It’s been 10 years since The Hunger Games came to an end.
But fans of the series will soon be back in Panem, as author Suzanne Collins has announced she is writing a prequel to the trilogy.
The book, set 64 years before the start of the Hunger Games, is currently scheduled for release on May 19, 2020.
Exciting news, Hunger Games fans: A prequel novel set 64 years before the events of The Hunger Games is coming May 2020! Read more here: https://t.co/nA7wAYX4Fz pic.twitter.com/3JdeCTcAQp
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 17, 2019
The still-untitled prequel will explore the years following the Dark Days, the failed rebellion in Panem.
In a statement, Collins said [via The Hollywood Reporter]:
“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.”
The first three Hunger Games books – The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay – have sold more than a 100 million copies worldwide. They were adapted for the big screen, with Jennifer Lawrence taking on the role of Katniss Everdeen.
And while Mockingjay Part Two hit cinemas ten years ago, Lionsgate are said to be planning on bringing the upcoming prequel to the big screen as well.
Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
“As the proud home of the Hunger Games movies, we can hardly wait for Suzanne’s next book to be published.
“We’ve been communicating with her during the writing process and we look forward to continuing to work closely with her on the movie.”
