Who Is Asterid March in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’? Her Connection to Haymitch and Katniss, Explained
Asterid makes a surprising return in Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel, revealing she’s connected to Haymitch Abernathy in more than just one way. Here’s everything you need to know about her before Sunrise on the Reaping hits theatres.
The Hunger Games’ upcoming prequel titled Sunrise on the Reaping is about to bring back some of the familiar characters from the original movie and book series, with one of those who you might never expect to return there at all.
Once again revolving around a District 12 tribute, the story keeps lots of The Hunger Games’ surprising Easter eggs, including Haymitch’s direct connection to Katniss via other characters and, specifically, Asterid March.
Who Is Asterid in “Sunrise on the Reaping”? (Spoiler Alert!)
In The Hunger Games’ original book and movie series, Asterid March aka Asterid Everdeen is Katniss and Primrose’s mother who had to take care of her young daughters all alone after her husband, Burdock Everdeen, died in a coal mine explosion.
“Sunrise on the Reaping", however, dates back to the time when Asterid was Burdock’s girlfriend while Burdock himself was one of Haymitch Abernathy’s closest friends.
On the day of reaping for the 50th Hunger Games aka the second Quarter Quell, Asterid gifted Haymitch a sprig of chamomile which, according to both Asterid and Burdock, would bring him good luck.
However, she later witnessed Haymitch and her best friend Maysilee Donner being reaped for the Hunger Games.
When Haymitch is back to District 12 after his victory in the Games and has to see his entire family and girlfriend Lenore Dove being killed at President Snow’s request, he deliberately distances himself from all of his friends, preferring loneliness to an idea of losing another beloved one.
Both Burdock and Asterid make attempts to stay in touch with Haymitch, but give up when the latter throws rocks at them from his house’s window, eventually hitting Asterid on the forehead.
What Happens to Asterid in ‘The Hunger Games’?
Even though both Katniss and Peeta returned to their home District 12 to raise their children there, Asterid is nowhere to be found in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’s final scenes, and there’s a reason why.
An experienced doctor, she accepts an offer to become the head of a new hospital in District 4, having no desire to return to District 12 which would now be associated with both her husband and her younger daughter’s tragic deaths.
However, it’s pretty clear that Katniss remains in touch with her mother after the latter leaves, since Haymitch was the one to get Asterid’s phone number for Katniss.
When Is ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Premiering?
The movie will be released in theatres worldwide on November 20, 2026.
