Chris Glidden’s Reviews > Sunrise on the Reaping: Collector's Gift Edition > Status Update

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.

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.