2025 marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 17 years since Suzanne Collins introduced us to the gripping world of The Hunger Games and its iconic protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. With the anticipation building around the upcoming prequel release in just a couple of weeks, there's no better time to dive back into the original saga that ignited a global phenomenon.
Set against the backdrop of a dystopian society where children are pitted against each other in a deadly annual competition to suppress rebellion, The Hunger Games not only captivated young adult readers but also inspired a worldwide interest in archery among women. If you're eager to revisit this thrilling universe but unsure where to begin, we're here to help you navigate through the Hunger Games books in their recommended reading order. Additionally, don't miss our comprehensive guides to The Hunger Games movies and a curated list of books that echo the series' themes.
Do you prefer the Hunger Games movie or book series?
- The books are better
- The movies are better
- Both are equally great
How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order
While the latest addition, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is set before the events of the original trilogy, understanding the full context of Panem's history is best achieved by reading the original trilogy first. For those who wish to explore the chronological timeline of the series, starting with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is an option, though we recommend beginning with the originals for a richer experience.
Includes All 4 Books Hunger Games Box Set
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1. 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 franchise, inspired by Suzanne Collins' juxtaposition of reality TV with the horrors of war. It introduces readers to Katniss Everdeen, a young woman from the impoverished District 12, who volunteers as a tribute in the Hunger Games to save her younger sister. Alongside Peeta Mellark, another tribute from her district, Katniss navigates the brutal arena, challenging the Capitol's oppressive regime.
2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Sparks are igniting. Flames are spreading. And the Capitol wants revenge.
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After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta find themselves thrust back into danger. Their defiance has sparked rebellion across Panem, drawing the ire of President Snow. As they embark on a "Victory Tour," they encounter resistance movements and are forced to compete in the Quarter Quell, a special edition of the Games. This sequel expands the universe, introducing beloved characters and setting the stage for the series' explosive conclusion.
3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.
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The final installment sees Katniss and her allies in a full-scale war against the Capitol. As the face of the rebellion, Katniss navigates the complexities of revolution, betrayal, and survival. The battle moves from the arena to the streets, culminating in a somber yet powerful conclusion that challenges the very nature of power and freedom.
Note: The film adaptation of this book was split into two parts, Mockingjay - Part 1 and Part 2.
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Ambition will fuel him. Competition will drive him. But power has its price.
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This prequel, set 64 years before the original trilogy, delves into the early days of the Hunger Games and the formative years of the future President Snow. As a mentor to District 12's tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, young Coriolanus Snow navigates his ambitions and the evolving nature of the Games. The story enriches the series' lore and offers a poignant look at the origins of one of its most complex characters.
Will There Be More Hunger Games Books?
Preorder the Next Novel: Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)
Release: March 18, 2025.
$27.99 save 30% - $19.59 at Amazon
$27.99 save 32% - $18.99 at Kindle
Four years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins announced another prequel, "Sunrise on the Reaping," set to be published on March 18, 2025. This novel will explore the story of Haymitch Abernathy and the Second Quarter Quell, set 40 years after Lucy Gray's tale and 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games. A film adaptation is slated for November 20, 2026.
For more reading adventures, explore 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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