Chris Glidden > Recent Status Updates

This chapter of Sunrise on the Reaping shows the beginning of Haymitch Abernathy’s downward spiral. Unable to cope with the loss of his family and Lenore Dove, he turns to alcohol and pushes away those trying to help him. During the Victory Tour, Plutarch Heavensbee urges him to keep fighting so there will never be another reaping like this one, but Haymitch refuses, choosing grief and isolation instead.

After weeks of Capitol celebrations, Haymitch finally returns home alongside the bodies of his fellow District 12 tributes. Any hope of a happy reunion is shattered when he discovers his home destroyed and his family dead. After burying the victims, he seeks out Lenore Dove, only to witness her death as well. The revelation that the gumdrops were poisoned by Snow makes the tragedy even crueler.

Haymitch survived the explosion and is recovering in an operating room. Once healed, he finds himself isolated in the tribute apartment before being prepared for the victor’s celebrations. As he takes center stage and watches the Capitol’s propaganda about the Games, the victory feels hollow. The chapter ends with another tense encounter between Haymitch and Snow, setting the stage for his return home.

Haymitch realizes he has the materials for one last explosion, but his plans are interrupted when he returns to find Wellie dead at the hands of Silka. Silka unknowingly throws her axe into the force field, and it rebounds back, killing her and making Haymitch the victor. The chapter ends with what appears to be his death—though, as a prequel, readers know there must be more to the story.

A Unifying Theme of Leviticus

The book repeatedly emphasizes:

“Be holy because I, Yahweh your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).

Everything in Leviticus—sacrifices, laws, priesthood, festivals, and penalties—serves that purpose: teaching God’s redeemed people how to live in the presence of a holy God.

While Haymitch investigates a strange force field that sends objects back when thrown off the cliff, Maysilee returns for their packs. Her screams draw Haymitch to a horrific scene, and despite his efforts, Maysilee dies from her injuries. Grieving, Haymitch later finds a devastated Wellie, and the chapter ends with the three remaining tributes sharing a brief moment of solidarity before the final confrontation.

Haymitch and Maysilee are pursued by a Career tribute. Their escape takes an unexpected turn when they encounter three Gamemakers inside the arena. While Haymitch freezes, Maysilee and the Career kill the defenseless Gamemakers, creating tension between Haymitch and Maysilee. Despite this, they continue north and burn their way through the maze, only to discover a massive cliff with the generator far below.

Haymitch and Maysilee discover the maze is infested with blood-sucking ladybugs. After escaping and recovering, they head toward the Cornucopia but are drawn off course by the cries of allies in trouble. Instead, they encounter mutt porcupines, and while Haymitch and Maysilee survive, others are not as fortunate. With only five tributes remaining, Haymitch comes up with a new plan to finally navigate the maze.

This chapter sees the return of Maysilee, who saves Haymitch’s life and strengthens their bond. The two become as close as siblings before resting and recovering. Once ready to move on, Haymitch sets his sights on the north, secretly planning to destroy the arena’s generator. The biggest obstacle ahead is the maze that previously left him lost and disoriented.

Part Three opens with Haymitch facing one obstacle after another, including a volcano, a maze, and the remaining Careers. He scores his first kills as the Games become increasingly desperate, but eventually runs into Panache. Outmatched and disarmed, Haymitch appears moments from death until a surprise ally intervenes with a well-placed dart, saving his life and ending the chapter on another strong cliffhanger.

Haymitch succeeds in flooding and blowing up the arena’s “brain,” surviving mutts and near drowning in the process. The victory is overshadowed by Ampert’s horrific death, but for a brief moment Haymitch believes they have won when he sees the real world beyond the arena. That hope is short-lived, however, as the arena comes roaring back to life, ending Part Two on a dramatic cliffhanger.

Chapter 17 of Sunrise on the Reaping confirms LouLou’s death with the sounding of the cannon. With the plan drawing closer, Haymitch decides it’s time to reunite with Ampert and prepare for the mission ahead. Meanwhile, Maysilee remains missing, leaving questions about her role in the story. Haymitch’s repeated references to white liquor also serve as a reminder of the troubled man he will eventually become.

Haymitch discovers that not only the water, but much of the arena itself is poisonous. After desperately trying to rid himself of the toxins, he learns that charcoal tablets are the key to recovery. The first night’s death toll nearly evens the odds between the newcomers and the Careers, including the loss of Wyatt. The chapter ends on a tragic note with LouLou’s sudden death.

Exodus presents Yahweh as the sovereign, holy, covenant-making God who redeems his people, dwells among them, and calls them to faithful obedience. Moses, the law, the covenant, the tabernacle, and even Pharaoh all serve to reveal God’s character and purposes.

Chapter 15 focuses on the entry into the arena. Haymitch chooses to follow his own path while remaining allied with the newcomers. After securing weapons and supplies, he initially thinks his preparation was unnecessary because of the arena’s abundance of resources—until he watches a rabbit die after drinking the poisoned water, revealing that the arena is far more dangerous than it appears.

