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The Hunger Games is getting a prequel, set 64 years before the first book

By Flora / 18 Jun 2019 (Tuesday)

Author Suzanne Collins revealed that she’s writing a new book on The Hunger Games series - a prequel to be exact - which takes place 64 years before the events of the first book of the trilogy, set for release on May 19th, 2020.

It has been more than 10 years since the release of the first book that kickstarted a global phenomenon, as well as box-office hits for its film franchises which starred Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson in the lead roles.

"With this book, I wanted to explore the state of nature, who we are, and what we perceive is required for our survival," Collins said in a statement. "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."

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

In terms of the movie, we will most probably not be seeing the return of the cast as it is set 64 years ago where the main characters were not even born yet. For reference, the existing timeline sees the events of the 74th iteration of the competition. Well, we could possibly get a backstory of President Snow (Donald Sutherland), who at the time the prequel is set would be about 11 years old. According to THR, Lionsgate, the company that adapted the three Hunger Games books into films, is apparently working closely with Collins during her writing process.

“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,” said Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

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The Hunger Games is getting a prequel, set 64 years before the first book