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 society where children fight to the death, The Hunger Games ignited a YA phenomenon and inspired countless readers. If you're ready to delve back into Panem, here's the reading order:

How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order

While the prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, precedes the original trilogy, experiencing the original three books first enhances the prequel's impact. However, for a strictly chronological journey, start 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 Amazon

This groundbreaking YA novel launched the franchise. Inspired by a blend of war coverage and reality TV, Collins crafted a compelling story of children forced to fight for survival. Katniss, a resourceful girl from impoverished District 12, volunteers as tribute when her sister is chosen, embarking on a harrowing journey of survival and rebellion.

2. Catching Fire

### Catching Fire

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

Following their miraculous survival, Katniss and Peeta face even greater danger. Their defiance has ignited a rebellion, and President Snow manipulates them, threatening their loved ones. The "Victory Tour" exposes Katniss to the growing resistance, leading to a shocking return to the arena, introducing beloved characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason. This installment masterfully sets the stage for the explosive finale.

3. Mockingjay

### Mockingjay

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

The thrilling conclusion throws 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, confronting difficult choices and betrayals. The war spills onto the streets of the Capitol, testing Katniss's resolve and revealing the complexities of power and revolution. (Note: The film adaptation was split into two parts.)

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, explores the origins of the Hunger Games and the rise of President Snow. It follows young Coriolanus Snow as he mentors a tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird, whose talent and defiance shape the Games' future. This prequel offers a fascinating look at the Games' early days and the characters who shaped them.

Will There Be More Hunger Games Books?

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 Kindle

Suzanne Collins announced a new installment, Sunrise on the Reaping, set 40 years after Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before The Hunger Games, featuring Haymitch Abernathy. A film adaptation is planned for November 20, 2026.

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

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