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Books in order of publication & chronological
Movies in order of release & chronological
Which Hunger Games book goes with each movie?
Should you read The Hunger Games books before watching the movies?
The Hunger Games merchandise and gifts for fans
Other books by Suzanne Collins
Frequently asked questions about The Hunger Games books and movies
Whether you're discovering Panem for the first time or revisiting Suzanne Collins's bestselling dystopian series, knowing the correct order to read The Hunger Games books and watch the movies can be a little confusing. With three original novels, two prequels and six film adaptations, there are several ways to experience the story.
The easiest place to start is with the original trilogy: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. The two prequels, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping, take place decades before Katniss Everdeen's story.
In this guide, you'll find all five Hunger Games books in publication and chronological order, followed by the six movies in release and chronological order, including the upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping adaptation. I've also included a guide to each book and film, a book-to-movie comparison and advice on the best order for first-time readers and viewers.
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The Hunger Games books in order of publication
There are five novels in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The best reading order for first-time readers is publication order, beginning with the original trilogy and continuing with the two prequels. Although the two prequels take place before Katniss's story, reading them after the original trilogy allows you to experience Panem in the order Suzanne Collins introduced it to readers.
Here are all five books in the order they were published:
2008
The Hunger Games
When her younger sister is chosen for the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her place in a televised fight to the death.
2009
Catching Fire
After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta discover that their victory has sparked a rebellion that threatens the Capitol's control over Panem.
2010
Mockingjay
As rebellion spreads across Panem, Katniss becomes the face of the revolution in a fight to overthrow President Snow and the Capitol.
2020
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Set 64 years before Katniss's story, this prequel follows a young Coriolanus Snow as he mentors Lucy Gray Baird in the 10th Hunger Games.
2025
Sunrise on the Reaping
Twenty-four years before Katniss enters the arena, a young Haymitch Abernathy is selected to compete in the brutal 50th Hunger Games.
The Hunger Games books in chronological order
If you'd rather follow the events of Panem in the order they happen, you can read the books chronologically. This means starting with the two prequels before moving on to Katniss Everdeen's story.
Here is the chronological order of all five books:
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – Set 64 years before The Hunger Games
Sunrise on the Reaping – Set 24 years before The Hunger Games
The prequels explore earlier generations of Panem, revealing more about the history of the Hunger Games and the people who helped shape the country. The original trilogy then follows Katniss as she becomes the face of a rebellion against the Capitol.
Should you read The Hunger Games books in publication or chronological order?
If this is your first time reading The Hunger Games, I recommend following publication order rather than chronological order.
Starting with the original trilogy introduces you to Panem through Katniss's perspective. You'll discover the rules of the Hunger Games, the Capitol's control over the districts and the growing resistance alongside her. The prequels then add context to the history and political forces behind the world you've already come to know.
Suzanne Collins has recommended reading the books in the order they were written: the original trilogy first, followed by The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping.
If you've already read the original trilogy, however, chronological order offers another way to experience the series. You can travel back through Panem's history before returning to Katniss's fight.
The Hunger Games movies in order of release
2012
The Hunger Games
Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen in the first film adaptation. When her younger sister is selected for the Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers to take her place and enters the arena alongside Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson.
The film introduces audiences to Panem, the Capitol and the brutal annual competition that forces children from the districts to fight for survival.
2013
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Katniss and Peeta return to the arena for the 75th Hunger Games after their victory inspires unrest across Panem. This time, they must compete against previous victors in a special Quarter Quell.
The film also introduces new characters, including Finnick Odair, played by Sam Claflin, as the growing rebellion puts Katniss and everyone close to her in danger.
2014
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
As rebellion spreads, Katniss becomes the face of the resistance. Living in District 13, she struggles with her new role as the Mockingjay while the rebels use her image to encourage the districts to rise against the Capitol.
The film follows her growing involvement in the revolution and her efforts to save Peeta.
2015
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2
The final instalment of the original film series follows Katniss and the rebels as they launch an assault on the Capitol. Their goal is to end President Snow's rule and bring the war to a close.
As the conflict reaches its conclusion, Katniss faces difficult choices about loyalty, justice and the future of Panem.
2023
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Tom Blyth stars as young Coriolanus Snow in this prequel set 64 years before Katniss's story. The film follows Snow as he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler, during the 10th Hunger Games.
As Snow becomes involved in Lucy Gray's fate, the film offers a glimpse into the early history of the Games and the origins of one of Panem's most important figures.
2026
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
The upcoming film adapts Suzanne Collins's 2025 novel about the 50th Hunger Games. Set 24 years before the original story, it follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he enters the arena.
The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 20, 2026. It will offer another look at the history of Panem and the experiences that shaped one of the original trilogy's most memorable characters.
The first four films adapt the original trilogy, while The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping explore events that take place before Katniss's story.
For first-time viewers, release order is the best way to experience the franchise as audiences originally did. It also follows the order in which the films introduce the characters and expand the world of Panem.
The Hunger Games movies in chronological order
Want to watch the films in the order the events take place? Start with the two prequels, then continue with the four movies following Katniss Everdeen.
