Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: How do Snow and Lucy gain popularity in the Capitol?

In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, President Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird gain popularity in the Capitol through strategic actions and captivating performances. Despite their initial differences and the challenge of being paired together, Snow and Lucy find ways to captivate the citizens of the Capitol and become influential figures.One of the key strategies that Snow and Lucy employ to gain popularity is Lucy's talent as a singer and performer. During the reaping ceremony, Lucy Gray grabs the attention of the crowd by slipping a snake down the back of Mayfair Lipp, the Mayor's daughter. This audacious act not only creates a spectacle but also generates intrigue and fascination among the citizens. Lucy's boldness and uniqueness stand out in a society that craves entertainment, and this helps Snow and Lucy gain initial attention.As the tributes are taken to the Capitol, Snow begins to sneak food from the Academy to provide for Lucy, displaying his resourcefulness and care for his tribute. This act of kindness does not go unnoticed by other tributes and mentors, who start quietly feeding their own tributes. Snow's actions create a sense of camaraderie among the tributes, and the public takes notice of their unity. This, in turn, boosts Snow and Lucy's popularity as they are seen as compassionate and caring mentors.Snow also plays a significant role in creating the idea of Hunger Games sponsorships. After witnessing the devastating murder of Arachne Crane, a fellow mentor, Snow presents an essay proposing a betting and sponsorship program to support tributes. This concept, later implemented in the modern games, generates a buzz and increases public engagement in the Hunger Games. Snow's innovative thinking and influence on the games solidify his position as a prominent figure in the Capitol.Furthermore, Snow and Lucy continue to captivate the Capitol through Lucy's performances. They devise a scheme where Lucy sings for the citizens, using her musical talents to entertain and mesmerize the audience. This strategy works exceptionally well, as Lucy's performances create an emotional connection with the citizens and further cement her popularity. Snow's support and partnership with Lucy contribute to their mutual success and influence.However, their journey to popularity is not without obstacles. The bombings during the arena tour disrupt the initial excitement, but Snow and Lucy's resilience and determination shine through as they overcome these setbacks. Their ability to navigate and adapt to unexpected challenges further endears them to the public, increasing their popularity.In the end, Lucy Gray emerges as the winner of the Hunger Games, solidifying her status as a symbol of resilience and defiance. Snow, despite being confronted by damning evidence of his aid to Lucy and the snakes, accepts the position of a Peacekeeper. Through his choices and actions, Snow gains the respect and admiration of influential individuals like Dr. Gaul, who recognizes his capabilities and recruits him for further training.Overall, Snow and Lucy gain popularity in the Capitol through a combination of extraordinary talent, strategic actions, and effective performances. Their ability to captivate and engage the citizens, along with their resilience in the face of adversity, solidifies their positions as influential figures in the Hunger Games and sets the stage for the dystopian regime yet to come.