The Hunger Games Books in Order
When The Hunger Games was first published, it was a trilogy of books that became so popular that Collins has since written two prequels. This has raised the question of which book to read first- the prequels or the first book in the trilogy. I made this list of The Hunger Games books in order to answer that question.
The original Hunger Games trilogy was made into 4 blockbuster movies that made 3.3 billion dollars. With more than 100 million copies of the books read worldwide, it is not surprising that Collins expanded the trilogy to include two prequels. This is one of the first series I recommended to Kirsten.
I included a small description of each book along with a brief review. If you have already read all the books and are looking for a suggestion of what to read next, I also have Books Like The Hunger Games to pick your next read.
I read each of The Hunger Games books in order of publication, immediately after the release. But since the addition of the two prequels, I have some thoughts about how the books should be read.
The Hunger Games Books in Publication Order
- The Hunger Games (2008)
- Catching Fire (2009)
- Mocking Jay (2010)
- Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020)
- Sunrise on the Reaping (2025)
The Hunger Games Books in Chronological Order
- Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020)
- Sunrise on the Reaping (2025)
- The Hunger Games (2008)
- Catching Fire (2009)
- Mocking Jay (2010)
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
The Hunger Games Series in Order with Reviews
The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2008
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: Hunger Games #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This is the first book in the Hunger Games series and it is epic! In the aftermath of what was once North America, there are 12 Districts surrounding the capital.
Each year, each district sends one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a competition called “The Hunger Games”. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister, Prim, from certain death in the games where it is kill-or-be-killed.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This sci-fi book has everything, but at its heart, it is a book about family, love, and survival. This book has a heart while also being a total page-turner!
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not usually a sci-fi girly, but Jackie convinced me to read this one and I finished the entire series in a week and immediately binged the movies!
Find this book in: Books Like The Hunger Games / Young Adult Fantasy Series / Books About Sisters / Sci-Fi Books / Books Like Fourth Wing / YA Dystopian Novels / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 11-year-olds / Reality TV Novels
Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Dystopian
More info: The Hunger Games #2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Katniss and Peeta have won the Hunger Games and are supposed to be able to live out their lives in Victor’s Village, but the Capitol wants revenge. There is a rumor of a rebellion, and the only way for the Capitol to squash the growing displeasure is with a quarter quell.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death
Why Jackie loves it
The second story in this series ups the ante! I particularly love the tropical setting of the Hunger Games arena!
Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Set in Tropical Locations
The Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2010
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: The Hunger Games #3
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
The Capitol wants revenge on Katniss and they know just how to make Katniss pay. The final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy is NOT to be missed. I will not give any more details because I cannot give anything away about this epic conclusion.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
If you are reading The Hunger Games in order (as you must in order to understand the series), you will not be disappointed with this epic third book.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Dystopian
More info: Hunger Games #0,
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
If you have read The Hunger Games in order then you hate Coriolanus Snow. But, how did he come to be the ruthless ruler of Pam-am?
This book takes us back to the morning of the reaping of the 10th Hunger Games. Young Coriolanus is the mentor for the female tribute of District 12- the lowest of the low. Now, their fates are entwined as his success in the capital will be determined by her success.
Trigger Warnings
Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This was not as good as the original trilogy; however, it provides enlightenment, insight, and so many answers. I think it is a must-read for books like the Hunger Games Trilogy.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2021
Sunrise on the Reaping
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2025
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: Prequel to the Hunger Games
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This prequel to The Hunger Games is Haymitch’s story. It is the 50th annual Hunger Games, and in honor of the quarter quell, twice as many tributes will be selected. Haymitch just wants to make it through the day and be with the girl he loves, but instead, he is sent to the Capitol.
This is where Haymitch meets Effie and so many more characters from Catching Fire. There were glimpses of Hamitch’s games, and this heartbreaking novel puts it all front and center
Why Jackie loves it
This prequel to The Hunger Games gave me perspective on why Haymitch is the way he is- Lonely, miserable, drunk, and alone. If you thought the deaths in the previous Hunger Games books were sad, then be prepared to sob. I have a new understanding of President Snow and everything Haymitch ever said to Katniss about the Capitol and how to win the games. This was the book I needed to put the series into perspective for me.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2025
Expert Tip
Should you read The Hunger Games books in order of publication or in chronological order?
- If you read the book in chronological order, you will have a better understanding of both President Snow and Hamish when you read The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mocking Jay. The responses of the characters in Catching Fire will resonate with you immediatly because so many of them will be familiar.
- If you read The Hunger Games books in publication order, you will have a stronger emotional response to Hamish’s story.
- A third option is to read Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes First, then The HUnger Games, Cathing Fire, Mocking Jay and finally, Sunrise on the Reaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order do you read The Hunger Games books in?
You can read this series in publication or chronological order. Just make sure you read the main three books in order; the prequels you can read whenever you want!
Are the Hunger Games books banned?
Yes! The book series has been banned or challenged at various schools and libraries across the US because of its violence and political commentary.
Related Content
Epilogue
What Hunger Games series order are you planning to read, publication date or chronologically? Or maybe you’ll read it both ways? Let me know below!
