Intro paragraph
Scholastic has announced a new wave of paperback releases for Suzanne Collins‘ prequel to the Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping, alongside a special movie tie-in edition and a comprehensive box set of the entire series. The new editions will hit shelves throughout 2026, building momentum for the film adaptation that premieres in theaters on November 20. Fans of the dystopian saga can expect fresh covers, collectible packaging, and a deeper dive into the backstory that shaped Katniss Everdeen’s world.
At a Glance
- Two new paperback editions, including a movie tie-in, launch in 2026.
- A complete box set of the Hunger Games series releases on September 1, 2026.
- The film adaptation premieres on November 20, drawing a new generation of readers.
Why it matters: These releases expand the franchise’s reach, offering collectors and new readers a cohesive, updated experience that aligns with the upcoming film.
Background
Sunrise on the Reaping follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy on the morning of his birthday, when he is chosen for the 50th Hunger Games, also called the Quarter Quell. Set years before the first Hunger Games novel, the story explores the origins of Panem’s brutal tradition and the early trials that shaped the characters we know. The book was first published on March 18, 2025, and has already sold over 4.4 million copies worldwide.
New Paperback Editions
Scholastic will release two distinct paperback editions of Sunrise on the Reaping in 2026. The trade paperback, available on August 4, 2026, features a fresh cover design that echoes the film’s aesthetic, while the movie tie-in edition includes stills from the upcoming film and a QR code linking to exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Both editions aim to attract new readers and provide long-time fans with a tangible connection to the story’s cinematic future.
Edition Details
- Trade paperback: modern cover, standard paperback size.
- Movie tie-in: film stills, QR code, special spine.
- Hardcover special edition: limited run, slipcover.
- Digital e-book: synchronized release with print.
Box Set Release
In addition to the individual editions, Scholastic is assembling a comprehensive box set that gathers the entire Hunger Games saga. The set, slated for release on September 1, 2026, contains the prequel, the original trilogy, and the latest prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Each volume is housed in a collector’s slipcover, and the set includes a commemorative booklet that chronicles the series’ evolution.
Box Set Contents
- Sunrise on the Reaping
- The Hunger Games
- Catching Fire
- Mockingjay
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Movie Tie-In Edition
The tie-in edition of Sunrise on the Reaping is more than a reprint; it’s a bridge between the page and the screen. “One of the most loved books of 2025 around the globe is about to be one of the most loved movies of 2026, and we’re excited to bring this powerful story to an even wider audience with these new editions,” said David Leviathan, Scholastic SVP, publisher and editorial director, in a statement shared with News Of Los Angeles. The edition’s cover features the film’s color palette, and the inside includes a short interview with the director and a timeline of the film’s production.
Film Adaptation
The film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping will debut in theaters on November 20, 2026, expanding the franchise’s cinematic universe. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson reprise their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, while new actors Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler portray young Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray, respectively. The movie’s release is poised to boost interest in the books, especially among viewers who followed the original trilogy’s success.
Illustrated Editions
Scholastic has also released illustrated versions of the original trilogy, with artwork by Nico Delort. The Hunger Games: Illustrated Edition debuted on October 1, 2024, followed by Catching Fire on October 7, 2025, and Mockingjay on October 6, 2026. These editions blend the series’ iconic narrative with Delort’s vivid illustrations, offering a new visual experience for fans and collectors alike.
Release Timeline
| Date | Release |
|---|---|
| August 4, 2026 | Trade paperback of Sunrise on the Reaping |
| September 1, 2026 | Complete box set of the Hunger Games series |
| November 20, 2026 | Film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping |
Collector’s Appeal
Collectors will find the box set especially enticing. The slipcovers feature embossed titles and a matte finish that echoes the Hunger Games’ metallic motifs. Each book includes a commemorative bookmark, and the set is packaged in a sturdy case with a custom printed logo. Limited copies are signed by the author, adding an extra layer of exclusivity for dedicated fans.
Marketing Strategy
Scholastic’s marketing campaign emphasizes the synergy between the books and the film. Promotional materials showcase side-by-side comparisons of the book cover and the movie poster, while social media teasers highlight the QR code feature that unlocks behind-the-scenes videos. The company plans a coordinated release across print, digital, and retail channels to maximize reach among both existing readers and new audiences drawn by the film.
Series Legacy
Since its debut in 2008, Suzanne Collins‘ Hunger Games series has become a cultural touchstone, with five books and five blockbuster films. The prequel’s release adds depth to the world’s lore, exploring the formative years of Haymitch and the origins of the Quarter Quell. By aligning the book’s new editions with the film’s release, Scholastic reinforces the series’ enduring relevance.
Fan Engagement
Fan forums and book clubs have already begun discussing the new editions. Readers are eager to compare the new cover art to the original, while some are excited about the inclusion of exclusive content in the movie tie-in edition. Scholastic plans to host virtual Q&A sessions with the author and film director to further engage the community.
Key Takeaways
- Scholastic is expanding the franchise with fresh paperback editions and a collector’s box set.
- The movie tie-in edition links the book directly to the upcoming film.
- The film’s November release is expected to drive renewed interest in the series.
- Illustrated editions continue to offer a visual dimension to the Hunger Games narrative.
