Welcome to the complete guide to the order of The Hunger Games books by bestselling author Suzanne Collins.
The Hunger Games books are part of a hugely successful series aimed at young adults, set in the dystopian world of Panem. The thrilling trilogy has earned widespread acclaim, not only capturing the hearts of young readers but also securing its place as a New York Times bestseller, leaving an indelible mark on children’s literature.
The Hunger Games is a televised annual spectacle orchestrated by the Capitol. In this brutal competition a boy and a girl, known as tributes, are randomly chosen from each of the twelve districts in Panem. Ranging in age from 12 to 18, these tributes are forced to battle each other until only one victor remains.
The first Hunger Games novel tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, the female tribute from District 12 as she takes her sister’s place within the games.
The film adaptation of The Hunger Games book series, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, catapulted the series to global acclaim.
The prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was released in 2020 and the film is due for release later in 2023.
Whether you’re a devoted fan of the Hunger Games movies or new to the series altogether, diving into the Hunger Games books in order will fully immerse you in the world of Panem.
Order of the Hunger Games Books: Complete List
The Hunger Games trilogy consists of three books: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. The prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is set in the same universe but takes place before the events of the original trilogy.
If you want to read the books in chronological order based on the events in the story, you could start with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and then move on to the trilogy.
However, if you want to experience the series in the order they were published and follow the original release timeline, you should read the books in publication order, i.e. the trilogy first and then The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Either way, both reading orders are valid. It just depends on whether you want to explore the prequel first or follow the original trilogy’s release order.
I’ve written the books down in order as a simple list but I’ve also included the full descriptions. Feel free to skip to whichever section you prefer.
If you’re looking for more reading inspiration why not check out my other book lists and book reviews. I have book reviews listed by author and book reviews listed by genre. I also have author reading lists and series order lists to help inspire you.
How Many Hunger Games Books Are There?
At the time of writing there are four The Hunger Games books. This total includes the trilogy and the prequel.
Order of the Hunger Games Books: Written List
- The Hunger Games (2008)
- Catching Fire (2009)
- Mockingjay (2010)
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020) – A prequel
Order of the Hunger Games Books: The Hunger Games Trilogy
The Hunger Games Book 1: The Hunger Games (2008)
The first book in the Hunger Games trilogy.
Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun. . . .
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts.
The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take the place of younger sister. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature.
Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
The Hunger Games Book 2: Catching Fire (2009)
The second book in the Hunger Games trilogy.
After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta Mellark return to their district, hoping for a peaceful future. But their victory has caused rebellion to break out…and the Capitol has decided that someone must pay.
As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the districts on the Capitol’s Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless they can convince the world that they are still lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.
Then comes the cruellest twist: the contestants for the next Hunger Games are announced, and Katniss and Peeta are forced into the arena once more.
The Hunger Games Book 3: Mockingjay (2010)
The final book in the Hunger Games trilogy.
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice.
But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss.
And what’s worse, President Coriolanus Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.
Powerful and haunting, this is the thrilling final instalment of the Hunger Games trilogy.
Order of the Hunger Games Books: Prequel
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020)
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games.
The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuvre his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.
The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined – ; every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favour or failure, triumph or ruin.
Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute… and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.
Order of the Hunger Games Books: Summary
This is the complete list of The Hunger Games books in order of publication. I’ll keep this list updated if any new books are released.
Order of the Hunger Games Books: Summary
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