The Hunger Games: What is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes about?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the Games, the story follows Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes the president of Panem. The book explores how and why the Hunger Games originated.In the 10th Hunger Games, the Games are relatively minimalist compared to the later trilogy. Twenty-four children, two from each of the 12 impoverished districts, are thrown into a sports stadium arena with limited weapons and forced to fight to the death. At this point, the Games are not widely popular, even among Capitol citizens. However, to spark interest, 24 elite students from the Capitol's Academy are selected to mentor the tributes. Coriolanus Snow, eager to restore his family's name and reputation, becomes one of the mentors.Coriolanus is initially burdened with Lucy Gray, a tribute from District Twelve known for her charm and singing abilities. Despite her perceived weakness, Coriolanus sees this as an opportunity to gain attention and favor from the career politicians invested in the Games. He subtly suggests ideas to the Gamemakers that enhance the spectacle of the Games, such as interviews, viewer betting, and sponsorship. As the Games evolve into a spectacle, Coriolanus's purposes and ambitions align with the more elaborate nature of the Games.However, the book also delves deeper into the why behind the murder of children in the Hunger Games. Coriolanus begins to question the necessity of the Games and their role in maintaining control and preventing society from descending into an animalistic state. Guided by Dr. Gaul, the enigmatic Head Gamemaker, Coriolanus learns about the philosophical justifications behind the Games and the belief that they are essential for maintaining order.Throughout the story, Coriolanus remains a calculating and cold protagonist. While he develops a fondness for Lucy Gray, it is primarily motivated by his desire to manipulate the audience's perception of her to his advantage. Collins does not attempt to justify or sympathize with Coriolanus's fascist tendencies. Instead, she portrays him as a stone-cold snake, always calculating his next move.Compared to the original trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes lacks the same level of urgency and emotional investment. This is partly because the story is told from the perspective of the Capitol's elite students, observing the Games rather than participating in them. While this thematic choice highlights the complicity of both Coriolanus and the readers with the corrupt Capitol, it misses the adrenaline-inducing intensity of the original trilogy.Overall, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes adds depth to the original three books but is not considered an essential read. It offers a chilling and philosophical exploration of the origins of the Hunger Games and sheds light on the character of Coriolanus Snow, but it does not reach the same defining level of the original trilogy.