History of The Hunger Games in Timeline

In the dystopian nation of Panem, a cruel tradition known as the Hunger Games forces children from each of the twelve districts to fight to the death in a televised spectacle. The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager from District 12 who volunteers as tribute to save her younger sister. Katniss's survival skills and defiance of the Capitol spark a rebellion against the oppressive regime. As the series progresses, Katniss becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed, navigating political intrigue, romance, and the horrors of war while fighting for freedom and justice.

September 14, 2008: The Hunger Games book release

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

The Hunger Games (Book 1)

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2008: The Hunger Games novel release

In 2008, The Hunger Games, the first novel in the trilogy, was released, initiating a successful series that would later include movie tie-in books.

The Hunger Games (Book 1)

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September 1, 2009: Catching Fire book release

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: Catching Fire novel release

In 2009, Catching Fire, the second novel in the trilogy, was released. This added to the series which would gain popularity in later years.

Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

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August 24, 2010: Mockingjay book release

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: Mockingjay novel release

In 2010, Mockingjay, the third novel in the trilogy, was released. This title topped all US bestseller lists upon its release.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)

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2011: The Hunger Games film production began

In Spring 2011, the first Hunger Games film began production, featuring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth.

March 2012: The Hunger Games film released

In March 2012, Lionsgate Entertainment released the film adaptation of The Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale.

August 2012: Series ranked second in NPR's poll

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

August 17, 2012: Amazon announces The Hunger Games trilogy as its top seller

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

2012: Increased 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: The Hunger Games film adaptation release

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

November 2013: Catching Fire film released

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

November 2014: Mockingjay, Part 1 released

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

2014: Trilogy sales in the U.S.

As of 2014, the 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)

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2014: Three-finger gesture in Thailand protests and American University course offered

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

November 2015: Mockingjay, Part 2 released

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

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.

2016: American University course offering ended

The American University in Washington D.C. class titled "The Hunger Games: Class, Politics, and Marketing" concluded its offering in 2016.

November 5, 2019: The Hunger Games listed as one of the 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)

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

On May 19, 2020, the prequel novel, titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was released. The book tells the story of a young Coriolanus Snow.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: A Hunger Games Novel

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2020: Three-finger gesture in Thailand protests

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

2021: Three-finger gesture in Myanmar protests

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

November 17, 2023: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes film adaptation release

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

2023: Series sales milestone

As of 2023, The Hunger Games series had sold over 100 million copies worldwide, maintaining its impact on young adult literature and popular culture.

June 6, 2024: Announcement of new prequel novel and film adaptation

On June 6, 2024, a new prequel, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, was announced, along with a film adaptation by Lionsgate to be released on November 20, 2026.

2024: West End stage production original premiere date

In 2024, a West End stage production based on The Hunger Games was originally scheduled to premier in autumn, but was later moved to January 2025.

2024: Comparisons between Gaza war and The Hunger Games

In 2024, online users have drawn comparisons between the Gaza war and genocide to aspects of The Hunger Games, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the 2024 Met Gala held near protests in New York City. There were also reports of staged "hunger games" during aid distributions.

January 2025: West End stage production rescheduled premiere date

In January 2025, the West End stage production based on The Hunger Games was rescheduled to premiere.

March 18, 2025: Sunrise on the Reaping published

On March 18, 2025, the prequel novel titled Sunrise on the Reaping, 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: The Hunger Games stage production previews began

On October 20, 2025, previews for The Hunger Games stage production, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, began at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre in London.