“May the odds be ever in your favor,” is the infamous blessing bestowed upon the Hunger Games tributes. The unfortunate individuals featured in this story, however, do not have the odds in their favor. They are among 24 other tributes who will be fighting for survival, and only one will make it out alive. In the dystopian society of Panem, this ruthless tradition is cherished in its capital; citizens are overcome with excitement when the games begin. After 74 annual Hunger Games, the question remains: how did this dehumanizing event begin?
The Hunger Games, a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins, was published over a decade ago; the final novel was released in 2010. Today, The Hunger Games continues to be adored by readers internationally, with over 100 million copies sold in 54 languages. The trilogy also became a four-part major motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, and Josh Hutcherson. Fans of The Hunger Games franchise were excited to learn about the release of Collins’ latest addition to the series: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This 2020 novel and brand-new film (directed by Francis Lawrence), is a prequel to the trilogy set 64 years prior.
The protagonist of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is future President of Panem, Coriolanus Snow. Although fans of The Hunger Games know him as the tyrannical villain of the trilogy, the featured 18-year-old of Snow is surprisingly likable. “As much as the audience is supposed to hate him, a lot of people, including myself, empathized with him and supported him throughout the movie,” junior Eric Reilly expressed. Orphaned at a young age, young Snow’s charm is heightened as he works hard despite the world rooting against him. Attending a prestigious school, Snow is required to mentor underdog Lucy Gray Baird in the tenth annual Hunger Games. His unexpected, instantaneous attraction to Baird will change his life forever.
Starring Tom Blyth as Snow and Rachel Zegler as Baird, the two-hour and 38-minute film was split into three parts: “The Mentor,” “The Prize,” and “The Peacekeeper,” with their relationship progressing through each part. “They were both fantastic, and each contributed to the many breathtaking scenes,” junior Brady Rogan voiced about the duo. Blyth and Zegler’s chemistry is palpable, portraying their characters with unbelievable accuracy. “Every interaction between the two characters made the audience increasingly yearn for the success of Snow and Baird’s relationship,” Reilly added.
In addition to his unexpected ability to love, several aspects of Snow’s personality add to his aura of innocence. His close relationship with his cousin Tigris (played by Hunter Schefer), highlights his caring nature and prioritization of family. Nicknamed “Corio” by his family and friends, he is further humanized, as his future infamy is not yet revealed. For now, he is just a schoolboy trying to fit in.
A major motif of the original Hunger Games series is President Snow’s scent of “blood and roses.” It was originally implied that he used roses to cover up the smell of his consistent coughing up of blood. However, this scent’s origin has a different meaning in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Roses are sentimental to Snow because his grandmother grew them on the roof of his childhood home. Throughout the film, Snow can be seen with a rose attached to his uniform, transforming the old symbol of evil and intimidation into a symbol of innocence and purity.
Although viewers grow to love Snow as the film progresses, his character degrades toward its end. With the surprising opportunity to be promoted, Snow’s morality is challenged, as he must choose between a life of love and freedom, or the power that would come with his promotion. His previous unconditional love for Lucy Gray fades away, and Blyth does a superb job of transitioning his character into a cold-hearted man. By the end of the film, the look of emotionless hunger in his eyes makes him unrecognizable.
Even though the film adaptation was almost identical to the book, there were some aspects that were inevitably changed. “Although it compared well with the movie, I think it was missing Snow’s inner monologue,” senior Nawar Aboud commented. “When watching without it, I felt more sympathy for [Snow],” Aboud added. The novel portrayed Snow’s hidden thoughts that allowed readers to have a better understanding of his yearn for power.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes exceeded expectations with its suspenseful plot and revelation of President Coriolanus Snow’s rise to power. Although fictional, the story highlights real-life themes including societal discrimination and the danger of abusing power. Most importantly, however, it provides an answer to the recurring question: what is the purpose of The Hunger Games?
