The Definitive Hunger Games Order: All 7 Books And Movies, Including The NEW 2026 Film

The world of Panem is expanding faster than ever, making the complete and correct viewing order for *The Hunger Games* franchise essential for both new fans and returning veterans. As of today, December 18, 2025, the series officially comprises five novels and five feature films, with a sixth movie adaptation of the newly announced prequel, *Sunrise on the Reaping*, slated for release in November 2026. Understanding the difference between the publication/release order and the in-universe chronological order is the key to fully appreciating the story of Katniss Everdeen, Coriolanus Snow, and the legendary Victors who came before them.

The confusion surrounding the timeline is understandable, as author Suzanne Collins has released two major prequels after the original, world-shaking trilogy. Whether you want to experience the story as it was originally published, or dive into the deep history of the Capitol and the Games starting with the First Rebellion and the rise of President Snow, this definitive guide provides both the release order and the chronological timeline for all seven titles, ensuring you don't miss a single, crucial detail.

The Hunger Games Books and Movies: Release Order (The Fan's Journey)

The release order, also known as the publication order, is the way most fans originally experienced the world of Panem. This path is often recommended for first-time readers and viewers because it preserves the original mysteries, plot twists, and revelations exactly as author Suzanne Collins intended. The prequels, *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* and the upcoming *Sunrise on the Reaping*, were written with the knowledge that the reader already understands the fate of Katniss Everdeen and the ultimate outcome of the Second Rebellion.

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The Official *Hunger Games* Book Release Order

This is the order in which the novels were published, allowing you to follow the story’s evolution and the deepening lore of the Capitol and the Districts.

1. The Hunger Games (2008): Introduces Katniss Everdeen, the 74th Hunger Games, and the oppressive rule of President Snow.
2. Catching Fire (2009): The sequel, featuring the 75th Hunger Games, also known as the Third Quarter Quell.
3. Mockingjay (2010): The final chapter of the original trilogy, detailing the Second Rebellion and the fall of the Capitol.
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020): A prequel set 64 years before Katniss's story, focusing on a young Coriolanus Snow and the 10th Hunger Games.
5. Sunrise on the Reaping (2025): The newest prequel, set 40 years after *Ballad* and 24 years before *The Hunger Games*, following 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Hunger Games (Second Quarter Quell).

The Official *Hunger Games* Movie Release Order

The film adaptations follow the books closely, though *Mockingjay* was split into two parts for the cinematic release. This order is perfect for a movie marathon where you want to experience the story's rising tension and major reveals chronologically by release date.

1. The Hunger Games (2012): The start of the cinematic saga, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss.
2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013): Continues the story of the Victors’ Tour and the Quarter Quell.
3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014): Focuses on the mobilization of the Districts and the rise of the Mockingjay symbol.
4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015): The climactic conclusion of the rebellion and the fate of Panem.
5. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023): The first prequel film, introducing a new generation of Tributes and mentors.
6. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (Scheduled for November 20, 2026): The upcoming film adaptation of the 2025 novel, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy's legendary victory.

The Ultimate Hunger Games Chronological Order (Timeline Deep Dive)

For the true lore master or someone looking to understand the entire history of Panem, the chronological order is the superior way to experience the saga. This timeline starts at the earliest event in the series and moves forward, showing the evolution of the Games, the Capitol's power, and the characters like Coriolanus Snow and Haymitch Abernathy before Katniss Everdeen was even born.

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Following this order means you'll witness the Capitol's slow descent into tyranny and the brutal reality of the Games' development, from a small, disorganized event to the spectacle seen in the original trilogy. This is the definitive path for maximum topical authority.

The *Hunger Games* Story Timeline: Chronological Order

This list combines all seven books and movies based on their in-universe timeline, starting with the earliest event and ending with the resolution of the Second Rebellion.

