History of The Hunger Games in Timeline

The Hunger Games is a dystopian series by Suzanne Collins 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 fight to the death. Katniss's actions spark rebellion against the Capitol's oppressive regime. The story explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the consequences of political oppression. The prequels explore the events leading up to the initial trilogy and shed light on events and motivations behind the oppressive regime.

September 14, 2008: Release of 'The Hunger Games'

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

The Hunger Games (Book 1)

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2008: Publication of 'The Hunger Games'

In 2008, 'The Hunger Games', the first novel in the trilogy by Suzanne Collins, was published.

The Hunger Games (Book 1)

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September 1, 2009: Release of 'Catching Fire'

On September 1, 2009, 'Catching Fire', the second installment in 'The Hunger Games' series, was released.

Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

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2009: Publication of 'Catching Fire'

In 2009, 'Catching Fire', the second novel in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy, was published.

Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

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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)

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2010: Publication of 'Mockingjay'

In 2010, 'Mockingjay', the third and final book in 'The Hunger Games' series, was released and topped all US bestseller lists upon its release.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)

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2011: Start of Production for 'The Hunger Games' film

Production for the film adaptation of 'The Hunger Games' began in Spring 2011, with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth cast in leading roles.

March 2012: Release of 'The Hunger Games' film

In March 2012, the film adaptation of 'The Hunger Games', directed by Gary Ross, was released.

August 2012: 'The Hunger Games' series ranked second in NPR’s poll

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

August 17, 2012: 'The Hunger Games' trilogy becomes Amazon's top seller

On August 17, 2012, Amazon announced 'The Hunger Games' trilogy as its top seller, surpassing the record previously held by the Harry Potter series.

2012: Release of 'The Hunger Games' film adaptation

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

2012: Increase in Female Interest in Archery

In 2012, 'The Hunger Games', along with the film Brave, was credited with increasing female interest in archery, leading to an upsurge in business for archery vendors.

November 2013: Release of 'Catching Fire' film

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

November 2014: Release of 'Mockingjay, Part 1' film

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

2014: Over 65 Million Copies Sold in the U.S.

As of 2014, 'The Hunger Games' trilogy had 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)

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2014: Use of Three-Finger Gesture in Protests and American University Class

In 2014, the three-finger gesture from 'The Hunger Games' was used in real-life protests in Thailand. American University in Washington D.C. offered a class 2014-2016 that examined the themes in The Hunger Games world titled "The Hunger Games: Class, Politics, and Marketing".

November 2015: Release of 'Mockingjay, Part 2' film

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

2016: American University Class

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

2016: Influence on Girl Archers

In 2016, a report indicated that 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 on BBC's 100 most influential novels

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

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

On May 19, 2020, 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes', a prequel novel about the early days of the Hunger Games featuring a young Coriolanus Snow, was released.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: A Hunger Games Novel

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2020: Three-Finger Gesture Used in Thailand Protests

In 2020, the three-finger gesture from 'The Hunger Games' was used in real-life protests in Thailand.

2021: Three-Finger Gesture Used in Myanmar Protests

In 2021, the three-finger gesture from 'The Hunger Games' was used in real-life protests in Myanmar.

November 17, 2023: Release of 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' film

On November 17, 2023, the film adaptation of 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes', directed by Francis Lawrence, was released, starring Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, and Hunter Schafer.

2023: Over 100 Million Copies Sold Worldwide

As of 2023, 'The Hunger Games' series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, continuing to significantly influence young adult literature and popular culture.

2023: 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' sells over 3.5 million copies

By 2023, the prequel 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' had sold over 3.5 million copies in North America and was available in 39 languages across 39 territories.

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

On June 6, 2024, the prequel novel 'Sunrise on the Reaping' was announced, set during the 50th Hunger Games. 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)

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2024: West End Stage Production originally set to premier

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

2024: Comparisons of Gaza War to 'The Hunger Games'

In 2024, online users drew parallels between aspects of the Gaza war and 'The Hunger Games', including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" was accused of staging hunger games, and the Rafah aid distribution killings were referred to as "hunger games".

January 2025: West End Stage Production Moved

The West End stage production based on 'The Hunger Games' was moved to January 2025.

March 18, 2025: Publication of 'Sunrise on the Reaping'

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

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

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October 20, 2025: Previews Begin for West End Stage Production

Previews for the West End stage production of 'The Hunger Games', written by Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, began on October 20, 2025, at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre in London.

November 12, 2025: Opening Night for West End Stage Production

The opening night of the West End stage production of 'The Hunger Games' took place on November 12, 2025, at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre in London.