With news breaking that Suzanne Collins is going back to the Hunger Games and releasing a prequel set 64 years before the first book in Katniss Everdeen’s journey, we’re suddenly full of “volunteer as tribute” nostalgia! But with May 2020 so far away, these reads are the perfect warm up to a dystopian future. So, here are some recs to warm you up for the prequel that will undoubtably break all of our hearts and make us fall in love with dystopia all over again.

Legend by Marie Lu

This saga could be pre-revolution or even post-revolution Hunger Games. With a United States divided and at war with itself (and others), a class system built on fear and intolerance and secrets in the government that show just how hardline their agenda is, Legend is a world in turmoil. But the question is, does it happen before a Hunger Games style world exists…or after?

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

The world is Sabaa Tahir’s series is not a safe one. Between the political alliances and revolutions rapidly occurring in every sector, not to mention so much shady business going on, fairness, mercy, and justice are an after thought. If this world crumbles, it could very well be the begin of brutal regime of control that punishes the young.

Seafire by Natalie C. Parker

If you loved the aquatic nature of Catching Fire and you were all about the Finnick life, then Seafire will help hold you over until the prequel gets here. A world dosed in destruction and violence, with a powerful woman rising to avenge her sibling. Oh boy, does it sound wonderfully familiar. Just be prepared for Natalie C. Parker to play with your expectations and YOUR EMOTIONS.

The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie

Speaking of fierce ladies, imagine Katniss if someone murdered both Gale and Peeta. That’s Poe. Revenge is her dish and she’s serving lots of it in a brutal, resources-fueled landscape.

The Grief Keeper by Alexandra Villasante

A sibling doing anything possible to protect their sister?! The Grief Keeper is heartbreakingly closer to our current political climate than Panem, but still unsettlingly similar. Alexandra Villasante explores issues of race, wealth, status with devastating nuance, important topics we love The Hunger Games for.

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

A world divided into quadrants in a futuristic landscape? Welcome to Quadara…well, until someone started murdering all the queens. Katniss knows a thing or two about conspiracy, and Keralie has long since joined her on that boat.

Did you hear? An Ember in the Ashes is getting a collector’s edition! Check out the details here!