It's been nearly four years since the last movie in the Hunger Games series, Mockingjay Part 2, hit theatres. The way that movie ended, it seemed like there wasn't anywhere else the story could go - but that doesn't mean that fans don't want more, or that author Suzanne Collins doesn't have a few more tricks up her sleeve.
Twelve years after the first book was published, Collins is penning a prequel to the bestselling series. The book is set to take place 64 years before the events of the first book. Seeing as that story featured the 74th Hunger Games, that presumably means the prequel will cover or at least take place at the same time as the 10th event took place in Panem.
Esquire has also reported that this story will eventually be adapted for the big screen.
In a statement, Collins confirmed that it would take place during the reconstruction period often referred to in-story as 'the Dark Days'. Speaking to the Associated Press, she revealed that, in the prequel, she wants to explore what humans believe is required for our survival.
Relive the intense trailer for the first movie:'The Dark Days' is named for the first 10 years after the war in Panem was over, and therefore Collins also revealed that we will see the characters learning to deal with the struggles the country is facing - including their own views on humanity.
The impact of this period has been referenced before in the books and movies. Rebels from District 13 tried and failed to overthrow the government, with the failed rebellion leading to the destruction of the district. The prequel series will follow the secret reconstruction that took place, though further details are yet to be revealed.
It's not surprising to hear that there are already plans for a film adaptation. Lionsgate, who produced the prior movies, are onboard with the prequel - though no official confirmation of a movie has been made yet.
Per the New York Times, Lionsgate chairman Joe Drake told the Associated Press that they are eagerly anticipating Collin's next book, and that the movie studio has been in conversation with Collins throughout the writing process.
The original books - all New York Times bestsellers - sold over 65 million copies in the US alone. This next book is likely to do the same, but we'll have to wait until its release in 2020 to find out whether it matches up to Katniss' original story.