Set on the morning of the reaping of the Tenth
Hunger Games, the book takes place well
before the lifetime of “Hunger Games” heroine
Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence
in the billion-dollar movie franchise. Scholastic
spokeswoman Tracy van Straaten declined
comment on the new book’s contents or
featured characters beyond what’s described.
“Suzanne Collins is a master at combining
brilliant storytelling, superb world building,
breathtaking suspense, and social commentary,”
Scholastic Trade Publishing President Ellie
Berger said in a statement. “We are absolutely
thrilled — as both readers and publishers — to
introduce the devoted fans of the series and a
new audience to an entirely new perspective on
this modern classic.”
Lionsgate released the four “Hunger Games”
movies, and the studio’s vice chairman, Michael
Burns, has suggested a prequel. In a recent
statement, the chairman of the Lionsgate
Motion Picture Group, Joe Drake, said, “As the
proud home of the ‘Hunger Games’ movies, we
can hardly wait for Suzanne’s next book to be
published. We’ve been communicating with her
during the writing process and we look forward
to continuing to work closely with her on the
movie.” The studio did not immediately respond
when asked if an agreement for film rights had
already been reached.
The first three “Hunger Games” books — “The
Hunger Games,” “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay”
— have sold more than 100 million copies, have
been translated into more than 50 languages
and have been credited with launching a
wave of Dystopian fiction for young people.