Chapter 14 of Sunrise on the Reaping builds trust between Haymitch Abernathy and Plutarch Heavensbee, making their plan against the Capitol feel possible. Lenore’s phone call gives more emotional weight to Haymitch’s story, while hints of his future hardened self continue to emerge. The mention of “The Hanging Tree” also nicely connects Lenore Dove to Katniss Everdeen and Lucy Gray Baird.

This chapter of Sunrise on the Reaping brings back familiar faces like Effie Trinket and Caesar Flickerman, tying the series together well. The story also makes the newcomers feel like real contenders. We continue to see hints of the future Haymitch Abernathy, as his cynical persona slowly begins to form. Thanks to the snake, even LouLou manages to make a strong impression.

Chapter 12 of Sunrise on the Reaping centers on preparations for the pre-Games interviews with Caesar Flickerman. LouLou seems less chaotic and more deeply disturbed, while Wyatt continues to show his intelligence. Maysilee Donner stands out for her confidence, and Haymitch Abernathy continues to feel unpredictable—a true loose cannon.

Chapter 11 of Sunrise on the Reaping focuses on the growing divide between the newcomers and the Careers. With help from Maysilee Donner, Haymitch Abernathy gains the support of District 9, giving the newcomers a major numbers advantage. By the end, Haymitch is focused on reaching the arena so he can carry out the plan to flood it.

The authors explain that scholars debate the exact route and the precise location of Mount Sinai. Traditional Christian identification places Sinai in the southern Sinai Peninsula near Jebel Musa, though alternative theories exist.

Part Two of Sunrise on the Reaping opens with the return of Louella, though it quickly becomes clear she is not truly herself, leading the group to call her LouLou. The tributes begin forming strategies for the arena, using concealment and tarps to their advantage. At the same time, Haymitch Abernathy and Beetee begin planning something bigger: breaking the system itself.

Part One of Sunrise on the Reaping ends with a major twist: Louella McCoy is still alive. The stakes rise for Haymitch Abernathy, especially regarding his family. There are also callbacks to Lucy Gray Baird and hints toward Lenore Dove, while Plutarch Heavensbee continues to seem like a possible ally.

Chapter 8 of Sunrise on the Reaping shifts the Games into a battle between the Careers and the newcomers, which adds an interesting new dynamic. Beetee is introduced, and like Wiress, he represents intelligence pushing back against the Capitol’s system. The chapter ends on a strong cliffhanger as Plutarch Heavensbee takes Haymitch to meet Coriolanus Snow.

Chapter 7 of Sunrise on the Reaping shows both the emotional and bitter sides of Haymitch beginning to emerge. District 12’s biggest strength seems to be mentors who genuinely care about them. Training begins, tensions rise, and a near fight shows how serious things are becoming. The chapter also hints that Plutarch Heavensbee may quietly support District 12 when he questions why they avoided the confrontation.

Chapter 6 of Sunrise on the Reaping opens with Haymitch confronting Coriolanus Snow, echoing the defiance later seen in Katniss Everdeen. Louella’s death helps draw sponsors and allies. The tribute board and “blind spot” add strategy, and familiar mentors Mags and Wiress are introduced.

Chapter 5 of Sunrise on the Reaping shows a brutal version of the opening ceremonies. Unlike Katniss Everdeen’s experience, the tributes are given dirty hand-me-down costumes and treated with no respect. When a firework causes chaos, they’re thrown from the chariot—ending in tragedy with Louella’s death.

Chapter 4 follows the tributes traveling to the arena and forming early bonds. Haymitch refuses the Capitol birthday cake, while Maysilee shows courage after standing up to Drusilla. Tension builds as Haymitch and Louella decide Wyatt isn’t trustworthy—only to realize he overheard them.

The mention of the hummingbird pin hints at a connection to Katniss.

Haymitch reflects on his family, his love, and Woodbine, showing some personal growth.
The Capitol treats the tributes well on the surface, creating a sharp contrast with what’s coming. Watching other districts—especially the Careers—builds tension, and the brief mention of Lucy Gray ties into the larger story. The chapter ends with a surprising birthday cake, mixing celebration with unease.

Chapter 2 hints at where things are going after the tribute is shot, and there’s a possible mention of Peeta’s father, which is a nice connection. Things escalate when Haymitch steps in to protect Lenore and is struck with a rifle, leading to him being chosen as the new tribute. His final goodbye makes the ending feel especially emotional as he heads to the Games.

Chapter one of Sunrise on the Reaping introduces Haymitch’s harsh life in District 12 and his relationship with Lenore Dove, whose connection to the Everdeen family adds depth. The second Quarter Quell reaping creates tension, but the scene turns shocking when a tribute is killed while trying to escape. This moment highlights the Capitol’s cruelty and sets a dark tone for the story.