The Hunger Games Prequel Set 64 Years Before the First Book to Be Released May 2020

Author Suzanne Collins is taking readers back to Panem in a new The Hunger Games novel due for release next year. The as-of-yet-unnamed prequel occurs during a time of failed rebellion, the “Dark Days,” and decades before the birth of series heroine Katniss Everdeen—portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence in the film adaptations.

In a statement, Collins described a desire to return to the series’ roots, 64 years before Everdeen’s first battle royale:

With this book, I wanted to explore the state of nature, who we are, and what we perceive is required for our survival. The reconstruction period 10 years after the war, commonly referred to as the Dark Days—as the country of Panem struggles back to its feet—provides fertile ground for characters to grapple with these questions and thereby define their views of humanity.

Scholastic Trade Publishing President Ellie Berger sounds understandably excited for the novel’s release, scheduled for May 19, 2020:

Suzanne Collins is a master at combining brilliant storytelling, superb world building, breathtaking suspense, and social commentary. We are absolutely thrilled—as both readers and publishers—to introduce the devoted fans of the series and a new audience to an entirely new perspective on this modern classic.

The prequel is the fourth book to focus on the dystopian nation of Panem. The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay have more than 100 million copies in print and digital formats worldwide.

The Hunger Games Prequel Set 64 Years Before the First Book to Be Released May 2020

A film version is already in the works, as well