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As much as I hate to say it, since we’re so close to the release and I now have a copy in my possession, I won’t be rambling about what I think this quote means LMAO

Also I haven’t started reading it yet!!

My favorite omfg

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I will not post spoilers here for at least 3 days after March 18th. When I do start posting, I will will tag it as a spoiler, announce it at the top, and plan to keep it hidden under the “read more” section.

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David Levithan Q@A

This was a 15 minute Instagram livestream hosted through "thehungergamesbooks" profile, with a lot of great insights from the publisher, David Levithan!!

I tried to transcribe some of what he was saying, but I am not the best lol. One thing I got clearly was these two questions/prompts and answers, at the end.

Q. Describe SotR in three words. A. "Intense, surprising, and Haymitch."

Q. Has the book changed the way you view the original trilogy?" A. "Absolutely." (He elaborates, but I will leave it at that)

I hope they will somehow archive the live in order to look back on it! Some of the other things mentioned were about how we will see the "master story," and how Sunrise on the Reaping bridges the gap/is the missing piece of the puzzle in the story of Panem.

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All via The Hunger Games books Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hungergamesbooks?igsh=MXg0Z213czBza3NnYQ==

Specific post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHTSWEUId4E/?igsh=Z3JuZHB0ZTVjc2Jj

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Debating about whether to change my pfp now…

Current one I made on Picsart vs the new one THG books’ Instagram provided…

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From The Hunger Games books Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHTSWEUId4E/?igsh=Z3JuZHB0ZTVjc2Jj

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On mentors

For the 50th games.

Finally biting the bullet and trying to post this before SotR comes out

I think a big curiosity about Haymitch’s games were who mentored the D12 tributes as there were no previous district victors around to do so (you're in our thoughts, Lucy Gray)

I’ve had various theories over the years and I am very very excited to canonically learn how it went down. Mostly because I think I’ve thought of almost every possibility LMAO, so egotistically I think I have to be right about one of them. jk but not really.

I’ll be listing some of them numerically, but it’s not an indication of which I think is most likely. I could do that, but I’m too indecisive. Some of these kinda overlap as you’ll see, but I still wanted to divide each section the way I did.

1. The escort (s)

This is one that I do think is kinda likely. See also my "no mentor" blurb. And this ties in with the "Capitol citizen" blurb.

"There's a woman, not Effie, calling the names in 12, but she still begins with 'Ladies first!'" -CF, chapter 14. The assumption is that this is District 12's escort.

An escort could be allowed to do all of the things a mentor could do, even if they don't hold the the "mentor" title. Talk to sponsors, seal deals, etc. This would be different than what escorts could do during Katniss's era, but this is like 25 years earlier. I could go on about this theory since it makes a lot of sense to me, but I think the gist is clear.

2. A different capitol citizen

I think there's also a possibility of there being a temporary job position specifically dedicated to mentoring tributes with no previous district victors; instead of what happened in Ballad, this is a more legitimate position associated with the Gamemakers, but without the insider knowledge. They get trained on how they can "mentor," and what their limitations are. They know about the games through study of its history/previous games. They WOULD be classified as a "mentor." Idk, I have a lot of ideas of THIS topic specifically (Haymitch's/D12's mentors) This would also allow all four D12 tributes to have an assigned mentor individually, or two mentors for D12 ("one for the girls, one for the boys").

2.1 Seneca Crane I do not really think this, but it crossed my mind once. Only dependent on his age. The film made him seem young, but to my knowledge I don't remember the books ever mentioning his age?? This might be an impossibility but I didn't have the desire to check. I'd feel pretty stupid if they say he's young in the books or smth but oh well. I don't think it's him. This kind of is just in addition to the capitol citizen theory. OR the "Capitol student" theory.

3. A student in the Capitol

I don't think this at all considering what I remember from Ballad (and it just doesn't seem to make sense as to why they'd do this), and I doubt Snow and the gamemakers would want student involvement. I'm kinda listing this just to discount it tbh, but just to acknowledge it.

The only way I could see this is if it's like an internship type thing where the goal is to take on this "job" while moving up the ranks (like a gamemaker internship duties might have the "student" act as a tribute mentor). But this also just ties to my 2nd listing. Oh well.

