay
My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.
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The trilogy concludes with Katniss at the forefront of a full-scale rebellion against the Capitol. As she navigates the horrors of war and the complexities of leadership, Katniss confronts the realities of power and the moral ambiguities of revolution. This somber and thought-provoking finale offers a poignant end to the series, exploring themes of sacrifice and survival.
Note: The cinematic adaptation of this book was divided into two films, *Mockingjay - Part 1* and *Part 2*.
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Ambition will fuel him. Competition will drive him. But power has its price.
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Set 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, this prequel delves into the formative years of the Hunger Games and the young Coriolanus Snow. Tasked with mentoring a tribute from District 12, Snow's life intertwines with that of Lucy Gray Baird, a singer whose influence reshapes the Games. This novel provides a rich backstory to the series, offering insights into the origins of the Games and the motivations of one of its most notorious figures.
Will There Be More Hunger Games Books?
Preorder the Next Novel: Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)
Release: March 18, 2025.
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Suzanne Collins has announced a new addition to the *Hunger Games* series, titled *Sunrise on the Reaping*. Set to release on March 18, 2025, this prequel will take place 40 years after *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* and 24 years before the original novel. It will feature the beloved character Haymitch Abernathy and the Second Quarter Quell. Fans can also look forward to a film adaptation slated for November 20, 2026.
For those eager to explore more literature, check out our guides to the *Lord of the Rings Books in Order*, *Percy Jackson Books in Order*, and *Game of Thrones Books in Order*.
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