Hunger Games Books in Order: How to read Suzanne Collins’ series?

Did you also come to this page to find out Hunger Games books in order so that you can read this much acclaimed dystopian novel series?

The Hunger Games trilogy and its prequel are a series of dystopian novels written by American author Suzanne Collins. It is a hugely popular series which can be often found in reading recommendations of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Bill Gates

While the Hunger Games trilogy follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, its prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is set 64 years before the events of the trilogy.

Each of the books in the Hunger Games trilogy was adapted into a popular film series, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.

The Hunger Games series is set in the dystopian North American country of Panem. Panem is divided into 13 poor districts which are meant to serve the Capitol, a technologically advanced city with extremely rich people.

Every year, 2 teenagers from each district are picked to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised battle royale death match.

Many readers make comparisons between Hunger games and the Maze Runner owing to their similarities such as Teenage protagonist and a dystopian future.

Suzanne Collins’ Biography

Suzanne Collins is the author of the Hunger Games trilogy and its prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

She is also the author of the Underland Chronicles and has worked as a writer on several children’s television shows. She is a recipient of many writing awards and was named one of Time Magazine’s most influential people of 2010.

Who is Katniss Everdeen?

Katniss Everdeen, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence in the movie adaptation of the Hunger Games trilogy, is the main protagonist and narrator of the Hunger Games trilogy.

Katniss volunteers to take part in the Hunger Games to save her younger sister from becoming the female tribute from District 12.

As a child, Katniss was close to her father who taught her how to use a bow and arrow, and even showed her how to forage for edible plants.

When Katniss was 11, her father sadly passed away in a mining accident, leaving her mother in a catatonic state as well as jobless. After her father’s death, Katniss became the sole breadwinner of the family.

Hunger Games Books in Order (Publication)

The first novel in the Hunger Games book series is ‘The Hunger Games,’ which was published in 2008. The Hunger Games is followed by ‘Catching Fire,’ which was published in 2009, and the story concludes with ‘Mockingjay,’ which was published in 2010.

A decade after the trilogy concluded, Suzanne Collins published ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ in 2020. Authoritarianism, classicism, rebellion, and ethics of entertainment are some of the themes central to this book series.  

1) The Hunger Games (2008)

The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel that is written from the perspective of Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from Panem, a post-apocalyptic nation in North America.

Panem is divided into 13 districts, which are ruled by the Capitol, a technologically advanced metropolis that hosts a televised battle royal death match every year. The contestants in this death match are children between the ages of 12 and 18 from each of the 12 participating districts.

Each district chooses a boy and a girl by lottery to compete in the Hunger Games. In order to save her sister who gets picked as a competitor, Katniss volunteers herself.

The rest of the book follows Katniss’ trip to the Capitol and her competition in the Hunger Games. This book received critical acclaim from both the critics and the readers and was adapted into ‘The Hunger Games’ in 2012, directed by Gary Ross. 

2) Catching Fire (2009)

Catching Fire is the 2009 sequel to ‘The Hunger Games.’ Spoiler Alert- Katniss ends up winning the Hunger Games and must now return to the arena to participate in the 75^th anniversary edition of the Hunger Games.

Katniss must now compete with past winners of the Hunger Games and must come to terms with the fact that she is the face of the rebellion against the authoritarian regime of President Snow.

Catching Fire was also well-received by critics and readers. Catching Fire also touches upon the themes of survival and sacrifice, like the first book.

However, it also delves into the themes of totalitarianism, obedience, morality, and the power that popular culture has on the psyche of the populous.

Catching Fire was adapted into a movie of the same name in 2013 and went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of 2013.

3) Mockingjay (2010)

Mockingjay is the third and final installment of the Hunger Games trilogy. It was published in 2010 and follows Katniss Everdeen as she tries to unify all districts in a rebellion against the tyrannical Capitol. Mockingjay was adapted into two films that were released in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Mockingjay picks up right after the events of Catching Fire. After President Snow destroys their district, Katniss is reunited with her mother and sister in District 13.

Mockingjay is centered around the themes of death, oppression, the effects of war, loyalty, and moral ambiguity in tough situations. 

4) The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020) (Prequel)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy. It is set 64 years prior to the events of the Hunger Games and tells the story of a young President Snow, who is left orphaned after the war that resulted in the establishment of the Hunger Games.

This book received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The book is set to be adapted into a movie of the same name.

Hunger Games Books in Order (Chronologically)

Now, let’s find out the chronological order of Hunger Games.

1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
2. The Hunger Games
3. Catching Fire
4. Mockingjay

You can certainly read the prequel book first before heading straight to the trilogy as it gives a detailed background about the series.

The Hunger Games Quotes

“You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.”

“Why don’t you just be yourself? … No one can help but admire your spirit.”

“Destroying things is much easier than making them.”

“Remember, we’re madly in love, so it’s all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.”

“Stupid people are dangerous.”

“I always channel my emotions into my work. That way, I don’t hurt anyone but myself.”

“I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun.”

“My nightmares are usually about losing you. I’m okay once I realize you’re here.”

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.”

“You’ve got about as much charm as a dead slug.”

“Some walks you have to take alone.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Hunger Games Books