4. No mentor

I think this is just as likely and might even be jointly tied to the escort theory. We know D12 has someone to call out their names. I think there's a possibility that the tributes with "no mentors" might just have to deal with not having a "mentor," and rely on the other people in their "tribute team." This point does tie in with and isn't mutually exclusive with some of the other ideas I've presented.

YES I know that in tbosas it establishes the mentor thing, and the assumption would be that that tradition carries on indefinitely with no changes to the concept of a "mentor" being a part of the Tribute Team. But, I think that in 12's case, there is a possibility they would be able to get by without one (or multiple). With stylists, escorts, trainers, Caesar, etc. There might not be a "mentor" if the established rule is that they're victors from a tribute's home district; until a district has a victor to mentor, the "mentor" position won't be filled. That's the logic I was going at it with.

4.1 Tribute Trainers This overlaps with several theories kinda, but I decided to place it here. Just as an extra point to consider. I think that the tribute trainers could serve the mentor function, just in the sense that they are there to provide survival and skill knowledge to the tributes. This might mitigate/take some of the load off the "mentor" position.

5. Chaff /another victor from a different district (like a victor from D1 or D2)

I like the theory that Chaff mentored Haymitch in fanon, though I do not know/think it will be canon. Watch me eat my words though LMAO. Idk, I can see it, if the Capitol/Snow decided to move away from Capitol citizens mentoring tributes altogether, then any district with no previous victor left to mentor gets one taken from the pool in other districts. I COULD see it, there might be some logic there that we can see in canon.

BUT. Counterarguments and things to consider:

•Snow /the people in power do not want district unity. By doing this, this gives an opportunity for district unity to form. Which MIGHT be a point the book is trying to make, by using this situation as a way to highlight some inter-district interaction/unity. And then that leads to stricter/different rules for future games. But, I think that goes against what the Capitol (SNOW specifically) wants.

•If this were true, then it would likely draw from victors in career districts which seemingly have the largest pool of victors. D1, D2, D4.

•I could see Chaff being Haymitch's mentor, since D11 is right "next to" (numerically) D12. But that's assuming Chaff is older than Haymitch (did they confirm if he was in the books? I didn't think so but I could be wrong), and that's assuming Chaff was an "open" victor who didn't have to mentor his own tributes. There are work-arounds to all of these points obviously, but still.

6. PLUTARCH HEAVENSBEE

THIS one I think is likely. It would tie in an important character and really work for the narrative. This makes a lot of sense to me for Plutarch to be involved SOMEHOW with Sunrise on the Reaping; I feel pretty strongly about his involvement, even if it's not him "mentoring" Haymitch and the others. Still, I could totally see Plutarch filling the "mentor" role somehow, even if he's not called a mentor. Maybe as a gamemaker intern? Idk, but if Plutarch is involved in this category it would make SO much sense. It could set up the relationship, introduce the concept of rebellion (or maybe not even a full on rebellion, but just seeing an early version of his character--maybe he wasn't always a rebel, maybe he goes through the arc of realizing the Capitol's cruelty through the 50th games)

I could go on about Plutarch here, but I will leave it at that for now.

8. Snow (I HIGHLY doubt this, but just to exhaust every option)

i doubt this for multiple reasons, but it would be crazy and bonkers if it turns out Snow "mentored" or had direct involvement with the D12 tributes. this would be like, almost the complete opposite of what we would logically think would happen though lmao. So once again, mostly just listing it to discount it. Still, pretend it's a batshit theory.

Something else to consider is the D12 and all the other districts with no living victor BEFORE the 50th games: "how were they mentored, when did it become established that the mentors were victors," etc... I'm curious if we'll get a throwaway sentence/explanation. I wonder if the 50th games marks a change for the "set up" for the games.

I've also thought about whether we will get an entirely new character(s) for the Tribute Team, or if there will be family tie-ins to the mentors/escort/tribute trainers/gamemakers/etc.

We know Caesar of course, which was directly tied to Lucky Flickerman, and the students in Ballad had familiar last names. Curious to see who else.

