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 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 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 explore our guides to The Hunger Games movies and similar books.

How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order

While The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the newest addition, precedes the original trilogy, understanding the original three books enhances the prequel's impact. We recommend reading the originals first for optimal enjoyment. However, for a strictly chronological journey through Panem, start 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 of children forced to fight to the death. This brutal yet compelling dystopian tale spawned countless imitators and a hugely successful film series.

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

2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

### Catching Fire

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

Following their shocking survival, Katniss and Peeta face even greater danger. Their defiance has ignited rebellion across Panem, and President Snow seeks revenge. Forced onto a "Victory Tour," Katniss witnesses the bravery of the Districts, fueling the flames of resistance. This installment expands the world, introduces beloved characters like Finnick and Johanna, and ends with a game-changing twist.

3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

### Mockingjay

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

The climactic finale plunges Katniss and her allies into a brutal war against the Capitol. As they fight to overthrow President Snow, Katniss becomes the reluctant face of the rebellion. The fight takes a devastating turn, blurring the lines between right and wrong, and revealing shocking truths about those in power. This installment was adapted into two films: Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2.

Note: The theatrical version of this final book was split into two films, 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, offers a fascinating look at the origins of the Hunger Games and the rise of President Snow. It focuses on young Coriolanus Snow and his mentorship of a tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird, whose unique talents reshape the Games. This prequel is best enjoyed after the original trilogy.

Will There Be More Hunger Games Books?

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

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Four years after 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 new installment will feature Haymitch Abernathy and the Second Quarter Quell. A film adaptation is planned for release in November 2026.

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

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