By Samantha Posa

This article consists of spoilers for the “Hunger Games” movies. 

The official trailer for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” movie was released two weeks ago on April 13. With the official movie coming out on November 20, “Sunrise on the Reaping” offers high hopes of continuing the new era for the franchise.

The trailer teases the story following Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) before he was the mentor for Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). In “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Haymitch competes in the Second Quarter Quell, 24 years before the start of the original trilogy. 

Set in the dystopian country Panem, “The Hunger Games” consists of a televised death battle between 24 children aged 12-18 years olds, meant to sow division between the 12 districts in submission to the Capitol, the home of Panem’s government and elites. 

Haymitch’s game, the Second Quarter Quell, offers a lethal twist, with 48 total competitors set to fight to the death. 

The trailer boasts a large cast of characters both from the original story and newcomers exclusive to Haymitch’s tale, such as fan favorite Effie Trinket (Elle Fanning) and previously only-referenced character Maysilee Donner (McKenna Grace). 

“I’m excited to see the new arena and all of the characters we see in the original story,” senior Christy Boules said. “I’m most excited to see Joseph Zada and his portrayal of Haymitch.” 

In comparison to the dark vibe of the original trilogy meant to represent Katniss’ identity as a hunter and her leading the active rebellion, the “Sunrise on the Reaping” trailer portrays rebellion in another way: a bright yet secretive spectacle.  

This difference is apparent in the cinematography of the two movies. Compared to the darker cinematography present in the first three movies, the “Sunrise on the Reaping” trailer boasts bright and vibrant colors and lighting, meant to represent the grandeur of the Quarter Quell.

Since the release of the first movie in 2011 that took the world by storm, the subsequent yearly releases of the remaining movies kept Hollywood and the young adult (YA) book and film community under its tight grip. Despite coming out so long ago, the excitement surrounding these new releases has cemented “Hunger Games” as a core series in literature and pop culture alike. 

Coming out three years after the release of the “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” prequel, the excellent reception of the “Sunrise of the Reaping” book and excitement for the movie hints at a bright future for the “Hunger Games” series.