The Hunger Games Author Announces New Prequel Book

Fans of the hugely popular Hunger Games franchise will be pleased to hear that author Suzanne Collins is adding to her book series with a new prequel novel, set for release on 19 May 2020.

Currently untitled, the prequel book will be set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen first volunteered as tribute - meaning it will take place before the lifetime of our ballsy heroine, played in the films by Jennifer Lawrence.

Collins told the Associated Press: "With this book, I wanted to explore the state of nature, who we are, and what we perceive is required for our survival.

"The reconstruction period 10 years after the war, commonly referred to as the Dark Days - as the country of Panem struggles back to its feet - provides fertile ground for characters to grapple with these questions and thereby define their views of humanity."

It looks like that's all the info we're getting for now, as Scholastic spokeswoman Tracy van Straaten declined to comment on the new book's contents or featured characters.

Scholastic

Lionsgate - the film studio that adapted Collins' books into a film series - is reportedly already eyeing up the prospect of a new movie based on the forthcoming prequel.

Lionsgate chairman Joe Drake said in a recent statement to the Associated Press: "As the proud home of the Hunger Games movies, we can hardly wait for Suzanne's next book to be published.

"We've been communicating with her during the writing process and we look forward to continuing to work closely with her on the movie."

Publisher Scholastic has said it is 'thrilled' to be involved with the new book, which promises an 'entirely new pespective'.

"Suzanne Collins is a master at combining brilliant storytelling, superb world building, breathtaking suspense, and social commentary," Scholastic Trade Publishing President Ellie Berger said in a statement.

"We are absolutely thrilled - as both readers and publishers - to introduce the devoted fans of the series and a new audience to an entirely new perspective on this modern classic."

Fans are already excited for the new book to drop, with one tweeting: "OH MY GOD. That is the most amazing news ever."

Another commented: "IM LITERALLY GOING TO CRY."

A third wrote excitedly: "I can't handle this news right now. I need that book on my hand!!!!"

Topics: TV and Film, US Entertainment

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman