"Guide to Reading Hunger Games Series in Order"

2025 marks a remarkable 17 years since Suzanne Collins introduced us to the dystopian universe of The Hunger Games and its iconic rebel leader, Katniss Everdeen. As we eagerly await the release of a new prequel in just a few weeks, it's the perfect time to dive back into the gripping saga that captivated millions worldwide.

Set in a harrowing future where children are forced into annual combat to suppress a fractured and rebellious nation, The Hunger Games not only ignited a young adult (YA) literary phenomenon but also inspired countless women to pick up archery. If you're eager to revisit this thrilling universe but unsure where to begin, we've got you covered with a comprehensive guide to reading the Hunger Games books in order. Additionally, don't miss our guides to The Hunger Games movies and our curated list of books similar to The Hunger Games.

How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order

The latest addition to the series, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, unfolds decades before the events of the original trilogy. Yet, to fully appreciate the depth and context provided by Collins, we suggest starting with the original three books. However, for those seeking a chronological experience of Panem, beginning with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes before moving on to the others is a valid approach.

Includes All 4 Books Hunger Games Box Set

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1. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

In this groundbreaking YA novel, Suzanne Collins crafts a chilling world inspired by her late-night channel surfing between war coverage and reality TV. The story introduces us to Katniss Everdeen, a resilient young woman from the impoverished District 12, who volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister from the deadly Hunger Games. Alongside Peeta, the kind-hearted baker from her district, Katniss navigates a treacherous game of survival against other children, orchestrated by the oppressive Capitol. This book not only launched a bestselling series but also inspired a blockbuster film franchise.

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2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Catching Fire

After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta's lives are far from peaceful. Their victory has sparked unrest across Panem, drawing the ire of President Snow. Forced into another round of the Games, this time with other past victors, Katniss encounters new allies like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason. This sequel deepens the lore and sets the stage for a dramatic twist that alters the course of Panem's future.

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3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

Mockingjay

The final installment of the trilogy plunges Katniss and her allies into a full-scale war against the Capitol. As the face of the rebellion, Katniss confronts the harsh realities of conflict and the moral complexities of leadership. The narrative brings the Hunger Games to the Capitol's streets, delivering a somber and thought-provoking conclusion to the series.

See it at Amazon. 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

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

This prequel transports us 64 years before the events of the first book, focusing on a young Coriolanus Snow, an impoverished 18-year-old from the Capitol. Tasked with mentoring District 12's tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, Snow's journey intertwines with the formative years of the Hunger Games. Their relationship and the events that unfold shape the future of the Games and provide a poignant backstory to the series' antagonist.

See it at Amazon.

Will There Be More Hunger Games Books?

Preorder the Next Novel: Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)

Release: March 18, 2025. Preorder for $19.59 at Amazon (save 30%) or $18.99 at Kindle (save 32%).

Four years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins announced another prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, set for release on March 18, 2025. This new book will explore the events 40 years after Lucy Gray's story and 24 years before the original novel, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy and the Second Quarter Quell. A film adaptation is slated for November 20, 2026.

For those looking to explore more literary worlds, check out our guides to the Lord of the Rings books in order, the Percy Jackson books in order, and the Game of Thrones books in order.