Sunrise on The Reaping Midnight Launch Party – Exciting and Heartwarming

On the evening of 17 March 2025, something was brewing inside The Capitol… (or in this case, Waterstones Manchester).

As Waterstones branches across the UK opened their doors, in cities including Glasgow, London, and Leeds, lucky readers had the chance to get their hands on the first-released copies of Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, Sunrise on The Reaping, the second prequel to the original The Hunger Games trilogy. Following the 2020 release of the much-loved The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, rumours surrounding the newest book release had been rife for many years.  

Sunrise on The Reaping recounts the 50th annual Hunger Games, or ‘Haymitch’s games,’ as often referred to by fans of the series. Haymitch, who first appeared in the first novel, The Hunger Games, is mentor to both Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, essentially their guardian to help them survive the games – to stay alive. When Manchester’s own Trafford Centre announced that they were going to be celebrating Sunrise on The Reaping’s official launch – it was clear that this was not one to be missed! With the novel so heavily theorised, the event was sure to be one of the most exciting, sought-after book events of the year.

The event encouraged attendees to celebrate the evening in true Panem style, with optional District and Capitol dress-up, creating an extremely welcoming atmosphere for all, and offering a space to spend a lively, heart-warming night with like-minded fans! With queues starting earlier than 10pm, but guaranteed goodie-bags, prizes, and activity space for all – the event was completely stress free, with excitement at the face of it. Sporting a capitol-esque look, our Effie look-alike host (complete with her signature lavender-blue lipstick) welcomed us inside – let the games begin!

After I had grabbed myself a ‘Sunrise mocktail,’ popped my name into a jar for the reaping, decorated a chocolate muffin at ‘Peeta’s Patisserie,’ and ogled at decorative jars of ‘Nightlock’ berries and sugar cubes (if you know, you know!) it was almost time for the big reveal! Following true Hunger Games style, at five to midnight, they pulled us aside for a special announcement – the time had come to draw two names for the reaping… Two lucky guests received a Nico Delort illustrated copy of The Hunger Games!

As midnight ticked closer, queues snaked around the shop. As fans counted down from five, the time had finally come, with a brand-new exclusive copy of Sunrise on The Reaping waiting, including a limited-edition bookmark, pin-badge, and one of President Snow’s bright white roses. “It was rather pleasant, and not at all what I expected. It was nice being in a room of people with a collective interest,” one attendee said, as he had made the trip from Leeds with his partner, highlighting the welcoming and exhilarating atmosphere of the evening.

Whilst many may consider book launch events and celebrations simply a ‘thing of the past,’ thinking back to the so-called golden age of worldwide frenzy of Harry Potter releases – if Suzanne Collins’ latest release has proved anything, it’s that they’re back with a bang. Midnight launch events provide fans with a space to get involved with like-minded individuals and fans, partaking in activities, relishing in the festivities surrounding an exciting new release.

Words by Mia Stapleton

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