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What to watch before Sunrise on the Reaping

In theaters November 20, 2026

Sunrise on the Reaping goes back to the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, 24 years before Katniss. It's the story of how a young Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) won. Here's what to watch first.

2 essential titles, about 5 hours

Essential

Meet the older Haymitch first, so his story lands.

  1. The Hunger Games2012 · Film · 2h 22mHaymitch as Katniss's drunk, broken mentor. This film shows you who he becomes.
  2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire2013 · Film · 2h 26mExplains the Quarter Quells and touches on Haymitch's own Games.

Recommended

The other prequel, set earlier still.

  1. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes2023 · Film · 2h 37mA young Coriolanus Snow at the 10th Games, 40 years before Haymitch's.

Optional

The end of Katniss's story.

  1. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 12014 · Film · 2h 3mKatniss becomes the face of the rebellion in District 13 as the Capitol tightens its grip.
  2. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 22015 · Film · 2h 17mThe rebels march on the Capitol for the final battle against President Snow.

Then

  1. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping2026 · Film · 2h 38mIn theaters November 20, 2026
See the full The Hunger Games watch orderRelease Radar

Questions

When does Sunrise on the Reaping come out?

In theaters on November 20, 2026.

Who plays young Haymitch?

Joseph Zada plays Haymitch Abernathy.

Where does Sunrise on the Reaping fit in the timeline?

Between The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (the 10th Games) and The Hunger Games (the 74th). It's set at the 50th Games, 24 years before Katniss.

Do I need to watch The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes first?

It isn't required, but it's the other prequel, and the young Snow you meet there is President Snow in Haymitch's time.