(that'd be crazy if they had the D12 escort be Effie's mom or aunt or smth--I doubt it considering I don't think THAT position is "inheritable." But who knows, maybe we'll read the name "Trinket" somewhere, even if it's not at all associated with D12)

This also goes for characters outside the capitol ofc, with a huge draw/curiosity is how the people in Haymitch's generation knew and interacted with each other (like Peeta's parents, Katniss's parents, the Hawthorne family, etc etc)

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I'm not sure if I want one of my above-listed ideas to be canon, or if I want to be completely surprised.

Idk, these are all fan theories of what I think could work (some of which I do NOT think could work). Some of these are concepts I've played with in fanfiction (or fanfiction ideation lmao). It seems like such a random detail but I am very curious for the canon mentor-situation.

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More on David Hume

Since the announcement, David Hume's works have been on my mind. I don't claim to be like a scholar or anything, but I thought I'd share some of the online resources I read (I literally looked at my local library too lmao)

DavidHume.org: https://davidhume.org/

"Afterall.net" (?): https://afterall.net/quotes/david-hume-on-submission-to-government/

THIS is what Sunrise on the Reaping is supposed to explore. And I think we will see that through Haymitch and the characters around him, how easily a 'revolution' can fail in the face of force and the sway of public opinion (through the use of media and "the narrative").

^Same quote different source.

"Thegreatthinkgers.org": https://thegreatthinkers.org/hume/

^Same quote but with an added sentence, different source:

"OLLlibertyfund.org": https://oll.libertyfund.org/quotes/david-hume-ponders-why-the-many-can-be-governed-so-easily-by-the-few-and-concludes-that-both-force-and-opinion-play-a-role-1777

"Why people obey." That is such a huge thing and I think Suzanne Collins was so right in focusing on this subject. "Why people obey." What pushes a people to put up with oppression, how far does the oppressive state get to go before there will be pushback?

Ohoho I am so interested in this, it makes my brain light up.

From "Davidhume.org," "Essay IV. Of the First Principles of Government." https://davidhume.org/texts/empl1/fp

This is the good stuff.

"Upon these three opinions, therefore, of public interest, of right to power, and of right to property, are all governments founded, and all authority of the few over the many. There are indeed other principles, which add force to these, and determine, limit, or alter their operation; such as self-interest, fear, and affection: But still we may assert, that these other principles can have no influence alone, but suppose the antecedent influence of those opinions above-mentioned. They are, therefore, to be esteemed the secondary, not the original principles of government."

I thought this paragraph was interesting especially, considering what he classifies as the original principles of government and what he considers secondary.

I also think his work on Human Nature was interesting, though I have to admit I have not read ALL of his texts. That being said, I'd recommend checking David Hume out!!!

Regardless of the connection to Sunrise on the Reaping, I think David Hume's works are worth a read.

Okay I'm updating/adding onto this before posting: As much as I'd recommend reading his actual texts (which can be found at Davidhume.org), you can also look into summaries before Sunrise on the Reaping comes out if you want to get a more palatable version.

There's wikipedia, which I think is actually probably the best place to get a general idea of some highlights. Wikipedia link to the page on David Hume: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hume

From David Hume's page, you can click the hyperlinks on the page to go to other related topics. Seems like common internet knowledge, but you can literally just go down a David Hume rabbithole from his dedicated Wikipedia page.

Personal notes for anyone reading this far: I partially wish I had done more work and taken more notes on his stuff, though I don't regret the level of knowledge that I'm currently at. I'm looking forward to learning more, especially from others online. I won't lie, I have this aversion to looking at peoples' opinions/analysis on things until I've done "sufficient research" on my own (girl u r not a scholar). I had to take a break when it came to actually trying to read Hume's original texts, which led way for the wikipedia idea (going back to my roots)

I'm also gonna be so for real and admit that some of his stuff is way beyond my understanding at this point. Like I understand the general points, but some of it is a little freaky, melts my mind a bit.

Anyway, one last thank you to Suzanne Collins for prompting this entire journey into learning more about David Hume. I cannot wait to see how some of his concepts are explored in "Sunrise on the Reaping."

Finally posting this since we are so close to SotR being released and unfortunately I do not have much more to add!

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Ways to engage with The Hunger Games online (specifically social media)

•Tumblr (obviously)

•Instagram

•YouTube

•Pinterest

•Reddit

•Facebook (? *pending review lmao)

This is hopefully going to be a post that I’ll edit or elaborate onto, possibly I’ll turn this into a master doc post to reference and use to link to other pages. But for now I just wanna get it out of my drafts. It serves a purpose.

