Noah Kahan has delivered his contribution to the upcoming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping soundtrack, a track titled “Draw You Out.”
Kahan is a self-professed fan of Suzanne Collins’ work, and his devotion shows in the writing. He shared a post to social media before the track’s release, calling the project a lifelong goal realized. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I am so grateful for the opportunity to write for this moving film,” he wrote, adding, “having adored the works of art by Suzanne Collins.”
He described the process of writing about Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove, the tragic couple whose story anchors the prequel. “I was already totally connected and inspired by the tragic yet hopeful story of Haymitch and Lenore Dove, and writing a song about the purpose, grief and perseverance through pain that they exemplify was an experience I’ll always be grateful for.”
The Track and Its Writers
“Draw You Out” features a chorus that carries real ache. Kahan sings, “I carry you on with me/I promised you I would, and I do/And I float around/Show up unannounced in the places that you knew.” The song draws on themes of grief and perseverance, fitting for a story about a young Haymitch participating in the 50th Hunger Games.
The track reunites Kahan with Aaron Dessner, who co-wrote and co-produced it. They recorded at Dessner’s Long Pond Studio in New York and at Gold Pacific Studios and East Iris Studios in Nashville. The album is executive produced by Dave Cobb, and the full record, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Album), is set for release Nov. 13, one week before the film debuts in theaters on Nov. 20.
A Lineup That Sets the Bar
The Hunger Games soundtrack series has a high bar. Previous entries include Taylor Swift’s Grammy-winning “Safe & Sound” featuring The Civil Wars for Songs from District 12 and Beyond, and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Can’t Catch Me Now” for The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Kahan’s track now joins that list.
| Album | Featured Artist |
|---|---|
| Songs from District 12 and Beyond | Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars |
| The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | Olivia Rodrigo |
| Sunrise on the Reaping | Noah Kahan |
Each track brought its own energy to its respective film.
What We Make of It
The strength of “Draw You Out” comes from Kahan’s clear connection to the story. His lyrics about carrying someone through grief and hardship feel genuine, not performed.
The reunion with Dessner adds weight. The co-writing and co-producing credits mean the song benefits from a producer who worked alongside Kahan.
This is a small but meaningful addition to a franchise known for strong soundtracks. Kahan’s track does not try to outsize what came before it — it stands beside it with grace.
The film, Sunrise on the Reaping, serves as a prequel to the original trilogy and marks the fifth book in the series, following The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. It follows a young Haymitch Abernathy, who later becomes a mentor in the original novels and was played by Woody Harrelson in the first four films.
Source material: “Noah Kahan Delivers Heartache and Hope on New ‘Hunger Games’ Single,” Rolling Stone.
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