The latest addition to the Hunger Games saga has brought a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in the dystopian universe. Sunrise On The Reaping, released in March 2025, introduces readers to new gay characters within its opening chapter, marking an important evolution for the beloved franchise.
Expanding diversity in Panem
Set several decades after The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes, this new prequel focuses on the fiftieth Hunger Games and its famous “Quarter Quell” twist. The narrative follows Haymitch Abernathy, who fans will recognize as Katniss and Peeta’s mentor from the original trilogy.
Within the first few pages, readers discover that Clerk Carmine Clade—a character who appeared in the previous prequel as a fiddler in Lucy Gray’s band—is in a same-sex relationship. Haymitch reveals that Clerk has been with “the fellow in town who replaces busted windows” for approximately thirty years.
The representation doesn’t stop there. The new prequel features multiple LGBTQ+ characters, including:
- Clerk Carmine and his long-term partner
- Pluribus Bell, a nightclub owner, and his boyfriend Cyrus
- Barb Azure Baird, who is mentioned as having a girlfriend
What makes these inclusions particularly meaningful is the acknowledgment of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Panem. Haymitch notes that Clerk and his partner “have to keep it quiet because loving differently can get you harassed by the Peacekeepers, fired from jobs, arrested even”—a reflection of the oppressive nature of the Capitol’s rule.
Reader reactions to LGBTQ+ representation
The inclusion of gay characters has sparked enthusiasm among fans of the series. Social media platforms erupted with positive reactions following the book’s release, with many expressing their delight at seeing explicit LGBTQ+ representation in the Hunger Games universe.
One fan tweeted: “GAY PEOPLE CANON IN THE HUNGER GAMES LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO,” while another noted: “gay character within this first 15 pages of Sunrise on the Reaping!??? oh the book is getting 5 stars from me!!!”
This celebration highlights the importance of representation in popular literature, especially in series with such widespread appeal among young adult audiences. Many readers have commented that they’ve “been needing queer characters in thg for too damn long.”
| Character | Relationship | First Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk Carmine Clade | 30-year relationship with window repairman | The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes |
| Pluribus Bell | Relationship with Cyrus | Sunrise on the Reaping |
| Barb Azure Baird | Has a girlfriend | Sunrise on the Reaping |
Evolution of diversity within the series
While the original Hunger Games trilogy did not explicitly identify any characters as LGBTQ+, fans have long speculated about certain characters. Cinna, Katniss’s stylist, and Joanna, the fierce tribute from District 7, have been interpreted by many readers as potentially queer-coded characters.
The progression toward more explicit representation follows a common pattern in long-running franchises, where diversity often increases as societal acceptance grows. Author Suzanne Collins has gradually expanded the world of Panem through these prequels, allowing for more nuanced exploration of characters and their personal lives.
What’s particularly interesting about Haymitch’s narrative is his supportive stance toward Clerk’s relationship despite Clerk’s apparent disapproval of Haymitch’s romance with Lenore Dove. This dynamic adds complexity to the characters and reflects how personal prejudices can exist even among marginalized groups.
With the film adaptation of Sunrise On The Reaping scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, fans are already speculating about how these relationships will be portrayed on screen. The increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ characters in major franchises like The Hunger Games represents significant progress in mainstream entertainment.