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Via hungergamesbooks on Instagram

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The series starts with the sunrise on the reaping.

Technically. Literally.

All three of our protagonists-Katniss, Snow, Haymitch-all begin their journeys on the morning of the Reaping.

It's one of my favorite little details now with Sunrise on the Reaping coming out, just another way it seems to tie the series together and add a layer of cohesiveness to it.

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Hunger Games read-through project template

So, like a lot of people, I reread the original trilogy linearly in preparation for Sunrise on the Reaping, and one of the things I had in mind was to make notes of things that possibly tie into 'SotR'/Haymitch/etc.

The actual notes I took at first were very crude and not this laid out, BUT I did end up making a template of sorts to fill out/use for some of my ideas, just to keep them organized and easily referenced.

Here's a link to the google doc if anyone wants to copy the "template" and use it for their future rereads: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1esb8P3E-iEb1wcGSlHgCRS0fg_q0gb6n3WjKLFIHdKA/edit?usp=sharing

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What I would give to interview Suzanne Collins about Sunrise on the Reaping. To hear/read her thoughts, learn about her process. To pick her brain on how she went about crafting it and her thoughts on the entirety of its pre-release run.

I’m especially curious about her relationship with the fans and what boundaries she has with everything.

Personally, I like to say that I don’t idolize anyone, that I pretty actively try to reject ‘celebrity culture’ (which extends to public figures beyond just our typical idea of what a ‘celebrity’ is, including artists). And I know I have limits to my self perception and self reflection capabilities, but I think I’ve done a decent job at sticking to that.

Suzanne Collins is someone I would say I genuinely respect and admire for what she’s done. I do like that she seemingly has pretty set boundaries with how public she is. I don’t need to know her political beliefs, or anything like that.

But I still will always be curious about how she goes about writing things like “The Hunger Games.”

Anyway, all this to say…another one of my projects is going to be collecting interviews and the like from/with Suzanne Collins. With Sunrise on the Reaping coming out, I won’t get to this for awhile, but it’s been on my mind for a long time.

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Sunrise on the Reaping reading/passive resources

Here are some things related to Sunrise on the Reaping that I wanted to share! Kind of a resource for myself tbh. Work in progress of sorts.

•The entire original trilogy, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Just wanted to get that out of the way since they are the "source" materials. Local libraries and bookshops are great places to get the books, including free online libraries like "Libby" and "Hoopla." There are other ways online too.

•Additional note that's tied to the first one, but I'll give it its own point: The audiobooks. I have my own personal relationship with them that I'll save the rant for, but please consider checking them out. The original trilogy is accessible through YouTube, where you can adjust the speed and have playing throughout your day. Literally just search it and you can find several different options. The only thing is that I cannot find "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," which is understandable.

Here's a link to the playlist I made for the audiobooks: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHDfwn9rSGXLh1Na69qsRD7HYxZYes1FR&si=xBMcqvaA7p5X54iS

•"Catching Fire," Chapter 14. This is the best piece of Haymitch's story and the 50th games that we get in the original series.

•"Mockingjay," Chapter 12, page 172. Haymitch telling Katniss about how his family were killed.

•There are always "The Hunger Games Wikis," though I personally don't use them as often recently since I've been on my own personal project to make my own 'wikis.' Still, there is a link to the page on "Sunrise on the Reaping." https://thehungergames.fandom.com/wiki/Sunrise_on_the_Reaping

•AND wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunrise_on_the_Reaping

•^^Note: the above two wiki resources can be applied to almost any character or concept in The Hunger Games, and soon, Sunrise on the Reaping.

•Additional one because of course it must be added: "HUNGER GAMES: THE SECOND QUARTER QUELL" by MainstayPro on YouTube. Here's the link to this 13 year old gem: https://youtu.be/7mUjssn86h4?si=itOgtcW39IqIK-Ng

•Edgar Allan Poe's works: "Lenore," and "The Raven." You can find them in various places online or if you have a collection.

•Link to read "Lenore": https://poets.org/poem/lenore

•Link to read "The Raven": https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48860/the-raven

•David Hume. Here is an online resource dedicated to him: https://davidhume.org/