A Star with a Love for Stories

Amidst her busy schedule of film shoots, endorsements, and fitness routines, Ananya Panday never fails to carve out time for the little joys that keep her grounded. For the actress, one such joy is reading — a habit that connects her to fans as much as her on-screen work does. This weekend, Ananya shared a glimpse of her downtime on Instagram, revealing her current obsession: Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games prequel novels.

Back to Panem: Ananya’s Nostalgic Return

Like many from her generation, Ananya first discovered The Hunger Games trilogy as a teenager. She fondly recalled how much she enjoyed the series back then, and now she is revisiting the dystopian universe with a fresh perspective. Over the weekend, she picked up two additions to the saga:

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020)

Sunrise on the Reaping (2025)

Both novels expand the rich and brutal world of Panem, taking readers deeper into its history and politics.

The Prequels: Setting the Stage for the Iconic Trilogy

For fans who might need a refresher, the original trilogy — The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay — followed Katniss Everdeen’s rise as the reluctant face of a rebellion against the Capitol’s oppressive rule.

The prequels, however, shift the lens:

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes explores the early years of Coriolanus Snow, long before he becomes the ruthless President of Panem. His quest for power offers a chilling context to the leader we later see in Katniss’ story.

Sunrise on the Reaping, launched in 2025, returns to the 50th Hunger Games — the Second Quarter Quell. This particular edition of the Games is famous within Collins’ world for its heightened brutality, and it provides new insight into the mechanics of Panem’s darkest tradition.

With her pick, Ananya is diving not just into entertainment but into the deeper socio-political fabric that Collins cleverly weaves into her storytelling.

Why Ananya’s Choice Resonates

Fans of the actress weren’t surprised by her weekend read. Ananya has always shown a curious, youthful energy, and her literary choice highlights her ability to connect with stories that mix resilience, rebellion, and raw human emotions. Just like her films, the books she chooses often reflect themes of courage, identity, and transformation — values that resonate deeply with millennials and Gen Z readers.

Her Instagram moment has also sparked renewed interest in The Hunger Games universe, reminding fans of how literature continues to inspire, even years after its first release.

A Weekend Well Spent

With millions watching her every move, Ananya Panday’s decision to share her bookish side feels refreshingly real. Between glamorous sets and red-carpet appearances, she reminds us that downtime is best spent nurturing passions that make us feel alive. Whether it’s the fierce Katniss Everdeen, the calculating Snow, or the twisted spectacle of the Quarter Quell, her weekend bookshelf proves to be just as thrilling as her cinematic projects.

In Ananya’s world, it’s not just about scripts and cameras — sometimes, it’s about the quiet joy of turning the next page.

Read Also: More Than Just On-Screen Chemistry: Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda Win Hearts Off-Screen

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!