How to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order

This article provides a reading order guide for Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games series, including the prequel. It's a perfect time to revisit the original trilogy, especially with a new prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, releasing soon.

The series, set in a dystopian world where children fight to the death in the Hunger Games, captivated readers and inspired many. This guide helps you navigate the books effectively, whether you prefer chronological order or starting with the original trilogy.

Do you prefer the Hunger Games movie or book series?

The books are betterThe movies are betterBoth are equally greatAnswerSee Results

Recommended Reading Order:

While The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel, experiencing the original trilogy first enhances the prequel's impact. However, a chronological approach is also viable.

### 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 debut novel introduces Katniss Everdeen, a young woman fighting for survival in District 12. Her sister's selection as a tribute forces Katniss into the brutal Hunger Games, where she must outwit both competitors and the Capitol's manipulative regime.

2. Catching Fire

### Catching Fire

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

Katniss and Peeta's survival ignites rebellion across Panem, putting them in further danger. This installment expands the world, introducing beloved characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, and culminates in a shocking twist.

3. Mockingjay

### Mockingjay

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

The climactic novel depicts Katniss's involvement in a full-scale war against the Capitol. This installment offers a darker, more realistic conclusion to the original trilogy. 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 decades before the original trilogy, explores the origins of the Hunger Games and the rise of President Snow. It offers a fascinating backstory and is best enjoyed after reading the original books.

Future Installments:

Sunrise on the Reaping, another prequel, is scheduled for release on March 18, 2025, and a film adaptation is planned for November 20, 2026.

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

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Hunger Games book series, allowing readers to choose their preferred reading path and enjoy the complete saga.