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In Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series, one of the most meaningful relationships is between Katniss Everdeen and her mentor, Haymitch Abernathy. Initially, Katniss doesn’t trust Haymitch, viewing him as a drunken recluse from District 12. But as the series progresses, Haymitch becomes one of Katniss’ strongest protectors, understanding her in ways few others do.
This month, Collins released a prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, which explores young Haymitch’s experiences in the 50th Hunger Games. The book quickly became a bestseller and reveals new insights about Haymitch’s past, strengthening the bond between him and Katniss. Here are key connections between the two:
1. Katniss’ Father Tied Them Together Early On Before Katniss was born, her father, Burdock Everdeen, was close friends with Haymitch. Burdock taught both Haymitch and Katniss valuable survival skills for the Hunger Games, such as setting snares and hunting with a bow and arrow. These lessons helped both of them survive their respective games.
2. The Covey Family Shaped Their Lives The Covey, a group of traveling musicians introduced in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, are central to both Haymitch and Katniss’ stories. Katniss is revealed to be a descendant of the Covey, and Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove, is part of the same family. These ties deepen their connection.
3. Similar Reaping Experiences Both Katniss and Haymitch faced unique reaping situations. Katniss famously volunteers in place of her sister, Prim, while Haymitch was only selected after another tribute tried to flee, and he stepped in to protect Lenore Dove. This parallel sets the stage for their future mentor-mentee bond.
4. Protecting the Vulnerable In both their Hunger Games, Haymitch and Katniss share a desire to protect younger tributes. Katniss forms a bond with Rue in the arena, refusing to let the Capitol control the narrative, while Haymitch also defies the Capitol by protecting tributes like Lou Lou and Ampert. Their shared desire to protect others, even at great personal cost, is a major theme.
5. The Mockingjay Pin’s Significance The mockingjay pin, a symbol of rebellion, holds special meaning for both Haymitch and Katniss. In Sunrise on the Reaping, it’s revealed that the pin originally belonged to Maysilee Donner, a fellow tribute from Haymitch’s Games. Katniss later adopts the pin as her token in her own Hunger Games, solidifying its role in the resistance against the Capitol.
6. Foreshadowing in Haymitch’s Arena In a subtle moment, Haymitch mentions leaving his backpack in a patch of katniss (the plant), a reference to Katniss herself. This foreshadows her future role in the Hunger Games and her eventual rebellion against the Capitol.
7. The Arena Destruction Both Haymitch and Katniss try to destroy the Hunger Games arena. Haymitch, alongside Beetee, attempts to flood the arena during his Games, but the plan fails. Katniss, years later, succeeds in bringing down the arena in the 75th Hunger Games, inspired by Haymitch’s earlier efforts.
8. Poison and Survival While Katniss saves Peeta from poisonous berries in the first Games, Haymitch’s experience with poison is far more tragic. After receiving poisoned gumdrops, Haymitch unintentionally kills his girlfriend Lenore Dove. This parallel adds depth to their shared struggle against the Capitol.
Through these revelations, Sunrise on the Reaping highlights just how interconnected Katniss and Haymitch’s lives truly are. Their survival stories, rooted in shared experiences and values, show how they both defy the Capitol and fight for those they care about.