History of The Hunger Games in Timeline

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The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a dystopian series set in Panem, a nation comprised of a wealthy Capitol and 13 impoverished districts. The trilogy, follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager who volunteers as tribute in the annual Hunger Games, a televised event where children fight to the death. Katniss's acts of defiance spark rebellion against the Capitol. The series explores themes of survival, oppression, and the consequences of war. The prequels further delve into the history of Panem and the origins of the Hunger Games.

September 14, 2008: Release of The Hunger Games

On September 14, 2008, The Hunger Games, the first book in the series, was released.

The Hunger Games (Book 1)
The Hunger Games (Book 1)

2008: Publication of The Hunger Games

In 2008, The Hunger Games, the first novel in the trilogy, was published.

The Hunger Games (Book 1)
The Hunger Games (Book 1)

September 1, 2009: Release of Catching Fire

On September 1, 2009, Catching Fire, the second installment in the series, was released.

Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2
Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

2009: Publication of Catching Fire

In 2009, Catching Fire, the second novel in the trilogy, was published.

Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2
Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

August 24, 2010: Release of Mockingjay

On August 24, 2010, Mockingjay, the third and final book in The Hunger Games series, was released.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)
Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)

2010: Publication of Mockingjay

In 2010, Mockingjay, the third novel in the trilogy, was published and topped US bestseller lists.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)
Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)

2011: Production Begins on The Hunger Games Film

In Spring 2011, production began on the film adaptation of The Hunger Games.

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March 2012: Release of The Hunger Games Film Adaptation

In March 2012, the film adaptation of The Hunger Games was released, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth.

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August 2012: Hunger Games Series Ranks Second in NPR Poll

In August 2012, the Hunger Games series ranked second, exceeded only by the Harry Potter series, in NPR’s poll of the top 100 teen novels.

August 17, 2012: Amazon Announces Hunger Games Trilogy as Top Seller

On August 17, 2012, Amazon announced that the Hunger Games trilogy had become its top seller, surpassing the record previously held by the Harry Potter series.

2012: Increase in Female Interest in Archery

In 2012, The Hunger Games and the film Brave were credited with increasing female interest in archery, leading to a surge in business for archery vendors.

2012: Release of The Hunger Games film adaptation

In 2012, the film adaptation of The Hunger Games was released, and over 26 million copies of the trilogy, including movie tie-in books, were in print.

November 2013: Release of Catching Fire Film Adaptation

In November 2013, the film adaptation of Catching Fire, directed by Francis Lawrence, was released.

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November 2014: Release of Mockingjay, Part 1

In November 2014, Mockingjay, Part 1, directed by Francis Lawrence, was released.

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2014: Trilogy Sales Exceed 65 Million in the U.S.

As of 2014, the Hunger Games trilogy has sold more than 65 million copies in the U.S. alone, with The Hunger Games selling over 28 million copies, Catching Fire over 19 million, and Mockingjay over 18 million.

The Hunger Games (Book 1)
The Hunger Games (Book 1)

2014: American University Offers Class on The Hunger Games

From 2014 to 2016, American University in Washington D.C. offered a class titled "The Hunger Games: Class, Politics, and Marketing", examining themes in The Hunger Games world.

2014: Use of Three-Finger Gesture in Thailand Protests

In 2014, the three-finger gesture from The Hunger Games was used in real-life protests in Thailand to express unity with the rebellion.

November 2015: Release of Mockingjay, Part 2

In November 2015, Mockingjay, Part 2, directed by Francis Lawrence, was released.

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2016: American University Continues Offering Class on The Hunger Games

From 2014 to 2016, American University in Washington D.C. offered a class titled "The Hunger Games: Class, Politics, and Marketing", examining themes in The Hunger Games world.

2016: Report on Influence of The Hunger Games on Girl Archers

In a 2016 report, approximately half of the girl archers surveyed were influenced by The Hunger Games to take up the sport.

November 5, 2019: The Hunger Games Listed Among 100 Most Influential Novels

On November 5, 2019, BBC News listed The Hunger Games on its list of the 100 most influential novels.

The Hunger Games (Book 1)
The Hunger Games (Book 1)

May 19, 2020: Release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

On May 19, 2020, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel novel featuring a young Coriolanus Snow, was released.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: A Hunger Games Novel
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: A Hunger Games Novel

2020: Use of Three-Finger Gesture in Thailand Protests

In 2020, the three-finger gesture from The Hunger Games was used in real-life protests in Thailand to express unity with the rebellion.

2021: Use of Three-Finger Gesture in Myanmar Protests

In 2021, the three-finger gesture from The Hunger Games was used in real-life protests in Myanmar to express unity with the rebellion.

November 17, 2023: Release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Film Adaptation

On November 17, 2023, the film adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, directed by Francis Lawrence, was released.

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2023: Series Sales Reach 100 Million Copies

As of 2023, The Hunger Games series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and continues to be a significant influence in young adult literature and popular culture.

June 6, 2024: Announcement of Sunrise on the Reaping Prequel and Film Adaptation

On June 6, 2024, Sunrise on the Reaping was announced as a new prequel novel set 24 years before The Hunger Games events. Lionsgate also announced a film adaptation set to be released on November 20, 2026.

Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)

2024: Original Premiere Date for West End Stage Production

A West End stage production based on The Hunger Games was originally set to premier in autumn 2024.

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January 2025: West End Stage Production Premiere Date

The West End stage production based on The Hunger Games, originally set for autumn 2024, was moved to January 2025.

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March 18, 2025: Publication of Sunrise on the Reaping

Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel novel following a young Haymitch Abernathy, was published on March 18, 2025.

Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)

October 20, 2025: The Hunger Games Stage Play Premieres

The Hunger Games stage play is set to begin performances on October 20, 2025, at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre in London.

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November 20, 2026: Film adaptation release of Sunrise on the Reaping

The film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be released on November 20, 2026.

Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)