The latest book in The Hunger Games has taken fans by storm. Sunrise on the Reaping is an incredible story that reveals Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory, and readers fell in love with the novel instantly. Haymitch (played by Woody Harrelson in the film series) has to suffer through the reaping every year on his birthday, and during his 16th birthday everything changed for him. (Warning: Major SOTR Spoilers Below!)
After reading Sunrise on the Reaping, a rewatch of The Hunger Games movies seems like the next logical step, right? During our rewatch, we noticed so many moments mean much more now that we know Haymitch’s history.
Haymitch’s Sweetheart Has Sunrise on the Reaping Origin
One moment that happens time and time again in The Hunger Games is Haymitch calling Katniss “sweetheart.” While this seems like just a pet name for Katniss, after reading SOTR is clear that Katniss reminds Haymitch of his former friend and co-tribute, Louella. Sadly, Louella was tragically killed just before the games started.
Haymitch’s Comments About How To Play The Hunger Games
Just after Peeta and Katniss are named District 12 tributes, they have a conversation on the trail with Haymitch. Peeta asks for advice, and Haymitch reveals that to survive in the games, they must get sponsors to send them gifts. However, for that to happen, they have to be likable. Of course, Haymitch knows all about this as he put on a totally different persona in hopes of being remembered and getting sponsor gifts during his games — the second quarter quell.
Recycling Wiress’ Advice
Before Katniss goes into the games for the first time, Haymitch leaves her with some last parting advice. He tells her about the cornucopia and why she needs to avoid it. He tells her to get to safety and then find water as soon as possible. This reminds of Haymitch getting advice from his own mentor, Wiress, who taught them a rhyme. “First avoid the slaughter. Get weapons. Look for water.”
Tribute’s Parade PTSD
When Katniss and Peeta are in their chariot, riding in the parade of Tributes that leads up to President Snow’s mansion, Haymitch is seen looking sad and uncomfortable. Now, fans who read Sunrise on the Reaping know that he was likely remembering his own parade, where Louella tragically died.
Haymitch’s Warning To Katniss Is Even More Heartbreaking Now
As Haymitch tries to warn Katniss yet again about her attitude toward the capitol and President Snow, he tells her not to show them up or there will be consequences. Haymitch knows his firsthand as after showing up the capitol several times he paid the ultimate price when everyone he loved was killed. Haymitch truly lost everything after winning the Hunger Games, and he was never the same.
Sleeping With A Knife In His Hand
In SOTR, Haymitch admits that he’s so terrified of his situation that he resorted to sleeping with a knife in his hand. During a scene in Catching Fire, Katniss is seen waking Haymitch from his drunken state by pouring water on his head. When he startles and stands up, he’s holding a knife in his hand.
Haymitch’s Feelings About Mags Is More Clear After Sunrise on the Reaping
After Peeta and Katniss are forced back into the games for the third quarter quell, Haymitch gives them a rundown on the other victors who will be their fellow tributes. When he reveals Mags, Katniss comments on how she’ll never make it because of her advanced age. Haymitch replies that he hopes she goes peacefully because she’s a “wonderful lady.” Of course, Haymitch would have strong feelings for Mags, who was a comfort to him during his own games as one of his mentors.
Wiress and Beetee’s Sad History
Haymitch also calls Wiress and Beetee geniuses before they’re thrown back into the games. This is no surprise after reading the prequel novel. Wiress was Haymitch’s other mentor, and Beetee was a huge part of helping him survive his games. He even lost his own son during the games. They both seem to hold a special place in his heart. As for Wiress, her mental state is also explained by SOTR.
The Look Of Love
After Annie is rescued, she reunites with Finnick and the two share a romantic and sweet moment. As they kiss and embrace, Haymitch watches them with a look of longing and heartbreak in his eyes. We now know that Haymitch lost the love of his life, Lenore Dove, because of his actions in the games, and he never got over it.
Haymitch’s Kiss With Effie
While Haymitch and Effie are mostly at each other’s throats during The Hunger Games series, their banter is eventually seen as the way they show love. In a sweet moment between the two, they kiss while saying goodbye, and it’s obvious they have a strong affection for one another. Because Haymitch’s long history with Effie that started during his games, their relationship is much deeper than we first realized.
Every scene with Plutarch Is Made Better After Reading Sunrise on the Reaping
Haymitch and Plutarch are revealed to be in on a plot to rescue Katniss from the games and make her the symbol of the revolution. Now, seeing them together just hits differently after knowing that they’ve been working together for decades. It seems that Haymitch’s spirit and eagerness to stop the games during the second quarter quell eventually gave Plutarch what he needed to carry out the plan.
After reading Sunrise on the Reaping, it’s clear that it adds so much more depth to the Hunger Games story. Now, fans are eager to see the movie when it’s released, and can’t wait to watch Haymitch’s backstory come to life on the big screen.
Dylan Cook 