1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Book 4 & Movie 5)
   • Timeline: 64 years before *The Hunger Games*.
   • Key Events: The 10th Hunger Games. Introduces a young, ambitious Coriolanus Snow as a mentor. It details the early, primitive state of the Games and the lingering effects of the Dark Days (The First Rebellion).
2. Sunrise on the Reaping (Book 5 & Upcoming Movie 6)
   • Timeline: 40 years after *Ballad* and 24 years before *The Hunger Games*.
   • Key Events: The 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This is the story of 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy's victory from District 12, an event that cemented his status as a legendary Victor and set him on the path to becoming Katniss's cynical mentor. The Quarter Quell rules for this year meant four tributes were reaped from each District instead of two.
3. The Hunger Games (Book 1 & Movie 1)
   • Timeline: The 74th Hunger Games.
   • Key Events: Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute for her sister, Primrose. She and Peeta Mellark enter the arena, sparking the first seeds of rebellion across Panem.
4. Catching Fire (Book 2 & Movie 2)
   • Timeline: The Victors' Tour and the 75th Hunger Games (Third Quarter Quell).
   • Key Events: The Capitol, fearing the spark of hope from Katniss's defiance, forces all surviving Victors to return to the arena. This Quarter Quell involves legendary Victors like Finnick Odair and Mags.
5. Mockingjay – Part 1 & Part 2 (Book 3 & Movies 3 & 4)
   • Timeline: The Second Rebellion.
   • Key Events: Katniss becomes the symbol of the revolution, the Mockingjay. The Districts unite to overthrow the Capitol, leading to a war that results in the end of the Games and the restructuring of Panem.

Why the New Prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, is Crucial to the Lore

The announcement of *Sunrise on the Reaping* in 2025 by Suzanne Collins has invigorated the fandom, not just because it’s a new book, but because it finally shines a spotlight on one of the most mysterious and beloved characters: Haymitch Abernathy. Haymitch, the only surviving Victor from District 12 before Katniss and Peeta, is a pivotal figure, and his backstory is essential for understanding the psychological toll of the Games and the depth of the Capitol's cruelty.

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The 50th Hunger Games, which Haymitch won, was the Second Quarter Quell. The Quarter Quells are special, brutal editions of the Games that occur every 25 years. The Second Quarter Quell was designed to be twice as deadly, with four tributes from each of the 12 Districts instead of the usual two. This means Haymitch had to survive an arena with 47 other children, a feat that explains his deep-seated trauma, alcoholism, and the cynical wisdom he later imparts to Katniss and Peeta.

By placing *Sunrise on the Reaping* chronologically between *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* (The 10th Games) and *The Hunger Games* (The 74th Games), Collins is filling a massive 64-year gap in the Panem timeline. The new book and its 2026 film adaptation will show the evolution of the Games from the spectacle of the 10th Games to the highly sophisticated, sadistic arenas of the later years. It will likely detail the rise of key Capitol figures and the political climate that solidified President Snow’s power, offering an indispensable piece of the *Hunger Games* universe puzzle.

Topical Authority: Key Entities in the Hunger Games Universe

To fully grasp the political and social dynamics of Panem, it is helpful to be familiar with the key entities, locations, and political events that shape the narrative across all books and movies. Understanding these entities provides a richer context for why the order of the stories matters.

• Suzanne Collins: The author and creator of the entire *Hunger Games* universe.
• Lionsgate: The studio responsible for adapting all the novels into major motion pictures.
• Panem: The dystopian nation established after a global catastrophe, comprising the Capitol and 13 (now 12) surrounding Districts.
• The Dark Days: The period of the First Rebellion, which led to the creation of the Hunger Games as a punishment.
• The Capitol: The technologically advanced, wealthy, and politically dominant city that rules Panem.
• District 12: The poorest District, specializing in coal mining, home to Katniss Everdeen and Haymitch Abernathy.
• Tributes: The 24 children (or 48 in a Quarter Quell) forced to participate in the annual Games.
• Quarter Quell: A special, more brutal version of the Games held every 25 years to remind the Districts of the Capitol's power.
• Victors: The survivors of the Hunger Games, forced to live in the Victors' Village and mentor future Tributes.
• Second Rebellion: The revolution led by Katniss Everdeen and District 13 to overthrow the Capitol's tyrannical rule.
• President Snow: Coriolanus Snow, the primary antagonist of the original trilogy, whose origins are explored in *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes*.

Whether you choose the release order to enjoy the story as the world did, or the chronological order to become a true master of the Panem timeline, the ever-expanding *The Hunger Games* franchise offers a deep, compelling, and politically charged narrative that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With *Sunrise on the Reaping* on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit the arenas.