The Hunger Games Books in Order
by Suzanne Collins · Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction
The best way to read The Hunger Games is in publication order for most readers. If you want the in-universe timeline, use the chronological order below.
The Hunger Games is Suzanne Collins’ dystopian series set in Panem, a post-apocalyptic North America ruled by an authoritarian Capitol that conscripts children from its districts into a televised fight to the death. The original trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen; the two later prequels expand the history of the Games themselves — one set sixty-four years earlier, the other twenty-four.
All five books are written by Collins and published by Scholastic. They work as stand-alone stories, but the series is designed to be read in a specific order, and most readers will get more out of the prequels after finishing the trilogy.
Best reading order
What is this?For most readers, publication order is the best path. The prequels assume you already know the world of Panem and land harder once you do.
- 1 The Hunger Games
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her sister's place and is sent into the arena — the opening of a trilogy that reshaped young adult fiction.
- 2 Catching Fire
Katniss returns home a victor — and discovers that the Capitol has decided the Games are not finished with her.
- 3 Mockingjay
The districts have risen. Katniss must decide what kind of symbol she wants to be — and what kind of world she's willing to win.
- 4 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Sixty-four years before Katniss, a young Coriolanus Snow is assigned to mentor the tribute nobody expects to survive.
- 5 Sunrise on the Reaping
Twenty-four years before Katniss, on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, Haymitch Abernathy hears his name called.
The Hunger Games in Publication Order
What is this?The order in which the books were released.
| Publication # | Title | Released | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Hunger Games | September 14, 2008 | Buy at Amazon |
| 2 | Catching Fire | September 1, 2009 | Buy at Amazon |
| 3 | Mockingjay | August 24, 2010 | Buy at Amazon |
| 4 | The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | May 19, 2020 | Buy at Amazon |
| 5 | Sunrise on the Reaping | March 18, 2025 | Buy at Amazon |
The Hunger Games in Chronological Order
What is this?The order of events inside the story's world — different from publication order because of prequels.
| Chronology # | Title | Released | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunrise on the Reaping | March 18, 2025 | Buy at Amazon |
| 2 | The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | May 19, 2020 | Buy at Amazon |
| 3 | The Hunger Games | September 14, 2008 | Buy at Amazon |
| 4 | Catching Fire | September 1, 2009 | Buy at Amazon |
| 5 | Mockingjay | August 24, 2010 | Buy at Amazon |
The Hunger Games Release Dates
When each book in the series was published.
| Release Date | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| September 14, 2008 | The Hunger Games | Buy at Amazon |
| September 1, 2009 | Catching Fire | Buy at Amazon |
| August 24, 2010 | Mockingjay | Buy at Amazon |
| May 19, 2020 | The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | Buy at Amazon |
| March 18, 2025 | Sunrise on the Reaping | Buy at Amazon |
Where to start
What is this?If you're new to The Hunger Games, this is the simplest on-ramp.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her sister's place and is sent into the arena — the opening of a trilogy that reshaped young adult fiction.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
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What is the chronological order of The Hunger Games books?
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Where to buy
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