Collins said in a statement that his recent work is “immersed in the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative,” adding, “The question of truth or not seems more pressing to me every day.”
Like the four books before it, the new book is slated to be turned into a movie, slated for release in November 2026, the official Hunger Games account announced on Thursday at X — fans are still digesting news of the new novel. Read “Welcome to the Second Quarter Quell.” Tweet.
“I’ll be waiting in theaters tomorrow,” tweeted one of countless fans excited by the news. “I know it’s 2026.”
Lionsgate has previously produced five movies based on the first four novels, with one book, “Mockingjay,” including two movies. In total, the films have grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide in theater ticket sales, according to the production company.
Four books in the Hunger Games series have sold According to Lionsgate, more than 100 million copies have been sold since the first novel was published in 2008. The first, “The Hunger Games,” was followed by “Catching Fire” in 2009 and “Mockingjay” in 2010. In 2020, Collins published the prequel to the trilogy, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” The film released in 2023.
The books are set in a totalitarian society, Panem, where people are randomly selected to compete in an annual deadly final one-stage competition. Collins has said that his writings were inspired by the 18th-century Scottish philosopher David Hume and his idea of ”implicit submission”.
The original trilogy centered on young contestant Katniss Everdeen. Spoilers: His fragile victory sparks an insurgent movement to overthrow President Snow, the country’s tyrannical leader who helped foster the bloody rivalry.
It’s not clear what story the new novel will tell, though the connection to the history of the Hunger Games series offers a hint.
“Quarter Quell” is a special edition of the Hunger Games that takes place every 25 years. The first two quarter quels are not depicted on page or screen, although they are mentioned.
The winner of the “second quarter” is Haymitch Abernathy, the advisor to Katniss and her teammate Peeta in the books. He starred in films by Woody Harrelson. After Haymitch wins the tournament, President Snow kills his family, driving him into alcoholism.
Little is known about Haymitch’s time playing in the tournament, although it was explained that there were twice as many competitors as usual at the 50th anniversary event, and toxic materials were throughout the large arena where the games were held.
