After the reaping, the story unravels into the dark and sadistic nature of the games. The ride to the Capitol, the pageantry of the tribute parade, the harshness of capital punishment and the reality that the Capitol is still hooked on the idea that the games are meant to be a celebration of the war that ended 50 years ago. Most of those who rebelled in the districts are long gone now, yet their grandchildren still face the cruel and inhumane punishments of their rebellious action. 

What I have always loved about Collins, is that she only writes when she has a message. My hope is that readers will pick up this book and look past the devastating story of Haymitch, his family, and his fellow tributes to see Collins’ important message. Collins draws out the anguish of these children, who are once again being led like lambs to the slaughter. But also highlights the cruel nature of the capitol to make a very clear point.

Collins prefaced the novel with a series of quotes, one being from George Orwel:, 

“All propaganda is lies, even when one is telling the truth. I don’t think this matters so long as one knows what one is doing, and why.”

Nobody is untouched by propaganda, and sometimes the lies are so deeply rooted in a society, that it takes breaking a game to finally reveal the truth. 

I loved “The Sunrise on the Reaping”, and am not ashamed to say that I got very teary-eyed at the end. However, Collins has once again left the reader with something to reflect on: are we slowly falling for the same game?