How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order

2025 marks 17 years since Suzanne Collins introduced the world to the brutal arena 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 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 perfect reading order. You can also check out 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 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.

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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 gripping YA novel launched the entire 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 series.

Katniss Everdeen, a young woman from impoverished District 12, scavenges for survival. When her sister is chosen for the Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers, embarking on a terrifying fight for survival alongside Peeta Mellark. She must outwit not only her fellow tributes but also the manipulative Capitol.

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 should be celebrating. Instead, they face even greater danger. Their defiance has ignited rebellion across Panem, and President Snow seeks revenge. Forced to participate in another Hunger Games, Katniss witnesses the bravery of other districts during their Victory Tour, further fueling the flames of rebellion. Catching Fire expands the world, introduces beloved characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, and ends with a shocking twist that reshapes the narrative.

3. Mockingjay

### Mockingjay

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

The explosive finale plunges Katniss into a full-scale war against the Capitol. As she leads the rebellion against President Snow, she grapples with the complexities of power and the true cost of freedom. The battle spills onto the streets of the Capitol, testing Katniss's resilience and revealing shocking truths about those she trusts. This emotionally intense conclusion offers a surprisingly realistic and poignant end to the trilogy.

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 Amazon

This prequel, set 64 years before the original trilogy, offers a different perspective. While written with existing fans in mind, it provides crucial context and background. It explores the origins of the Hunger Games, focusing on young Coriolanus Snow and his mentorship of Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12. Their relationship profoundly shapes the future of Panem, offering a compelling origin story for the villainous President Snow. It’s a rich addition for existing fans and an intriguing entry point for newcomers.

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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, is set 40 years after Lucy Gray's story and 24 years before the original Hunger Games. It features Haymitch Abernathy and the Second Quarter Quell. A film adaptation is planned for November 20, 2026.

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

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