Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: Why does Coriolanus Snow want to mentor Lucy Gray?

In Suzanne Collins's latest novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, readers are taken back to the origins of the Hunger Games. The story follows 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, who is tasked with mentoring the tribute from District Twelve, Lucy Gray. Despite knowing that Lucy Gray is unlikely to win, Coriolanus is still determined to mentor her.Coriolanus, coming from a family that lost everything in the war, sees this mentorship program as an opportunity to restore honor to his family name and secure a prosperous future. Guiding his tribute to victory would be the first step in a series of achievements that would lead him to a scholarship, a successful career in politics, and eventually the presidency. With these successes, Coriolanus hopes to provide a comfortable life for his aging grandmother and beloved cousin Tigris.While Lucy Gray may not be physically strong or deadly like other tributes, she possesses charm and a captivating personality. Coriolanus sees this as an advantage and believes that a win from an underdog contestant will make him a more attractive figure to career politicians who care about the Games. He begins pitching ideas to the Gamemakers that would increase audience engagement, such as interviews and allowing viewers to bet on tributes and sponsor their chosen tribute.Coriolanus's motive for mentoring Lucy Gray stems from his desire to use her as a tool to advance his own ambitions. He sees her potential to become a crowd favorite and believes that her success in the Games will reflect positively on him. Despite his calculated approach, Coriolanus starts to develop a genuine fondness for Lucy Gray as he spends more time with her. However, it is crucial to note that his interest in her is not driven by a belief in her inherent human worth but rather a strategic move to enhance his own reputation.Coriolanus's character is complex and far from sympathetic. Collins portrays him as a calculating and manipulative individual, driven solely by self-interest. Although he possesses a sense of humor, his actions and thoughts continually remind readers of his coldness and lack of empathy. The book delves into Coriolanus's complicity with the corrupt Capitol, emphasizing the parallels between his world and our own.The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes offers a deeper exploration of why the Hunger Games exist and their purpose in preserving control and preventing societal chaos. Dr. Gaul, the Head Gamemaker, plays a significant role in shaping Coriolanus's understanding of the Games' necessity, molding him into the cold character he becomes.While the prequel adds depth to the original trilogy, it lacks the same relentless urgency and iconic protagonist that Katniss Everdeen provided. The story's perspective, following Coriolanus and the other Capitol children who run the mentorship program, offers a chilling reminder of our proximity to the corrupt Capitol rather than the impoverished districts. This narrative choice highlights the complicity of those immersed in privilege and power.In conclusion, Coriolanus Snow's decision to mentor Lucy Gray, despite her unlikely chances of winning, is driven by his own ambitions and desire for personal gain. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes sheds light on his character, showcasing his calculating and manipulative nature. While the prequel delves into the origins of the Hunger Games and expands the world Collins created, it does not reach the same heights as the original trilogy.