The Hunger Games lovers, we’re back and stronger than ever! A new book, a new movie, a new cast, and a completely new story is being told in theaters this November. On May 14, 2020, author Suzanne Collins released the newest addition to Panem’s story titled, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which gives us a thorough look at a young Coriolanus Snow, 64 years before the events of The Hunger Games trilogy. The new book’s success went as far as selling more than 3.5 million physical copies the year of its publication, setting high expectations for fans worldwide, as well as being approved for the new upcoming movie adaptation. But, before you see it, here are some important details you need to refresh or downright know to come prepared for the film.
The Hunger Games References
Re-watching The Hunger Games trilogy will help you understand the references in the new story as they further explain some events that occurred in the original trilogy. Therefore, it might be smart to go back and watch them to refresh your memory.
Snow’s presence in the games
Snow will be participating in the 10th Annual Hunger Games, not as a player, but as a mentor for the District 12th’s tribute, Lucy Gray Baird.
Evil behind the scenes
Be on the lookout for the Head game maker, Dr. Volumnia Gaul. She will play a key part in, not only the game’s tactics, but in Snow’s struggles against his morality.
Coriolanus Snow: a sympathizer for the Capitol
This story does not come in and try to “justify” his actions. Instead, it comes to tell the readers and/or viewers that, even through his teenage years, Coriolanus exhibited an obsessive and oppressive persona towards anyone who defies the Capitol.
Do not directly compare Lucy Gray Baird to Katniss Everdeen
Although comparing Lucy to Katniss is something I loathe, Lucy’s complex character explains and represents the reason why Snow has a deep hatred for Katniss throughout the story. Lucy is a representation of hope and resistance that goes against everything Snow and the capital stand for, just like our beloved Katniss. However, both characters are their unique selves and don’t need to be compared with each other. Rachel Zegler, who plays Lucy Gray Baird, said it perfectly, “Lucy Gray is a performer forced to fight and Katniss is a fighter forced to perform”.
The game creator
We finally get to know the origins of The Hunger Games and its twisted connection to the Snow family. This detail is hard to miss so be on the lookout for it as it explains who and much of why it was created in the first place.
The infamous white rose
The white rose President Snow always wears with his suits has a deep meaning, regarding his family’s legacy to Panem, which is discussed in this installment.
Tigris
Remember Tigris? The game’s stylist? She mostly appears in the final film, The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2, but in the new movie, her identity will have fans shocked!
It’s hard to talk about the book/story without giving away spoilers. These eight short details are important to keep in mind while watching the movie as they help viewers understand the origins of the game and its similarities and differences, 64 years later. It’s also meant to portray, in great detail, Snow’s character development and explain the reasoning for his loathing for the districts, specifically for 12th.
Nevertheless, I suggest fans read the book first before watching the movie this fall. The ‘Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ is divided into three parts, and if you’re familiar with the original books, you know this one shouldn’t be hard to read. As a matter of fact, it’s not a slow-paced book at all, rather its pacing is constant and perfectly well-balanced. So, read the books, watch the movies, and as always may the odds be ever in your favor.