Sales Milestone

The beloved Hunger Games series continues to captivate audiences with its latest installment, Sunrise on the Reaping, which has shattered sales records by moving over 1.5 million copies globally within its first week of release. Scholastic proudly announced that this remarkable figure includes print editions, e-books, and audiobooks across key markets, including the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

U.S. Sales Highlights

In the U.S. alone, Sunrise on the Reaping has achieved sales exceeding 1.2 million copies, marking a stunning doubling of first-week sales compared to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which debuted in 2020, and a staggering tripling of the initial total for Mockingjay released in 2010. Ellie Berger, Scholastic’s executive vice president and president, expressed elation over the overwhelming fan reception and sales surge, stating, "After nearly a year of anticipation, the response to Sunrise on the Reaping has exceeded all expectations."

Plot and Characters

Set 24 years prior to the original Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping takes readers back to the tumultuous world of Panem during the 50th Hunger Games — the notorious Second Quarter Quell. It centers on Haymitch Abernathy, a character familiar to fans and portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the film adaptations, who faces the perils of the games.

Author's Insights

In her reflection on the creation of this new chapter, author Suzanne Collins shared her philosophical inspiration, citing David Hume’s ideas about governance and control. She said, “The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day,” highlighting the relevance of themes such as propaganda and the manipulation of narratives in today’s society.

Overall Sales and Future Prospects

Sunrise on the Reaping has already positioned itself as the year’s third overall bestseller in the United States, behind the highly anticipated deluxe edition of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. Moreover, the Hunger Games series has officially surpassed 100 million copies sold across all five books, which have been translated into 55 languages worldwide.

Franchise Expansion and Film Adaptation

As the franchise continues to thrive, anticipation for the film adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes heightens, promising to delve into the backstory of the infamous President Coriolanus Snow, played by Tom Blyth. The cinematic release, directed by Francis Lawrence, also stars Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, and Viola Davis, among others.

Conclusion

With Sunrise on the Reaping igniting new excitement and rekindling interest in the franchise, the Hunger Games series proves to be a cultural phenomenon that remains relevant and powerful, captivating a new generation of readers. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you updates on this thrilling saga!