How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order

2025 marks 17 years since Suzanne Collins introduced the brutal world of The Hunger Games and its iconic rebel leader, Katniss Everdeen. With a new prequel arriving soon, now's the perfect time to revisit the original trilogy that started it all.

Set in a dystopian world where children fight to the death, The Hunger Games ignited a YA phenomenon and inspired countless women to pick up a bow and arrow. If you're ready to dive back into Panem, or experience it for the first time, here's the reading order for the Hunger Games books. You can also find our guides to The Hunger Games movies and similar books.

How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order

While the newest addition, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, precedes the original trilogy, understanding the original three books provides crucial context for a richer prequel experience. We recommend reading the originals first, but a chronological journey through Panem is perfectly acceptable by starting with Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

### Includes All 4 Books Hunger Games Box Set

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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

This groundbreaking YA novel launched the Hunger Games franchise. Inspired by a blend of war coverage and reality TV, Suzanne Collins crafted a bestselling story about children forced to fight to the death. This brutal yet captivating dystopian tale spawned countless imitators and a wildly successful film franchise.

Katniss, a resourceful young woman from impoverished District 12, struggles to survive. When her sister is chosen for the Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers, embarking on a terrifying journey of survival. Alongside Peeta, she must outwit both competitors and the tyrannical Capitol.

2. Catching Fire

### Catching Fire

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

After their miraculous survival, Katniss and Peeta should be celebrating. However, their defiance has ignited a rebellion, and President Snow threatens those Katniss loves. Their "Victory Tour" exposes the injustices of Panem, further fueling the flames of resistance. This installment introduces beloved characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, brilliantly setting up a shocking finale that reshapes the world of Panem.

3. Mockingjay

### Mockingjay

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

The thrilling conclusion of the original trilogy plunges Katniss into a brutal war against the Capitol. As the rebellion fights to overthrow President Snow, Katniss becomes the unwilling face of the revolution, putting her loved ones at risk. The battle spills onto the streets of the Capitol, filled with deadly traps and violence. This powerful ending delivers a surprisingly bleak and realistic conclusion to a blockbuster series.

Note: The film adaptation of this book was split into two parts: Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2.

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 priceSee it at Amazon

This prequel, set 64 years before the original trilogy, is best enjoyed after experiencing the original books. It offers a fascinating look at the origins of the Hunger Games and the rise of the villainous President Snow.

The story focuses on young Coriolanus Snow, who mentors a tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird. Their relationship profoundly impacts the history of the Games, offering an intriguing perspective on the early days of this brutal spectacle.

Will There Be More Hunger Games Books?

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Four years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins announced a new installment. Sunrise on the Reaping, another prequel, will be released on March 18, 2025, and will feature Haymitch Abernathy and the Second Quarter Quell. A film adaptation is planned for November 20, 2026.

Looking for more reading lists? Check out our guides to The Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, and Game of Thrones.

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