"Hunger Games Books: Reading Order Guide"

2025 marks a significant milestone as it's been 17 years since Suzanne Collins introduced the world to the harrowing dystopian universe of The Hunger Games and its iconic protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. As excitement builds for the upcoming prequel release in just a few weeks, there's no better time to dive back into the series that ignited a young adult literature phenomenon and inspired a generation of archery enthusiasts. The Hunger Games, set in a world where children are forced to fight to the death as a means of control, not only captivated readers but also sparked a global conversation on power and resistance.

If you're eager to re-immerse yourself in this gripping saga but unsure where to begin, we've got you covered with a complete guide to reading The Hunger Games books in order. Plus, don't miss our comprehensive reviews of The Hunger Games movies, and explore our curated list of books similar to The Hunger Games for more thrilling reads.

How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order

While the latest addition to the series, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is a prequel set before the original trilogy, the depth of the story is best appreciated by first understanding the core narrative. We highly recommend starting with the original trilogy to fully grasp the context before delving into the prequel. However, if you're interested in a chronological journey through Panem, you may choose to begin with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Includes All 4 Books Hunger Games Box Set

7See paperback and hardcover options. See it at Amazon

1. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

0Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun... See it at Amazon

Suzanne Collins' debut novel, The Hunger Games, was inspired by the stark contrast between reality TV and the realities of war. This groundbreaking YA novel introduced readers to Katniss Everdeen, a resilient young woman from the destitute District 12, who steps into the arena to save her younger sister. Alongside Peeta, her fellow tribute, Katniss navigates the deadly game, challenging not just her opponents but the oppressive regime of the Capitol.

2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Catching Fire

0Sparks are igniting. Flames are spreading. And the Capitol wants revenge. See it at Amazon

In Catching Fire, Katniss and Peeta's survival in the Hunger Games has ripple effects across Panem, sparking unrest and resistance. Their victory tour becomes a catalyst for rebellion, drawing the wrath of President Snow. As they're thrust back into the arena, Collins expands the universe, introducing compelling characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, and setting the stage for an explosive conclusion.

3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

Mockingjay

0My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. See it at Amazon

The final installment, Mockingjay, plunges readers into an all-out war against the Capitol. Katniss, now the symbol of the rebellion, faces the brutal realities of conflict and the moral complexities of revolution. Collins delivers a sobering and thought-provoking end to the trilogy, with the film adaptation split into two parts to capture the intensity of the narrative.

4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

0Ambition will fuel him. Competition will drive him. But power has its price. See it at Amazon

Set 64 years before the events of the original series, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes explores the formative years of the Hunger Games and the rise of President Snow. Through the eyes of an 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, assigned as a mentor to District 12's tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, readers gain insight into the early machinations of the Games and the pivotal moments that shape both characters and the future of Panem.

Will There Be More Hunger Games Books?

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

48Release: March 18, 2025. $27.99 save 30%$19.59 at Amazon $27.99 save 32%$18.99 at Kindle

Suzanne Collins has announced a new addition to the Hunger Games series titled Sunrise on the Reaping, set to release on March 18, 2025. This prequel, taking place 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before the original novel, will focus on the Second Quarter Quell and the character of Haymitch Abernathy. A film adaptation is slated for November 20, 2026.

For more literary adventures, consider our guides on the Lord of the Rings books in order, the Percy Jackson series, and the Game of Thrones books in order.

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