Sunrise on the Reaping Chapter 17 sees Haymitch receive his first sponsor gifts and deal with his first mutt attack. Later in the chapter, he reunites with Ampert for the first time in the arena.

In this review, I will firstly summarise what happens in the chapter and then give my review of it followed by a short discussion on where Maysilee might be. FYI: This review is part of a series where I review one chapter of Sunrise on the Reaping each day as I read along.

What Happens in Sunrise on the Reaping Chapter 17?

The chapter picks up with Haymitch running with Lou Lou’s body to an area of trees which makes it difficult for the Game Maker’s hovercraft to retrieve her body. Butterfly mutts start attacking Haymitch, electrocuting him and causing him to flee Lou Lou’s body.

Haymitch continues running away, getting stung numerous times, until eventually he finds a way to light some gas plants he stumbles upon which takes care of the butterflies – with the exception of a few which fly off. 

Haymitch remembers that he is to follow mutts back to their portal as part of Beetee’s plan and so he does so in a discreet way. He finds their ‘butterfly bush’ berm and manages to lodge a stick in the mutt portal doors as it is closing.

Haymitch then goes to sleep for the night. He is awoken by the sound of his sponsor gifts being delivered to him. He receives grape juice and hot rolls, which suggests that sponsors are spending a lot of money to support him.

Using his binoculars, Haymitch spots what might be Ampert then tracks him down. Ampert gives Haymitch an update on how the alliances are doing before asking for a tour of the forest. Haymitch shows him around eventually leading him to the butterfly bush with Ampert picking up on the lodged open mutt portal.

The chapter closes out with Haymitch letting Ampert get some sleep as he gathers pine needles and wood in preparation for their plan to explode the water tank.

Review – Is Sunrise on the Reaping Chapter 17 Good?

This chapter is quintessential Hunger Games showing Haymitch deal with mutts and receive his sponsor gifts.

Beetee’s plan is being followed in a very smart and progressive way which makes it very interesting to read.

The reunion with Ampert towards the end of the chapter is very effective in giving readers (and Haymitch) a fuller understanding of what’s been happening within the arena.

Discussion – Where is Maysilee?

We learn from Ampert that Maysilee has been separated from The Newcomers since the beginning of the games. Upon receiving this news, Haymitch questions if she could have possibly teamed up with the careers but rules this out based on her disdain for them and the fact she spent most of her time in training creating tokens for The Newcomers.

Haymitch mentions missing her and wonders if he will ever see her again. She does feel like too likeable and complex a character to be written off as an afterthought so it is highly likely we will see her again.

Where she currently is definitely one of the main questions we as readers want answers to at this point in the book. Is she simply hiding? Is she injured? I have a feeling we will likely find out soon.

What are your thoughts?

That’s all my thoughts on Chapter 17! Let me know yours in the comments below!