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 defiant heroine, Katniss Everdeen. With a new prequel arriving soon, now's the perfect time to revisit the books 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 take up archery. If you're ready to dive back into Panem, or experience it for the first time, we'll guide you through the books in order. You can also explore our guides to The Hunger Games movies and similar books.

While the newest addition, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, precedes the original trilogy, understanding the original three books enhances the prequel's impact. We recommend reading the originals first, but a chronological journey through Panem is perfectly acceptable starting with Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

### Includes All 4 Books Hunger Games Box Set

7See paperback and hardcover options.See it at Amazon### 1. The Hunger Games

### The Hunger Games

0Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun...See it at AmazonThis 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. A brutal yet captivating entry into dystopian fiction, it spawned countless imitators and a hugely successful film franchise.

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

2. Catching Fire

### Catching Fire

0Sparks are igniting. Flames are spreading. And the Capitol wants revenge. See it at AmazonAfter their miraculous survival, Peeta and Katniss face even greater danger. Their defiance has ignited rebellion, and President Snow threatens their loved ones. Their "Victory Tour" exposes Katniss to the bravery of the Districts, fueling the flames of resistance. The second book expands the world, introducing beloved characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, and culminates in a shocking twist that reshapes Panem.

3. Mockingjay

### Mockingjay

0My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.See it at AmazonIn this explosive finale, Katniss and her allies wage war against the Capitol. Their fight to overthrow President Snow and install Alma Coin thrusts Katniss into a reluctant leadership role. The battle spills onto the streets of the Capitol, testing their resilience against brutal traps and violence. The ending offers a surprisingly bleak and realistic conclusion to the series, revealing unexpected truths about power and rebellion.

Note: The film adaptation of this book was split into two movies, 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 AmazonThis prequel, set 64 years before the original trilogy, benefits from prior knowledge of the series. It explores the origins of the Hunger Games, focusing on young Coriolanus Snow, chosen as a mentor for District 12, and his encounter with Lucy Gray Baird, whose actions significantly shape the Games' history. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of the 10th Hunger Games, offering an intriguing glimpse into the early days of Panem and the evolution of its cruel traditions.

Preorder the Next Novel### Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)

48Release: March 18, 2025.$27.99 save 30%$19.59 at Amazon$27.99 save 32%$18.99 at KindleFollowing The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins announced Sunrise on the Reaping, another prequel set 40 years after Lucy Gray's story and 24 years before the original novel. This installment features Haymitch Abernathy and the Second Quarter Quell. A film adaptation is planned for release in November 2026.

For more reading lists, check out our guides to The Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, and Game of Thrones.

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