Here is the chronological viewing order:
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026 – upcoming)
The Hunger Games (2012)
The chronological order follows the history of Panem, beginning with the 10th Hunger Games and moving forward through the events that eventually lead to Katniss's rebellion.
If you're rewatching the franchise and already know the characters and their stories, chronological order is an interesting way to revisit the world. You'll see how the Capitol's history and earlier Hunger Games connect to the events of the original films.
The Hunger Games books and movies: which book goes with each film?
Wondering which Hunger Games books have been adapted into movies? Each of the five novels has a film adaptation, although Mockingjay was divided into two parts.
Here's how the books and movies correspond:
📖 The Hunger Games (2008) — 🎬 The Hunger Games (2012)
📖 Catching Fire (2009) — 🎬 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
📖 Mockingjay (2010) — 🎬 Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) and Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
📖 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020) — 🎬 The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
📖 Sunrise on the Reaping (2025) — 🎬 Sunrise on the Reaping (2026, upcoming)
The original trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen, while the two prequels travel back through Panem's history to explore the lives of characters from earlier generations.
If you enjoy reading the books before watching their adaptations, you can follow the publication order above and then watch the corresponding films.
Should you read The Hunger Games books before watching the movies?
If you enjoy reading before watching an adaptation, I'd recommend starting with the books. The novels provide more detail about Katniss's thoughts, relationships and motivations, as well as the political tensions that shape Panem. They also offer a deeper understanding of the characters and events that the films sometimes have to condense.
That said, the movies are an excellent way to revisit the series. The adaptations bring the arena, the Capitol and the districts to life, with Jennifer Lawrence leading the cast as Katniss Everdeen.
The Hunger Games merchandise and gifts for fans
Looking for gifts for a Hunger Games fan? From Mockingjay-inspired accessories to collectible editions of Suzanne Collins's bestselling novels, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the world of Panem. Here are a few Hunger Games merchandise ideas for readers and movie fans.
Other books by Suzanne Collins
If you've finished The Hunger Games and are looking for more books by Suzanne Collins, she has also written another five-book series, along with two picture books.
The Underland Chronicles in order
The Underland Chronicles is a fantasy adventure series for younger readers. It follows Gregor, an ordinary boy from New York who discovers a hidden world beneath the city, populated by humans and giant creatures.
Read the five books in publication order:
Gregor the Overlander (2003)
Gregor and the Code of Claw (2007)
Suzanne Collins's picture books
Collins has also written two picture books:
When Charlie McButton Lost Power (2005) – A playful story about a boy whose love of computer games is put to the test when the power goes out.
Year of the Jungle (2013) – A picture book inspired by Collins's childhood experience of having a parent serve in the Vietnam War.
Frequently asked questions about The Hunger Games books and movies
How many Hunger Games books are there?
There are five novels in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins: the original trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping.
What is the correct order to read The Hunger Games books?
The recommended reading order is publication order:
Suzanne Collins has recommended reading the books in the order they were written.
Should I read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes before The Hunger Games?
Although The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes takes place 64 years before The Hunger Games, it's best to read it after the original trilogy if you're new to the series. This follows publication order and the author's recommendation.
Is Sunrise on the Reaping a prequel?
Yes. Sunrise on the Reaping is the second prequel in the series. It takes place 24 years before The Hunger Games and follows a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games.
How many Hunger Games movies are there?
There are five released Hunger Games movies as of November 2026, with a sixth film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 20, 2026. The original Mockingjay novel was adapted into two separate films.
What is the correct order to watch The Hunger Games movies?
The recommended viewing order for first-time viewers is release order:
The Hunger Games (2012)
Catching Fire (2013)
Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
Sunrise on the Reaping (2026 – upcoming)
What is the chronological order of The Hunger Games movies?
To watch the movies in chronological order, start with the two prequels:
Sunrise on the Reaping
Should I watch The Hunger Games movies in release order or chronological order?
For first-time viewers, release order is the best choice. It allows you to experience the franchise in the order audiences originally did and follows the way the story was introduced on screen.
If you've already watched the films, chronological order is a fun alternative that takes you through the history of Panem.
Do The Hunger Games movies follow the books?
Yes. The movies adapt all five novels, although Mockingjay was divided into two parts. As with most film adaptations, some details and scenes differ between the books and movies.
Is The Hunger Games series finished?
The series currently consists of five novels. Sunrise on the Reaping, published in 2025, is the latest book. No additional novel should be assumed unless Suzanne Collins or her publisher officially announces one.
What is the first Hunger Games movie?
The first film is The Hunger Games, released in 2012. It stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and adapts the first novel in Suzanne Collins's original trilogy.
What is the newest Hunger Games book?
The newest novel is Sunrise on the Reaping, published in 2025. It is a prequel about the 50th Hunger Games and a young Haymitch Abernathy.
What is the newest Hunger Games movie?
As of November 2026, the newest released film is The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). The next film, Sunrise on the Reaping, is scheduled for November 20, 2026.
About Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins is an American author best known for writing The Hunger Games, one of the most successful young adult dystopian series of all time. Before becoming a novelist, she worked as a television writer for children's programming.
In addition to The Hunger Games, Collins wrote The Underland Chronicles, a five-book fantasy series for younger readers. Her work often combines adventure, political conflict and questions about power, survival and human nature.